Hello, I need a bunch of info here. I am approaching the stage in my project where I will need to start primering. I have some past limited body work experience and my father was into auto body as a profession many years ago, but as far as new products I have no idea whats what. I need a primer for bare metal, and I was thinking about using PPG products, or DuPont. What all will I need? Product names and numbers would be especially helpful. Thanks for the help in advance.

Most people here seem to prefer priming metal in two stages. First, use an etching primer to cover the bare metal and filler. Some people refer to etching primer as epoxy primer. But etching primer is what you ask for. Then the etching primer is followed up by sanding primer, which again, I've heard refered yo as filler primer. This is the primer that, as the name implies, you apply and then sand to work out tiny flaws and scratches.

Duponts variprime is a good etching prime.615 is the #.Great for bare metal.4004(i think thats the #) is duponts"2k" primer/filler.apply that over your body work.fills great, and doesn't shrink much.make sure you get the appropriate activater/converter for each product.

------------------
70 chevelle,400cid turbo400.blue with silver stripes.
www.members.spree.com/entertainment/ochrisl/

How do you prepare the bare metal for the etching primer, do you use a metal conditioner first and or any other products? Or just a wipe down with some solvent? When you are using a etching primer, are you limited to the types of filler you can use? Sorry for all the questions, I appreciate your responses, this place is the most useful tool there is!

You need to get metal conditioner and another thing but i cant recall what it is called, but PPG makes it and you mix it with water. Then rinse and prime. Hope this helps.

Could it be something like a conversion coating? I've seen something like this in a DuPont product.

you dont need metal conditioner with self etch prime,that the point,the metal conditioner is in the primer.wipe the bare metal down with final kleen(dupont) You can use any filler you want,just dont apply filler over your primer,grind to bare metal first.if your doing a small repair you dont have to use self etch prime.I use it like this,when i strip a car i prime the whole car with it to protect the bare metal,then i grind the areas that need body work,when the filler work is done,spray a few coats of 2k prime,block and reprime if needed.if your doing a small repair it may be easier to buy a bottle of metal prep,and wipe down your bare metal after you do the body work and before you spray your 2k prime.

------------------
70 chevelle,400cid turbo400.blue with silver stripes.
www.members.spree.com/entertainment/ochrisl/

Thanks everyone, that answered alot of questions, you have been very helpful, and I need all I can get! If you have any more pointers keep 'em coming!

Choose one method:
Apply metal conditioner to clean bare metal, then prime with a good urethane primer.
OR
Apply a self-etching primer to clean, bare metal and then top that with a good urethane primer/surfacer.

The self-etching primer is more expensive, but fool proof as the acid-based metal etching solution has room for error. If you use it, FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!

There are fillers you can use to fill low spots over top of urethane primers. Evercoat for one. Although you should follow the above advice and use the filler on clean, bare metal ground with a 40 grit wheel for maximum adhesion.
The general order of panel preparation is:
Clean surface with detergent & then wipe with a pre-paint cleaner 1st before starting any work.
Strip paint (if needed)
repair rust (if needed)
straighten panel (if needed)
grind low spots with 36-40 grit
apply filler
block sand smooth (surface should be 99% straight at this point)
Etch metal ot apply self-etching primer
apply urethane primer/surfacer
block sand with 180
more primer/surfacer
block sand with 220
if all looks good at this point, wet sand with 400. Dry off panel and wipe it clean. Look down the side of it in good light to look for ripples, waves or imperfections.
If you still have a wavey panel, you'll have to work on your blocking technique. Always use a light touch. Don't try and gouge the surafce as hard as you can. Use a 16" board sander from an auto body supply shop or a 5 gallon paint stick (8-10") with some stickey-backed paper to block sand with.
Good luck and happy sanding!

------------------
Triple Black 69 SS 396

Awesome, that is the kind of explanation I was hoping for!