I've currently got a 1/4 in etch with the body and filler work done beneath it and am concerned with the weatherability (real word?) of the etch. It is SW #rs1000, or the same as their E2G980. Will this stand up to a few months of salty and humid beach air? I really don't want to take it off, and have to do the filler work over again, but if the etch won't hold up thats what I'll have to do.
As always thanks in advance,
Brandon

I was under the impression that you didn't want etching primer and filler to touch each other. Have heard it will cause problems later on due to the interaction of the materials. Also MOST primers aren't waterproof, so they wouldn't stand up in the environment you describe.

Its fine to have etch on filler,just not under it. If the car is inside i wouldn't worry.If its outside i would put a coat or two of 2k prime or epoxy on it.

You can have etch OVER FILLER but under filler OVER ETCH. The chemical reaction that the filler goes thou can and will lift the etch.

I got parts that are covered in just PPG etch dx1791 and have been like that for 5 plus years, yet to see a spot rust.

When am going to have the etch sit for sometime Ill apply two coats instead of the normal two. Agree with 70isfine if inside then no worries but if outside then YOU MUST APPLY AN EPOXY PRIMER. I would go with epoxy over urethane 2K primer as its more weather resistant.

Something else to note is have a small fan inside the shop turned on at all times. This keeps the air moving. Guy there in town has a 35 ford thats in bare metal and no rust been like that since the early 80's. Ive tried it, it works...Eric

Edit sorry worded it wrong. You can have ETCH over filler. But DONT apply filler over the etch

I am using Martin Senour Etch Primer, which is a rebranded Sherwin Williams. Of course, my car is NOT a daily driver, and its in the garage most of the time- but it does get driven, just not in "inclement" weather if I can help it. The etch is holding up just fine- I HAVE been caught in the rain, and that happened more than a year ago. I dont have ANY rust starting. I used about 3 coats or so of it, as I knew that it would take a while for the next step of primer. Im sure it will need a good going over when I need to prime it with a 2K primer, but thats OK. I have it over filler and piranha putty, and its fine. But If more body work needs to be done, the etch has to come off in that area. You CANT apply filler over the SW etch, or any etch,I think...

I am REALLY happy with it, it is great stuff. Im glad I followed the expert's advice here and used etching primer! I think it was well worth it. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Thanks again guys, I really appreciate the input. Time is just flying by right now, I feel like I'm not getting anything done! One of these days I'll get some pictures posted.

Thanks,
Brandon