[4554bbl]

this is my plan. use 3m 4 1/2 sand and strip discs to get to bare metal. then apply an epoxy primer ie dplf or spi. then guide coat,block sans w/120 and apply filler(rage gold). after final blocking reapply more epoxy. then shoot 2k hi build primer before base color. im new to this, have plenty mech experience but never done a real paint job/body work. id like to do the prep myself, i have a large compressor, paint guns/regulators/respirators etc, but would farmm out the final sand and paint. am i in the right direction? some people say only apply filler over bare metal, not over any paint?

 

[f14tomcat]

You can first spray epoxy before you start any body work ........OR...........you can do your body on bare metal, I have done both with no problems.
After you spray the epoxy, you then need to put a couple of medium to heavy coats of 2k sandable primer on top of the epoxy to give you something to block down. Spray your guild coat on top of the 2k and start blocking. Once all the blocking is finished and your panel is straight and flat, then you can put the final coat of epoxy on top of the 2k. You can thin the epoxy and spray it as a sealer and paint right over the epoxy, allow the epoxy to dry according to the directions. Then spray your BC/CC. Hope this helps.......

 

[67shovel]

While you car is in bare steel you should use "metal prep" to keep the rust from forming as you go from panel to panel sanding.

 

[4554bbl]

thanks very much for the suggestions/info. this paint stuff is a little intimidating but i cant wait to finally get this car painted.....black with gold stripes

 

[davis95]

I prefer: stripping, epoxy primer, body filler, k200, primer, paint.

 

[hrd]

yeah, you don't want to sand, block, guide coat etc,etc with out building up something to work with. doug's plan above is the easiest, most straight forward and correct procedure to follow...imo, good luck. i could be wrong but i don't think metal prep is necessary with todays epoxy primer, i guess it couldn't hurt though.

 

[TerryAT]

As mentioned before, epoxy primer is not a sandable primer. It is a non pourous primer that will protect the bare metal, and is more durable than regular primers. Use the high build primers for your block sanding.
If this is your first body work project, you might want to consider a different color than black. The body work has to be absolutely straight for a black car to look good. Any imperfection will stand out with black.

 

[berner]

I'm no expert on prep work, but I've heard from more than one person to wipe the bare metal down with grease and tar remover before priming. Even the oils from your skin can affect paint adhesion.

 

[Raven1]

I'm no expert on prep work, but I've heard from more than one person to wipe the bare metal down with grease and tar remover before priming. Even the oils from your skin can affect paint adhesion.

This is standard procedure. It's even on the TDS which should be read, especially by a novice. Several times I have read of those experiencing problems who have not followed the tech sheet or even knew it existed.

 

[hrd]

metal prep and w-g remover are two different products, correct? i thought they were, that's why i said it might not be necessary with todays epoxy primer (metal conditioner?... maybe that's what i was thinking of). if you meant w-g remover when you said "metal prep" (whether right or wrong terminology) i would agree, by all means, use it.i was reading on another car forum that alot of guys don't even use wax n grease remover or they use rubbing alcohol ...i think they're crazy, why wouldn't you?

 

[berner]

While we're on the subject, will getting w-g remover on body putty cause any damage?

 

[Raven1]

While we're on the subject, will getting w-g remover on body putty cause any damage?

No. But make sure it's fully evaporated before applying primer unless you like fisheyes.

 

[berner]

thanks, Scott

 

[hrd]

it is pretty strong chit though, i've never seen or heard of it (for certain) damaging filler but, i have heard of filler softening for reasons unknown, i try to wipe/dry it off filler asap. just personal habit ...or quirk.