First coat on bare metal

[rgentry]

I am continuously in the process of cleaning and painting lots of small parts for my cruiser: hinges, latches, bumpers .... I generally sandblast everything to bare metal. I would love to find a local plater who would put electro-zinc on the parts as a base coat, but I have had no luck. So, I am trying to figure out what the first step should be -- self etch? epoxy primer? Something from Eastwood? My main goal is rust prevention. I hate rust so much I would dip my stuff in pure zinc if it would take paint afterwards (but it will not).

Since I am always working in small batches, it would be good if I could find something great that's available in a rattle can.

I would say that my primed stuff often sits around for months before it gets shot with the final coat. So, the ability to re-sand something before the final coat is important.

Also, as a novice, I tend to put too much paint on things, which leads to bad results I have found.

So, what should I be starting with?

 

[Gumby]

I prefer epoxy primer, but I wouldn't mix up a whole gun full for a few parts and it's almost not worth cleaning the gun for one gun full.

Maybe if you used a Preval cartridge it'd be worth it.

 

[nick]

Try Zero-Rust, it's sandable, can be applied to bare metal and comes in rattle cans.

 

[rgentry]

Thanks guys. I have used epoxy paint with the little Preval guns. It has to be thinned a bit to work. I guess that's the best choice to stick with.

I do use Zero Rust but am reluctant to use it on body parts that will receive my finsh coat (Concept 1-Part Urethane).

 

[my64fj40]

For small stuff like that I normally clean to bare and hit with some rattlecan Zinc Rich Primer that they carry at local car shops. Works as a great first primer and should do a good job or preventing rust.

Plus it comes out quite different than conventional rattlecan stuff, more of a powdery substance, but sets up like normal paint. You can cover a whole hinge with just a couple sprays. That should help with the overpainting

 

[igotta40]

Rust-O-Leum Rusty Metal Primer, don't waste time with anything less. I can tell you from experience it will still be on the part twenty years from now.

 

[rgentry]

How is the zinc rich primer different from galvanizing in a can (which is about 95% pure zinc?(