Paint / Primer Order and Timing

[jimothy]

Hi all, I'm going to be taking advantage of some warmer temperatures next week and had a couple of questions. I'm painting with SPI Epoxy Primer, 2k high build primer, and TCP Global Acrylic Urethane Single Stage.

My questions are:
1) I am thinking of just laying down ~2 coats of epoxy primer and then the SS color for small metal items (e.g. brackets) and maybe some parts like the windshield frame. Is there any reason that this wouldn't be a great idea? My thinking is that smaller/narrow areas would be harder to sand and wouldn't benefit from 2k filler.

2) Does 2k HB primer have a window like epoxy primer in which the SS color top layer would have to be applied? I've only got a couple of days that I can paint next week, so I don't want to have to re-prime if I don't get around to laying down color. Tech sheet here.

3) When is it necessary (if at all) to apply sealer? I can reduce the epoxy primer to use as a sealer, but not sure if I have to do this. I've seen this process mentioned here before:

Epoxy Primer -> 2k HB Primer -> Sealer -> SS Urethane color

Thanks! I appreciate any help you all can provide!
​

 

[Splangy]

You're planning on doing an epoxy primer, body work, high build, blocking and have it ready for paint next week? That's a lot of very long days you have planned.

I wouldn't shoot the topcoat right over the epoxy on small brackets like you mentioned.

The HB probably has a window if unsanded, but I wouldn't worry about it since most of it is sanded off anyways. What's left has a nice sanded surface for the topcoat (or sealer) to adhere to.

As far as sealer goes, you're going to sand through the high build and then through the epoxy in some areas, so a sealer is a good idea to provide a nice even-colored primered surface prior to topcoat.

 

[jimothy]

Thanks, that's what I was looking for. My body pieces are disassembled and most are blasted & primered from the PO, so I'm going to start with some of the smaller bits and get a feel for it.

 

[FJsnoozer]

You're planning on doing an epoxy primer, body work, high build, blocking and have it ready for paint next week? That's a lot of very long days you have planned.

This wound up taking me 4 full weekends to complete these steps.

 

[snobdds]

I wouldn't shoot the topcoat right over the epoxy on small brackets like you mentioned

Why not, I do all the time. They hold up fine...

 

[Splangy]

Why not, I do all the time. They hold up fine...

Oops, my bad. I meant to type that I WOULD.