Quote Originally Posted by randyr
Hey Dave,
I inquired on the tech line of Southern Polyurethane about their epoxy primer. He said the self-etching primer should come off before applying epoxy. It may be fine in the short run but he couldn't speak to how long it may last but leaving it and shooting the epoxy over it.

I have a small compressor but would certainly need a low-volume spray guy to minimize overspray, etc, giving my garage situation. Doesn't epoxy require a special respirator as well?

How's it going with your hood sides, etc? Are you shooting paint yet?

Can you believe this thing is now over 1900 views???

Randy
Hi Randy,
I have a feeling others are watching - and you can be rest assured if we say something wrong, we will hear about it.

If you called SPI you probably talked to Barry, the owner. He is opinionated and fun to talk to - he and I tend to settle ALL the world's problems whenever we talk. His paints are rated extremely well by a lot of pros and are significantly cheaper as he doesn't have to sponsor NA$CAR folks like Jeff Gordon or advertise heavily.

The epoxy should be on bare steel for the best coverage. The etch primer will not allow proper adhesion to the steel and eventually, the crosslinking of the molecular structure with your final paint. If you use the self etch as your primary primer, the new base coat paints can possibly cause a paint lift problem. Self etch is OK under an older acryllic paint like DuPont Centari, but not good under the new stuff.

Did you ask SPI for a copy of their tech manual? This is a good ref doc for SPI

If you have only a small compressor, i.e. 1-2Hp and a 12 to 20 gallon tank, and 4-6 CFM output @40psig, you might be best off with a Sears mid line siphon feed gun. There will be some overspray, regardless, but you probably wont PO too many folks. As far as a mask, as long as you stay away from isocyanates (like in cyanide), you wont need anything more then a North or 3M carbon filter half mask, chemical style goggles rather then the standard grinding goggles and Harbor Freight nitrile gloves. If you start to spray an iso paint or clear coat then you need to consider as supplied air system - which I have.

My hood sides are ready to paint - I had a belly bug and got sidelined for a couple of days of not much headway . Tomorrow is the day!! Hood sides, tops of the front fenders , and touch up any other bare spots, then on to polyester primer, final block sanding, another thin coat of epoxy, a bit of touch up sanding then PAINT !!!!!