Primer and Paint

swhite832 · 03-31-2010, 07:17 PM

I have to get some primer on bare metal before April 17th. It has to be something that sticks well and works well with other paints as I have not decided what kind of paint or which product I want to use. I am leaning towards The Valspar primer off the shelf from Tractor supply but I am worried that I would be limited to what I can top coat it with.

Anyone have any experience with this?

jkindt · 03-31-2010, 07:30 PM

How do you plan to apply the primer/paint? If you have the equipment (or access to the equipment) to spray it on, I would highly recommend a self-etching type primer over bare metal. I am not familiar with the restrictions in your state but you should be able to get it at an auto body supply store. Second choice would be a urethane type primer, that is what I am using on my entire bus. The main thing is when you apply your top coat of paint, use a compatible system. In other words don't apply lacquer over enamel, etc. But, your state limitations and budget may not allow this type of paintjob, in which case I would just go with a good enamel primer/topcoat system and try to get your hands on some enamel hardener additive otherwise it takes forever for enamel to harden.

swhite832 · 04-01-2010, 05:26 AM

I would like to use just one product(primer) for both. There are so many opinions on this subject and so many different choices i am having a hard time making an educated choice....especially on such short notice.

RUskoolietailgater · 04-01-2010, 08:14 AM

What about rustoleum automotive primer? That's what I'll use when it comes time to paint my skoolie.

jkindt · 04-01-2010, 08:54 PM

Again it depends on the method you use to apply the primer. Are you spraying it on or brush/rolling it on? I would at least talk to someone at an auto body supply store before I made a final decision.

swhite832 · 04-04-2010, 09:50 AM

Due to time constraints and availablity I sprayed rustoleum metal (rusty) primer(enamel) around the window openings and attached the windows permanently.

Therefor, my choice is a one stage enamel with hardener. Prolly two tone. Most likely the Valspar products....

jkindt · 04-04-2010, 11:37 AM

I think you will be pleased with the results. Enamel paints have been used on vehicles for decades. As long as you are using a proper hardener, it will become very durable and hold its shine quite well. Just remember, dont test the hardness of your paint right away because enamels will remain soft for a month or so, even with the hardener, longer without it. It will eventually harden up well. After about 3 months you can put a good coat of wax on it to protect the paint further and really enhance the shine, just dont wax it until after the first 3 months with enamel.

And don't forget to get pics of the paintjob....we love to see pics!

swhite832 · 04-04-2010, 12:51 PM

It will be awhile before the top coat goes on but I have made some progress on the deck and the furniture is in for the races in two weeks.

jkindt · 04-04-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smitty

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkindt

Just remember, dont test the hardness of your paint right away because enamels will remain soft for a month or so, even with the hardener, longer without it. It will eventually harden up well. After about 3 months you can put a good coat of wax on it to protect the paint further and really enhance the shine, just dont wax it until after the first 3 months with enamel.

Not true with hardner........

Smitty

I guess my term 'soft' is relative... It will be hard much sooner with good hardener, but not to its full hardness for about a month. Without hardener at all it will literally remain soft enough to scrape with your fingernail for quite some time...but it will eventually get hard enough to resist scratching.

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