Noob questions about Primer and Bare Metal

[thackeral444]

I have a really good condition bare metal gas tank and I am a little confused about the best primer to use. Should I use self-etching primer and then 2k high build OR Epoxy primer then 2K High Build OR can I get buy with using only Epoxy or High Build by themselves? Price is an issue. Also, if you use Epoxy by itself do you need to seal before basecoat? Thanks!

 

[chopolds]

You probably dont want to hear it, but the answer is: "It depends". You need to look in the tech sheets to see what is OK to do, or not.
For instance, some epoxies have good filling qualities, other have none. SOme are easily sandable, others are just non-sanding sealers. Some epoxies do not like to go over self etching primers.
I use HOK KP-2 epoxy because I can get away with using only one primer. It sticks well to everything, fill scratches and lows pretty well, and seals. Nothing else needed.
Urethane surfacing primers usually need a good adhesion primer under them..so epoxy or etch is OK as a first step. IIRC, they also need a sealer over them, so you need to buy 3 paints instead of one. That's why I use an all-in-one primer like KP-2. You can put it under or over bodyfiller, put glaze on top of it, recoat it any time, it is very versatile. Probably why I don't know much about other brands of primers!

 

[TAZ]

I used to use the self etching, but now I just use a good high build over raw metal. I've used 5 star for about 8+ years now.
Of course if you have bodywork, do that first on the tank. Also of course, be sure and sand AND clean the metal good before priming.
No problems here. Normally I have to do this, base it, clear it, resand and add graphics along with completely taping the tank off. if there was an adhesion problem, this would be the time it would peel.

 

[thackeral444]

Thanks. As I mentioned, cost is a factor so I was hoping that I could find a good Epoxy that works on bare metal, fills, sands, and seals.

 

[TAZ]

5 star comes in gray and buff. I normally use the buff (5453)

 

[chopolds]

From smartshoppersinc.com, HOK KP-2 in quarts, you have to get A and B, come to a bit over 70$. Not as expensive as some, not cheap either, but a great product. You'd have leftovers from this much.

 

[thackeral444]

Thanks guys. Epoxy sounds like the way to go.