Expoxy Primer for a beginner recommendation

[jasonz28camaro]

Im looking to start painting a little on some areas recently repaired on the firewall, trunk and floor and I’d like to mix up some expoxie primer and spray it rather than a rattle can and would like some recommendations. I purchased a Harbor Freight spray gun a while back but never used it. I’ll be using this gun, nothing special. I’m mainly going for corrosion resistance and I’d also like it to look good. It will most likely stay this way forever or until i can get it painted. I prefer satin black if you need to know.

[Shawn0331]

The harbor freight purple wonders are actually not bad. They do just fine for some primer. Look into Omni, very affordable and still have great results.

[dhutton]

Southern Polyurethanes makes an excellent epoxy for a great price. Free shipping. You have to order over the phone. They have a great tech line and forum also.

southernpolyurethanes.com

Don

[JustJohn]

I still consider myself a beginner but used SPI primer and the Harbor Freight gun for my first efforts. I've had good results so far.

[dhutton]

Trick with SPI epoxy is to not hammer on the first coat. Medium wet coat first.

Don

[eldogg]

SPI here too.

[DT69Cam]

Eastwood is also good for a DIY guy. I wouldn't use their paint but the primer seems fine.

[chevymike]

SPI is very highly recommended (I haven't personally used but but many painters I have read on forums love it) but I have used TCP Global Kustom Shop epoxy primer and it sprayed out great. Used the Eastwood gun but have a Harbor Freight
"purple" HVLP to do my next project.

[dhutton]

Eastwood, Summit, TCP etc are all made by Kirker as far as I know....

The true test of an epoxy is not how it sprays. It’s how it holds up years down the road. It is the foundation of your paint job. Use a quality epoxy and don’t skimp.

I used SPI epoxy etc on my 69 Firebird back in 2006. A few months ago the current owner contacted me and said the car still looks great.

Don

[jlcustomz]

I'm too with the SPI epoxy crowd.
One word of caution with any epoxy, particularly this time of year is to be aware of minimum temp requirements and time frames of when to apply fillers , when you have to sand to recoat , etc. SPI epoxy should be kept above 65 degrees for the first 24 hours or it may never fully harden.
General info on their website.


SPI black is shiny, it does have uv inhibitors in it to last a few years with sun.

https://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/

[jasonz28camaro]

SPI it is! I'll try this out and see how it goes. Thanks for the recommendations!

[79 Camaro]

If you are spraying just a small amount I've had good luck with a body shop mixing up a small amount. They didn't charge me hardly anything. Make sure you use it right away. Also clean your gun right after using or the primer will be like cement in the gun.

[Tsaints1115]

Wear a respirator with epoxy paints. NOT a dust mask.

Epoxies use an isocyanate as a part of their make up and it is definitely not lung friendly.

[jasonz28camaro]

Sadly I did not end up using the epoxy... I had too much going on and a mess in my garage so I just used rattle cans. I got it all cleaned and prepped good so the areas I hit should last. If not I'll have it addressed when the car gets painted later down the road. I may also try to do some epoxy later as well when I have more time to invest in it.

[Jetfixr320]

Try Eastwood 2K epoxy primer spray cans. Once activated they are good for about 72 hours. That is what I keep around if I have smaller areas to prime and don't want to mix and spray with a gun.

[jasonz28camaro]

I’ll check it out. More ideal for my situation and allocated time. Thanks