Bare metal, epoxy primer, body filler - questions/info/advice?

[steveo27]

I'm working a little project and I'm not sure how to go about it.

Basically, I'm doing a little bit of metal / body / paint work and I am looking for more information on using epoxy primer.

I've read two different opinions on how to go about this. I've read that It is best to lay down the filler right over the bare metal, but I've also heard that the body filler can be laid over top of epoxy primer.

Which is the right way?

1. bare metal > filler > epoxy primer > sealer

or

2. bare metal > epoxy primer > filler > sealer

The piece I am working on is pretty large and once its all stripped down to bare metal, spraying it in an epoxy primer to keep it from rusting. This would be ideal for my situation (only having a few hours an evening after work to mess with it)

[JCCLARK]

It works just fine either way.
A lot of the resto shops epoxy prime before fillers,
either way it'll outlast the car.
the theory is that the metal won't rust if any moisture gets
past the filler, but the truth is, if any moisture gets past the
filler, you have a problem that needs to have the filler replaced anyway.
So really it's a moot point, but yes, it's an advantage for a panel that needs
to be worked on later. Just scuff the epoxy real good before filling.
It holds just fine.

[steveo27]

Thanks

Any suggestion on which epoxy primer to use? I've always used PPG products when painting, but have never messed with any of their epoxy primers.

[JCCLARK]

I believe they're all pretty good.
I use Kirker sometimes because it's cheaper, but I like
SPI epoxy because it's real flexable, I use it on bumpers
and it reduces road rash a lot.

[Jaybomb]

No disrespect intended to personal opinions but in the long run I find filler before primer has a better hold. Just my input.

[steveo27]

^^Exactly why I made this thread I am looking for as much input / advice as possible

[dasbeast3.0]

Either way is fine, although I always do filler on metal then epoxy prime. I use PPG DPLF epoxy primer which is decent, been using that for a while now w/ no complaints. You can reduce 50% and use as a sealer also which saves a little $. only thing is you should really shoot your high build/surfacer wet in wet with the epoxy primer. PPG epoxies always suck to sand if you let dry / surface prime another day. SPI is decent if you let it dry / sand out.

[JCCLARK]

Wether to epoxy first or put filler on bare metal has been an ongoing arguement
on the other forums for a long time. It's been argued to death, and I think it's
rediculous to even go there, it's going to outlast the car either way so it doesn't matter.
I usually put filler over bare metal, more because of a time issue than anything.
If I had a lot of bare metal, I would epoxy first just to seal it to protect it for
working on it in the future.

[mdubcajka12]

semen, primer, semen filler, semen paint.

SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN

[steveo27]

[mdubcajka12]

LOVE YOU