Direct To Metal Self-Etching Primer

[ellis8500]

OK paint experts. What about using DTM primer? I'm ready to paint my project. Have lots of bare metal that needs priming before I get to the colors. I'm open to any recommendations where you can give me brand names and vendors for good products at reasonable cost.

Thanks

 

[RPM]

I am no paint expert by any means. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn.
Don't mix brands!!!!!! Sometimes different brands have bad reactions to each other. Deal with a paint store that is very local, as in you can go and get some advice face to face.

 

[cozee]

I highly recommend as mentioned, do not mix brands. Most all of today's quality brands have formulated systems which many times are not real friendly with other systems and brands. Using an etch primer helps assure a good bond to bare metal. However, the bond will only be as good as the surface preparation. Some use an etch primer on bare metal without any prep as they feel the acid based primer doesn't need any abrasion to adhere to being it is an "acid". This isn't true. The surface does need to be taken down to expose the raw steel. Any oils or surface contamination will need to be removed also. The acid base will etch far better and the zinc in the primer can better adhere to the metal. A quart will easily do a T frame as all one needs is a good wash coat. I also use a good corrosion primer over etch primers, such as PPG NCP271. If you wish to skip the etch primer, the NCP271 will work quite well on bare metal also. We use etch and high corrosion preventitive primers in the body shop I manage as we deal with dissimilar metal issues every day.

On another note, please don't think you are saving a few bucks by using cheaper quality brands as finish issues will haunt you. With no more primer and paint involved in a T build, the price of a quality paint is reduced as you will be buying smaller amounts.