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whats the difference between etching primer and epoxy primer

by Ernie Willms I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The biggest difference is that you cannot apply filler directly onto etching primer, I guess the chemical reaction, but the bond is not there. Epoxy primer, on the other hand, you can do body work on top of it and apply filler just fine.

With epoxy, you can lay it over just about anything, body work, sanded paint, metal and you're going to be fine. With Self-Etch, if put it over different layers of paint, if put on too wet, it's going to lift because Self-Etching primer has acid in it. Be aware of this. Epoxy can be more expensive, but then again….

Full Answer

Is epoxy primer an etch primer?

This leaves no chance of rust or corrosion forming on the surface like some cheap spray bomb-type primers. Etch primer included, epoxy primer is about the only bare metal primer you could leave a vehicle outside in without rust forming back under the primer quickly!

When should you use epoxy primer?

Epoxy primers can be used to waterproof materials that consequently protect the bare metal from oxidation. A dry, very clean surface is needed before applying epoxy primer. Two-part epoxy primer needs to be mixed thoroughly before applying.

When should you use etching primer?

Etch Primers are intended for use as primers on new or relatively sound ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces. Examples of the types of surfaces on which these products would be used are light- weight tubing or thin sheet metal surfaces that cannot be prepared by abrasive blast cleaning.

Is epoxy primer better?

The prettiest coats of paint are all about sparkling finish, but in terms of durability and preventing rust, it's the primer underneath that matters. Epoxy primers are among the most resilient ways to prevent rust, and they form a non-porous, tightly bonded seal when applied to bare metal.

Can I spray epoxy primer over etch primer?

It is no longer recommended to use an etch primer under an epoxy primer. Residual acid from the etch primer can interfere with the proper curing of the epoxy. This may lead to extended dry times, potential blistering, and even adhesion failure.

Do I need to sand after epoxy primer?

The re-coat window of epoxy primer only needs to be followed when you intend to apply another coating without sanding to from a chemical bond. If you scuff the epoxy you can apply another coating that will form a mechanical bond with the epoxy.

Can you paint directly over etching primer?

Self Etching primer can in fact be painted over but you need to closely follow the manufacturers application and top coat guide. As a rule of thumb Self Etching Primers need another coat of primer over them to fully seal everything up long term.

How many coats of etch primer Do You Need?

For best adhesion, apply 2 or 3 thin coats and allow each coat to dry for 2 minutes before applying the next coat. Allow the final coat of Self Etching Primer to dry for a minimum of 3-4 hours before dry sanding, or 15 minutes before wet sanding with #400 grit sandpaper.

How long can you leave etch primer before painting?

All Etch Primers need to be left for a minimum of 24 hours at a temperature of 18 - 20 degrees Celsius to dry properly. Whilst this is the minimum it is advisable to allow significantly longer before applying topcoats.

Should I sand epoxy primer before painting?

(Q) Do I have to sand Epoxy Primer before topcoating? (A) No, epoxy may be topcoated without sanding up to four or five days. After that point, you'll need to abrade the surface.

How many coats of epoxy primer do I need?

Barrier coat epoxy primers also work well as general purpose epoxy-based primers for decks, topsides, and other applications. Typically, only 1-2 coats are needed for these applications to get proper coverage and have enough material so that, when it is sanded smooth, the chances of sanding through are reduced.

Can you put epoxy primer over rust?

You must remove any lose rust then the Picklex will convert/stabilize any remaining rust and, in most cases, it will make minor rust disappear. Before applying epoxy primer we would either go over the surface with some 180 or 220 on a DA or by hand. not neutralizing it thoroughly can give you adhesion issues.

Is epoxy primer necessary?

An epoxy primer is the foundation of your floor coating system. Without it, your epoxy system will not work as well no matter what type of epoxy you are applying. Epoxy primers are the layer that you will build upon with other base coats and topcoats.

Do I have to use epoxy primer before painting?

10:2212:39And the only reason you would use epoxy primer at that time is to seal bare metal spots that youMoreAnd the only reason you would use epoxy primer at that time is to seal bare metal spots that you sanded through or. You want to just seal the whole primer. Job before you paint it.

Can you put epoxy primer over paint?

Two-part epoxy primers should not be used over one-part topside paints, or over paints that are unknown. The solvents used in two-part primers (or even paints) may soften or destroy the underlying paint if it's a one-part paint. Only apply a two-part primer if the existing paint on the substrate is a two-part paint.

How long after epoxy primer Can you paint?

Epoxy primer has a 72 hour re coat.

What is epoxy primer?

As the name implies, epoxy primer gives you excellent adhesion, similar to applying epoxy glue while also sealing the bare metal from environmental elements.

What is the difference between etch primer and bondo primer?

But a key difference with etch primer is that you need to apply your filler or bondo first directly to the metal before spraying it. An example of the application order on bare metal is: 1) bodywork including filler/bondo 2) paint prep solvent 3) self-etch primer 4) high-build primer 5) basecoat 6) clearcoat.

Why use etching primer?

An etching primer uses an acid to chemically clean and micro-etch the metal surface for a better mechanical bite to promote adhesion with the layer of high-build primer to follow while also providing a layer of corrosion resistance on the metal. Because it cures quickly, it’s the method of choice for collision shops.

Can you use self etching primer on metal?

It’s also useful for painting small parts or body panels with hard-to-reach areas that you can’t scuff easily with sandpaper or a pad. Self-etching primer will get in there and bite into metal for you.

Can you use epoxy primer on a metal car?

In this case, a more realistic option may be to use an epoxy primer.

What is epoxy primer?

Epoxy Primers when used on metal are for corrosion protection and helping with adhesion. It is a NON-SANDING Primer! The Correct Name Should be "EPOXY SEALER", because that's all it is! This product is a sealer to use on different surfaces for protection from foreign elements to eliminate contamination! But it's not the only primer that you can use ...

Why don't you put primer on metal?

If you’re doing some body work and you have some bare metal, you don't want to just put regular primer surfacer because it does not have the corrosion properties like Epoxy or Self-Etch.

Can you use self etch primer over paint?

With Self-Etch, if put it over different layers of paint, if put on too wet, it's going to lift because Self-Etching primer has acid in it. Be aware of this.

Is epoxy better than self-etch?

Some advantages of Epoxy over Self-Etch: Epoxy is very friendly (user friendly) and is very compatible with other products. You don't have to worry about anything lifting like you might with a Self-Etch primer. With epoxy, you can lay it over just about anything, body work, sanded paint, metal and you're going to be fine.

Can you use epoxy to make a gold dollar?

There are a lot of ways to do this. If you have a bigger area, let's say bigger than a gold dollar coin, you can mix up some epoxy and use that. If it's smaller than that, you could use a spray can of Self-Etch primer.

Is self etching better than epoxy?

Some advantages of Self-Etching over an Epoxy: It's a little bit straighter forward. There are no induction times with Self-Etching primer. There are 1K products that work well for corrosion protection, that are also available in spray cans.

Do epoxies have induction time?

Important Notes: On epoxies, some have an induction time. Think of it as they have to kind of get to know each other a little bit before they bond.

How to get Dupont to refinish?

He can recommend a budget line and a upper end line of products to give you the easiest route to success. Rely on his expertise verified by product datasheets and use a complete refinish system. Leave the science part of paint and body to the experts. The art part belongs to the painter.

How to get rid of scratches on a car with filler?

Otherwise I take care of the few minor highs and lows with filler, apply one or two coats of the builder primer to get rid of sanding scratches, then shoot a sealer over it . Sand out any runs and drips in the sealer with 350 (dry) grit, tack down, then clean it again with a degreaser (DXX330), then shoot base/clear.

Can you etch metal with primer?

First, you have MORE options that you are aware. Etching bare metal need not be done only by a self-etching primer. Instead, you can etch the metal by a product, such as metal prep, which is made specifically for that purpose. Basically, it is a watered down verison of phospheric acid. The acid etches the metal and also puts a slight phosphate coating on it to forestall flash rust from humidity in the air. Use of this product eliminates the need to use an etching primer. One might argue that self-etching primer is a short cut to avoid the time involved in first etching then priming. If you are doing it yourself, time is not as important as quality.

Is it better to paint thinner or clear?

Remember, in painting thinner is better. The more coats you apply, the more likely is the possibility that the paint will crack. I put on a lot of primer because I sand a lot of it off. I will also go with at least 4 coats fo clear because I am agressive at color sanding.

Can epoxy primer be sanded?

Epoxy primer can be applied in heavy coats which can be guide coated and block sanded to remove small imperfections in the body. Epoxy primer takes longer to dry (cure) before it can be sanded or top coated.

Does etch primer cure faster?

Etch primer cures faster and is the choice of collision shops. With etch primer you need to apply your filler first directly to the metal. For restoration work I prefer epoxy primer. Epoxy uses a mechanical bond and requires the metal to be media blasted or sanded prior to application.

Can epoxy be used as a sealer?

Epoxy can be reduced 50% and used as a sealer before base coat. Primer/Surfacer also referred to as 2k primer is meant to provide "fill" properties and provides a higher film build. It comes in regular and high build mixes.

Can you use epoxy primer over epoxy?

Filler can be applied directly over epoxy primer and more epoxy applied over the filler to completely encase it in epoxy. Epoxy also provides some build so it can be used exclusively without any other primer/surfacer. Epoxy can be reduced 50% and used as a sealer before base coat.

What is self etching primer?

Self-etching primer is also used as a primary undercoat. It’s a specialized primer intended for use on metal, aluminum, and fiberglass (source). Self-etching primers can do something that regular primers cannot. It contains an acidic chemical that bonds, or etches, onto a metallic surface. Etching readies metal for a topcoat (source).

What surfaces require self etching primer?

You have to choose the correct type for your project. So what surfaces require either a self-etching primer or a regular primer? Surfaces like wood, stone, or brick only need a regular primer. Other materials, like bare metal, aluminum, and fiberglass, should be prepared with a self-etching primer.

What is Primer?

Let’s start at the beginning. What is the purpose of primer? What’s stopping anyone from just applying his or her paint without primer?

What is primer paint?

At its core, primer is a type of paint. It’s a paint intended as an undercoat that prepares numerous surfaces for a topcoat. Regular primer can be an adhesion-promoting or a porosity-sealing type. Both subtypes solve the problems posed by the particular surface being painted, according to scientist Steve Smith (source).

What paint should I use for a fireplace?

For painting masonry (i.e. a fireplace or similar), always go with a latex primer and paint. Latex works as a filler in the open texture of the material. With bricks, it’s best to go with several thin layers of paint instead of a couple of thick messy ones (source).

How many coats of primer for self etching?

A primer that is self-etching is normally considered a high-build coating (HBC). HBCs are formulated to only require one coat to complete the job (source). Self-etching primer is thick and typically only needs one coat before you can move on to the topcoat.

Is drywall a regular primer?

Some inorganic materials also fall in the regular primer category. Drywall that surrounds us in the rooms of our homes is a contender for normal primer. Remember, porous materials like drywall soak up paint, so a porosity-sealing primer is the way to go.

1.Self Etching Primer vs. Epoxy Primers - Autos.com

Url:https://www.autos.com/auto-repair/self-etching-primer-vs-epoxy-primers

25 hours ago  · You need something else to seal it such as filler (and more primer) or high build primer, which serves a similar function to filler. You can buy self etching primer as a spray or in …

2.Epoxy vs. Self-Etching Primer for Painting Bare Metal

Url:https://wonderspawn.com/epoxy-vs-self-etching-primer-for-painting-bare-metal/

3 hours ago Self etching primer bonds well to bare metal surfaces and can be top coated in a short period of time. Epoxy primer can be applied in heavy coats which can be guide coated and block …

3.Videos of Whats the Difference Between Etching Primer And Epox…

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27 hours ago  · Although it takes longer to cure than self-etch primer, restoration shops tend to favor epoxy primers because of they often handle more extensive body repair projects. An …

4.Differences Between Epoxy Primers and Self Etch …

Url:https://www.autorepairsdirect.com.au/blog/differences-between-epoxy-primer-and-self-etch-primer-for-bare-metal

27 hours ago You don't have to worry about anything lifting like you might with a Self-Etch primer. With epoxy, you can lay it over just about anything, body work, sanded paint, metal and you're going to be …

5.whats the difference between self etching primer & epoxy …

Url:https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/whats-the-difference-between-self-etching-primer-epoxy-primer.508963/

18 hours ago  · It bonds very well and makes a good surface to which paint adheres well. You can us it on top of self etching primer to build up to a level surface. You need to have a dry, very …

6.difference between epoxy primer, etching primer and …

Url:https://www.autobody101.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17853

4 hours ago Self etching primer bonds well to bare metal surfaces and can be top coated in a short period of time. Epoxy primer can be applied in heavy coats which can be guide coated and block sanded …

7.Self-Etching Primer vs Regular Primer (Proper Use, …

Url:https://www.gizmoplans.com/self-etching-primer-vs-regular-primer/

2 hours ago  · Epoxy primer is catalyzed and self etching is solvent based. Self etching primer bonds well to bare metal surfaces and can be top coated in a short period of time. Epoxy …

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