Unlike Stainless Steels Galvanised Steels have a problem, in that the galvanised coat will start to break down if left outside in the garden. Commercial applications of galvanised steel apply a protective coat of paint to the metal by powder or dip coating. Note…an undercoat may follow application of a primer in some circumstances (which hopefully we clarify below) Anything in an aerosol can may do damage to your health, so you must be prepared before using spray-on etch primer. A ventilator mask is the best way to protect your respiratory system, and you should also only ever apply the primer in a ventilated area. You may also want to use goggles and gloves. White Spirit and turpentine substitute should not be used as they are firstly not strong enough and secondly they leave a residue on the surface.

Always ventalate your work area - Good ventelation is nessasery when woking with aerosol spray paint not only to clear the fumes, but good air circulation helps the drying process. It is also advisable to use an etch primer on fibreglass and resin mouldings. Fibreglass is manufactured with a gel coat that is designed to be strong and durable without the need for paint. Resin kits are manufactured using a chemical process that is very similar to two part epoxy resins.

What’s an Undercoat?

What is primer paint when it comes to your vehicle? Primers are the most common undercoats used when refinishing car bodies. They’re used to build up and level feathered areas or rough surfaces and to provide a smooth surface for paint. Primers have several unique characteristics: To provide a coating which can be sanded to give a smooth, sound base on to which colour coat can be sprayed. Always shake well befor use - Our heavely pigmented aerosol spray cans can easely settel out, potentialy giving uneven colour and coverage. Non ferrous metals don’t contain iron. Some examples of widely used non ferrous metals are: copper; aluminium; tin; lead; zinc; titanium as well as precious metals (gold, silver and platinum etc). Non ferrous metals are used because of properties such as malleability, low weight, good conductivity and high resistance to corrosion/rust. Etch Primers are for the most part designed to work with either ferrous or non ferrous metals or in some cases both.

Etch primers can also be used on galvanised metal or on top of existing primer to cover any minor damage in the protective galvanising coating. Etch primers are usually two-component products, which contain an acid activator. The acid etches the bare metal, allowing the primer to adhere strongly to the panel, and providing excellent corrosion resistance. Some paint manufacturers also produce etch primer ‘ready-to-spray’ in an aerosol can for repairs to small areas. Hold the can 20-30cm away from your surface and spray, moving the can from side to side, overlapping slightly. It's a good idea to keep the same distance as this will help the primer apply evenly. All Etch Primers need to be left for a minimum of 24 hours at a temperature of 18 - 20 degrees Celsius to dry properly. If Stainless Steel has already been used, the only advise we can offer is the roughing up of the surface with 600-800 grade paper, cleaning the surface with PQ17 and then applying the topcoat directly to the metal. Whilst this is not ideal it is the only way for the amateur. More paint finishes are ruined by the application of paint over Etch Primer that is still drying than almost anything else.

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This should be repeated at least a further two times to ensure that the surface is clean and free from grease and dirt. Ferrous metals contain iron and are pretty much anywhere you look. Examples are stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, steel and wrought iron. Known for their tensile strength ferrous metals are widely are used in architecture, engineering and industry – from large structures like bridges, to engines, household appliances and small engineering components. Primer is the basic foundation of a fine paint job, so don’t skimp. It takes about 4 litres of unthinned primer for the average car, so keep going around it until you’re sure you have it covered well. It should also be noted and remembered that all Etch Primers do not start to etch until they start to dry. Applying Etch Primers Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.

Like all types of galvanised materials zintec has been designed to resist rusting and by default it also resists acids, hence etch primers do not work on it. No matter what kind of paint is going to be used, use the recommended multi purpose primer with the appropriate thinner (where applicable – ask for advice at your local automotive paint store). Mix them according to the directions, then stir thoroughly. For primer, adjust the spray gun so the spray pattern is about 200 mm wide, 300 mm from the gun head. You might need a primer after filling a dent or hole, sorting out a scratch or if you’re planning on a complete respray. As well as standard primers, we sell etch primers that work by using an acid to adhere to your car’s surface. They cure faster and are preferred by the trade. We also have anti-rust primers that will ensure your repair doesn’t degrade over time. Whilst this allows for complex parts to be moulded it can leave a surface that is 'slippery' and does not accept paint.

Many ferrous metals are also prone to rust due (the rust level will depend on the amount of iron and whether other metals such as chromium have been added). Non Ferrous Metals Etching Primer is used on non ferrous and galvanised surfaces to help with adhesion of subsequent coats. Etching primer effectively ‘eats into’ the ‘galv’ (without completely removing all the zinc protection of course), to prime and protect the surface at the same time. Once applied the Etch Primer needs to be left to dry, both to allow the etching process to work and to allow the evaporation of the solvents contained within the paint.