If I understand correctly, etching primers have phosphuric acid in them which allows the primer to etch/bond with the bare steel surfaces.

What about aluminum? Same primer type for bare surfaces or is etching primer too severe for aluminum?

I guess my bottom line question is what type of primer should be used on bare aluminum body panels?

Thanks




------------------
Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

Aaah, you must be getting ready to paint your Shelby Cobra...

Gene,

Don't I wish.

Imagine a vehicle 180 degrees opposite a Shelby, and that's what I've got. I'll send photos soon.

------------------
Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

Hey CarlC,

I wouldn't use an etching primer on aluminum! Chances are the phosphoric acid would oxidize the aluminum (since it is much softer and more highly reactive than steel)under the paint surface and eventually cause the paint to peel off.

I suggest you contact the manufacturer of the paint and/ or your local industrial paint store (eg Sherwin Williams or other major supplier) with extensive knowledge of paints to get the right product!

Good Luck!

Carl, I have a product information sheet on procedure for preparing and refishing aluminum and other non-standard metals from PPG. It's at work in my tool box, I will bring it home and scan it and e-mail it to you if you like. You will have to forgive me if it takes me a little bit though, I'm alot handier with a paint gun than I am with a computer.
Austin

Austin,

That would be great, thank you. I understand your situation. To error is human, but to really screw things up you need a computerh.

choptop,

Good thought on the acid. With the sanding that I've done it appears there is no primer at all, but it is a lightweight military vehicle so who knows what it has.

Thanks

------------------
Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

The first and biggest thing with aluminum is you need a conversion coating(same with galvanized). Thats the 1st thing you need to do, then you can follow up with a zinc chromate and sealer, etc., etc..

------------------
67 Camaro SS Conv.
70 Challenger R/T Conv.

Here is the Martin-Senour (Sherwin-Williams) product data sheet >>>> http://www.martinsenour-autopaint.com/pds/martin/8105.pdf <<<< No conversion coating is necessary. I have used it for years. If you want to look at other products here is the link to the reference page, just click on PDS.

------------------
Fan of anything that moves human beings and is interesting or different

I sent the PPG info. Let me know if you recieved it ok.
Austin

Austin,

Nope, it did not come through. The wonders of modern technology.

email casanoc@nsk-corp.com
fax (818)243-0631

Thanks a bunch for your help. This is my first time trying to tackle a paint job correctly and of course it has to be a little different!

------------------
Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

Glad to hear you got it on attempt # 2. That thing looks pretty cool! Good Luck. E-mail me if you run into any problems.
Austin