White Epoxy Primer in Engine Bay & Interior

T

Turnall

I'm currently building a 66 Mustang vintage racer and I have the white epoxy primer, activator and waterborne WGR otw. I'm going to spray the whole car with the white epoxy. My question is, do I need to topcoat the epoxy in the engine bay and interior as I plan on using the white as the final color in these areas?

The rest of the car will be Springtime Yellow...

Allen
 
I believe that the tech manual states that the epoxy does not require a top coat. There is some UV protection concerns, to prevent fading, but I think the solution is to allow a longer time to cure. I know I've read it on here and, in the absence of the professionals chiming in, I'd do a search for epoxy UV protection or something like that.

Chris
 
You are fine as UVs don't bend and you cant get a suntan under the hood.
Overkill would be let the epoxy induce for 4 hours, not necessary for engine compartment.
 
One word of caution. It's easy to go snow blind painting white epoxy. A systematic approach trusting your consistent spraying distance and overlap is a must, otherwise you will get runs. Been there, done that!
 
the white epoxy wont chalk out or degrade from uv exposure in these areas but it will turn yellow over time. it will start as bright pure white then eventually turn to an antique white/bone white. that applies to almost anything white and epoxy....not just the spi stuff. it will do this exposed to uv or not. it may happen very slowly over anywhere from 6mos to 2 years but it definitely will not stay the nice original white you started with.
 
Jim, have you had similar experiences with other color epoxies losing their luster over time?
 
the white epoxy wont chalk out or degrade from uv exposure in these areas but it will turn yellow over time. it will start as bright pure white then eventually turn to an antique white/bone white. that applies to almost anything white and epoxy....not just the spi stuff. it will do this exposed to uv or not. it may happen very slowly over anywhere from 6mos to 2 years but it definitely will not stay the nice original white you started with.

Is there a way to prevent this? (ie. clear coat)

Allen
 
You are fine as UVs don't bend and you cant get a suntan under the hood.
Overkill would be let the epoxy induce for 4 hours, not necessary for engine compartment.

Barry, 4 hour induction time? Seems a bit much (I'm a novice and it probably shows). No problems with letting it set for 4 hours?

Allen
 
you will really only notice it on white. black or grey you will never see the change.

allen, i have not clearcoated white so not 100% sure BUT even sealed in the can the activator goes from a light gold when fresh to a deep amber red as it ages so i would assume it will still do it either way.
 
Back
Top