First timer - Filler or SlickSand (or similar)?

[Evil_Fiz]

I will soon be embarking on my first adventure into the world of Paint and Bodywork. The car in question is a 1970 Karmann Ghia convertible. I have already done some welding repairs and hammer and dolly work on the car. My next step is SPI Epoxy over bare metal, hand sanded with 80#. As a novice, would I be better off using only filler, sprayable polyester filler, or a combination of both? I have heard talk of Rgae Gold and Ultra mixed together for better workability and work time. Any thoughts or experience with this mix?

What do the Pros and experienced hobbyists recommend?
Which process/products would improve my odds of success with the shallowest learning curve?

I know I will make mistakes, waste products as I learn, and stumble many times; I'm just trying to keep the numbers and embarrassment to a minimum

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Cheers,
Emil

 

[dhutton01]

Mixing Rage Ultra with Rage Ultra Extra will extend your working time. Ratio determines how long. Follow the directions.

Do your rough work in filler and refine it with polyester primer. At least that is what I do.

Don

 

[Lizer]

Polyester filler is only for minor imperfections. You will not get near the fill from it that you get from body filler. Plus body filler is much easier and faster to use.

Poly is a good choice once you’ve got your filler work done but it might not be perfect.

 

[RenewAP]

Start small, do 1 panel from start to finish. Once you have your product procedures (flash times, cure times) figured out for sure, then move on to 2 or 3 panels at a time. This will lessen the time and expense of any mistakes that are bound to come up.

 

[Kawickrice]

If not using any poly at all, what would the steps be to paint from bare 80 scratched metal? Epoxy, filler, epoxy, paint?

Trying to get a list of materials I will need. Also a Newby here.

 

[Lizer]

If not using any poly at all, what would the steps be to paint from bare 80 scratched metal? Epoxy, filler, epoxy, paint?

Trying to get a list of materials I will need. Also a Newby here.

Pretty close. Epoxy, filler, epoxy any sand thurs and over filler, then high build primer to block, then epoxy seal coat, THEN paint.

 

[Toolin]

Mixing Rage Ultra with Rage Ultra Extra will extend your working time. Ratio determines how long. Follow the directions.

I often use the Rage Ultra / Extra mix. As a inexperianced as I am the extra time to spread the product is required. Extra is a great product!

 

[Kawickrice]

Pretty close. Epoxy, filler, epoxy any sand thurs and over filler, then high build primer to block, then epoxy seal coat, THEN paint.

It looks like I overlooked the high build. That is why I asked.

 

[Evil_Fiz]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed. I will go with the Ultra/Extra combo for the same reason stated above (novice-friendly work time).

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Emil