From bare metal to paint steps with Epoxy primer

[Stang Guy]

Hi everyone,

I am new to using SPI products and want to make sure I get it right the first time. I am prepping a 1968 Mustang with some fiberglass parts for epoxy and then paint(metallic) hopefully by the beginning of the year. I just want to make sure I have the right steps down and wanted to get some suggestions as well. So this is what I believe I should be doing:

- Sand the car down with 80 grit DA sander
- Sand fiberglass parts down with 80 or 120? with a DA sander until gel coat is not shiny.
- Do I wash with dish soap and water?
- W&G remover and wait 1 hour
- Mix epoxy primer and let set 30 min
- 2 wet coats of epoxy with 30 min flash time between?

Then final body work
- apply filler within 7 days or sand and apply filler after 7 days
- apply high build primer within 7 days with no sanding required?
- block sand down to 600 grit for metallic paint

Then do you guys recommend sealing it again with the epoxy primer? If so, at what grit do I sand to before sealing?

After sealing do I need to sand down to 600 again or leave it?

Do I need to do anything different with the fiberglass parts for prepping and final touch ups?

Anything I am missing before paint?

Thanks again for the help!
Guy

 

[jlcustomz]

I'll answer a few of em .
Sanding with 80 grit is a​ssuming you are down to BARE metal. If you are not going down to bare metal 80 grit is way too coarse for paint or gelcoat & you will have sanding scratch issues. BIG difference between effect of 80 grit on paint & metal. Going down to bare metal is the best & safest assurance for an older body.

Read & re read any threads & info on here pertaining to epoxy. Temperature & how thick you spray with what tip gun largely affect this. Too much, too soon, too cold, & you can have many issues. Temperature is very critical with the solvent base of spi epoxy, too cold it goes dormant.

7 days is the average time window limit to apply anything to epoxy without sanding.
Sealing again with epoxy (reduced) gives a tougher surface with better chip resistance. Sanding depends on if you spray it smooth enough to not need sanding.

I suggest a little at a time, start reading existing threads on each subject needed, make notes , & absorb the info a little at a time. Many of your questions have been discussed in the last few weeks alone. Reading up on other' s problems also helps you to better know what not to do.