Sealing with SPI Epoxy

J

jsz

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Hello, long time car guy, new here but started using SPI epoxy a couple of years ago.
I am about to seal a Fiat Spider I have been working on, I have it blocked down to 400 grit and is ready for sealer. I would like to seal it and paint it in the spring. My question is, can I spray epoxy down that is reduced to say 30% leave it until spring? Then prior to paint lightly sand it in prep for the base coat? Or will I require fresh epoxy to be placed before base?

Thanks, Jeff
 
I believe that the manual says to spray two full wet coats at this point. From there you have a 7 day window when the epoxy is "open".
So I would give it the two wet coats then follow instructions in the tech manual next spring. If you don't have a manual, just call up SPI and they will mail one to you.
BTW. Don't let the car sit out in the sun for long with just the epoxy. It is not UV resistant.
 
You can seal now, I'd personally probably reduce less for a little more build. Then in the spring after its been cleaned and sanded/scuffed you should seal again. Anytime your out of the 7 day recoat window it's recommended to start with epoxy again. Base should be applied within 2-18 hours of using epoxy as a sealer.
 
Okay, so in my current process I am finishing bodywork and high-build. I am going to spray two coats of epoxy over the work. I dont want to try painting it right now, and it will likely sit longer than 7 days. Once I am ready to paint, I planned on blocking it with 240, sealing it with white epoxy (reduced), and painting it.

Does this sound like a good process? I'd paint it now, but I have no weather... its cold here in Indiana!
 
If I were doing this here is what I would do.
Get all bodywork, 2k and whatever else done. Spray three unreduced coats of epoxy for it to sit in over time.
When it's time to paint later on, block it down. If you start with 240 it will need to be 240, 320, 400. Reduced epoxy will not cover the 240 scratches. They will show..
I do mainly old cars so lots of times panels doors etc will sit for some extended periods of time. I also use epoxy only so ive figured this stuff out.
If metallic color it should be finished with 600.
 
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