Self-etching primer?
 

Quick question for anyone. I just sprayed (spray-can) my fog-light bezels and vent screen & frame with self-etching primer (I took them down to bare metal, they needed a little touch-up), but it doesn't say on the can how long it takes to dry or when I should paint with a finish-coat. It just says "fast drying", "perfect for spot repairs". It's NAPA brand primer (if that matters). Anyone have any idea how long I should wait before applying the top coat (I'll be using satin black enamel)?

Thanks,

Jerry M
'78 SC

Re: Self-etching primer?
 

usually depend on how thick you put it on.. a thick coat will need more off gasing.. I would tap the paint with a finger nail. if you dent it it's to soft/not dry may bubble the top coat.. a light 600 to break the surface aids off gasing.. not an expert

"not an expert"...yeah, right. Only a very studious man who is damned close to expert in many areas...Just a silly post to say I respect Ron...when he posts, he's right...99.94% of the time, as documented by my observations, which are guesstimates...;)

I know that the gun variety is a two parter, and it flashes off quickly, but I can only offer common sense ideas on this. It is very unusual for a can primer to have a max recoat window. Just make sure you don't let it wait days, as many primers are not impervious to moisture. Scuffing is a good idea, but make sure not to break through back to bare metal or you'll be doing it again. clean the residue with a good cleaner such as Pre Cleano (Give IT the required outgasssing time or you'll wrinkle it!) and then lightly tack rag it. Safest bet is to use the same brand /line finish coat to insure compatibility. NAPA paints are, I think, often Martin Seymour based, and should be of respectible quality. (they're no Glasurit or Sikkins though!)

Thank you, gentlemen. I'll finish the pieces tomorrow. The NAPA primer is Martin Seymour based; on the can it says it's OK to use under all automotive finishes, I hope they're right.

Jerry M
'78 SC

Jerry--
The can of self-etching primer in my garage (not NAPA brand) says OK to recoat in 30 minutes and to do so within 48 hours.

If you're spraying your vent screen and frame, I'm guessing the engine grill isn't far behind - ask me how I know;) - I used Wurth's Satin for the finish coat...