Hi...I should have been a little clearer on the products
Etching wash primers have to a large degree been replaced with epoxy primer's such as PPG's DP and then primed with a two-componentd urethane undercoats and followed through topcoats. When dry it is very hard and body fillers can be used on top of them...Best to have all major body work done prior to applying so that you don't end up grinding it off. It's a great product and is an excellent moisture barrier for the remaining undercoats and of course top coats.
Note...You should stick to whatever paint line that you choose to go with as they are manufactured to be used in unison with each step.
The new epoxy primers do not quite have the same adhesive properties as the older ones of say 10- 20yrs. ago due to most countries banning their use because of their chemical structure ...Kind of like spraying agent orange?
Maybe a bad analogy but they were indeed not good for ones health. If using, you need to use the direct fresh air oxygen type intake mask system. Not a good back yarder product to be using without having this equipment.
I know these older style epoxy primers and top coat materials are still available through some manufactures as I purchased some recently through a friend that has a body shop. I used it to repaint my aluminum fishing boat that I had paint stripped. They will no longer sell them to someone off the street.
I have to say that I have a bias for the two- part urethane finishes but many would argue the values of the base code clear systems... They both provide great finishes...To get that 'show quality' look it basically involves lots and lots and lots of hours. There is an expression that I should have never read as it drove me crazy when doing a job:
"Just when You think it is good enough..
.It isn't" It has to be the best truism that I have ever heard...to drive you crazy that is.
If adhered to it has the ability to have you... Filling- spot filling- block sanding- priming- spot filling- block sanding -over and over until it is 'right', including doing the same when colour sanding and polishing.
A high quality finish can easily take hundreds of hours depending of course your level of skill. Even the 'best' put in - lets say -
lots of hours.
Hang in there as the end result will be well worth your time and energy.
Cheers