[Mkulikow]

Odd question but I see a lot of autobody related posts that mix hardener with the primer. Does anyone on here recommend one way or the other? I am using my HVLP gun with primer to learn the techniques since you cant really screw up primer but wanted input on this one topic...

Thanks,

- Mike

 

[jdkid]

well theres not much difference, the way i would explain it, the cheaper primers that you mix with thinners and spray tend to sink after time( ie if you do body work to a certain spot and fill the scratches with the primer after time you will see these through the paint) the primers with harders applied right dont sink....

 

[fly4fun]

I would think that putting hardener in primer would defeat the purpose of the easy sanding of the primer. You can buy two part epoxy primer that will be tougher than regular primer, and also a high build primer for filling in rust pits. I don't think that I would be adding any hardener to primer unless it is designed to be used with a lacquer type paint. The kind you buy to use in the JD paint is made for enamel type paint.
Just my .02

Jerry

 

[mjpoylio]

I'll cut to the chase here...

Mix the primer according to the manufacturer's instructions! There are lacquer primers that you "thin" out to spray, and there are 2K (two component) primers that require a hardener to be added. When I worked in collision repair (thank god I'm not anymore), I even had some primers that were 4 components to mix. Primer, hardener, reducer, and flex agent.

You do get what you pay for, and I'd rather use a high quality primer beneath any paint job that I do. I want to do it ONCE!

Michael, I have to add here, you CAN screw up primer. My boss back in the day, more than once he forgot to add hardener to a primer that required it. That resulted in loads of fun wiping primer off the car. LOTS of towels & lacquer thinner!!

Just read & follow the instructions for the product that you decide to use.

 

[Mkulikow]

Hehe, I just meant that primer is a good way to get used to my new HVLP guns

 

[mjpoylio]

That is true, it is easier to block down a huge run/sag of primer than it is to do the same with a hardened topcoat. I've done it plenty of times. ( Runs/sags in the primer were one of the risks in having the "kid" at the shop prime something for me. )

 

[sflem849]

Michael,
Since it hasn't been said I want to warn you. Paint won't fill, but primer will. Make sure your primer coat is just as smooth as you want your final finish, if you don't do this you will not be happy.