Automotive Restoration for beginners
By Phil Storr

Primers and Undercoats:

The days of using a primer then a putty and finally an undercoat are long gone. We have available two-pack primer/putty/undercoat materials today that are safe to use. I would not even think about using old acrylic materials anymore, they shrink back too much, take in moisture and are easily chipped. Although you do not need to prime under the two pack materials, they can be applied to bare metal, I usually put a light coat of red/brown oxide on the metalwork as I finish each area to protect it while the project is completed.

If you don't have spray equipment available or a suitable place to do it, you should be able to find a paint shop willing to put the primer/putty/undercoat on for you. Take the vehicle back home and do all the rubbing, using a little two pack Stop Putty to fill in any areas that still need attention. All it will need when it gets back to the paint shop for the top coats is a light coat of primer/putty/undercoat, a quick rub with a Scotch Bright abrasive pad and on with the final paint.

The materials I use are:
Two-pack primer/putty/undercoat - Ameron Vepox CC24 or Spray Chief Epoxy Primer
Two-pack stop putty - Spies Hecker Vario Polyester Putty 2030

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Written by Phil. Storr, last updated 8th September 2000