[SEL] RE: Paint and primer

[Andy Glines]

>Message: 16
>Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 19:01:21 -0600
>From: Jeff Allen <transteck at earthlink.net>
>Subject: [SEL] Paint and primer
>To: The SEL email discussion list <sel at lists.stationary-engine.com>
>Cc: Oldengine list <stationary-engine at oldengine.org>
>Message-ID: <42D5B961.50301 at earthlink.net>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
>Hi all,
>
>Been giving this thought for quite some time and now time to ask
>opinions. When you paint an engine do you prime it first or just shoot
>the color? If you prime it why? I shot the Maytag with no primer and
>it's fine. Thinking of the same for the Sattley.
>
>I have built many auto engines and never primed them. Spray can engine
>enamel over bare metal. Last one of mine had 75,000 plus with no paint
>issues. Thoughts and comments welcome.
>
>Jeff Allen
>Arvada, 98 degrees at 6 P.M., Colorado
>
I'm going to recommend that you use the primer before.  I usually use rather 
expensixe automotive finishes because of their shine and durability.  I 
learned a hard lesson when painting my (ahem....) tractor.  I had an area of 
clean cast iron to paint so I did.  The iron on casting acted like a sponge 
and my paint soaked in, looked terrible.  I had to recoat the casting 
several times before I got a good finish and this stuff is expensive.  I'm 
convinced that using primer would have sealed the area somewhat and my color 
would not have "soaked in"  thus saving me a lot of time and money.