Primer question.

[BaLaClavaAa]

So I've build a pedal, and I've bought a case, and it's time to paint =]. So my question is, after i sand ( low grit-800grit?) it, so I need to use a self etch primer, or can I just go straight onto my enclosure with the coloured primer? I am using an enclosure from small bear.

Thanks for your help.

[boogietube]

Personally, the only good results I have had were with self etch primer.

Check the WIKI on the top of the page for threads on finishing. Very useful.

[plankspank]

Self etching primer actually etches into the metal, so the actual color coats adhere to it better, so there is less of a chance of it chipping or flaking off later down the road.  Regular primer will work o.k., but won't have this advantage...
I also like to use steel wool as the final prep, and then wiping the enclosure with isopropyl alcohol before priming....

[gutsofgold]

I have some "sandable" self etching primer. It's that lime green dupli color stuff.

Do you guys actually sand it after a few coats before adding the color coat? Or should I just let it etch and then spray right on to it.

[Dave Simpson]

It depends on the texture you want the finish to have.. I find 400 grit on the primer before the color coats makes the finish pretty smooth through out the color coating.

[mike_a]

excuse my noobness, but why not use a color suited especially for aluminum painting?
I was at the hardware store and the seller showed me an acrillic-based spray paint that is meant to be sprayed straight on aluminum.
wouldn't that work?

[R.G.]

Aluminum being the odd stuff that it is, the answer to EVERY question about aluminum that ends in "wouldn't that work?" is
"Maybe. Have to try it and see."

[mike_a]

Good thing I bought it then  .

I'll have a try (hopefully this weekend) and report back.

[BaLaClavaAa]

Ok thanks, so the general gist is that it isn't absolutely needed, but recommended =]

[bipedal]

Yeah, primer is recommended.  I'm on my 6th or 7th build now, and I have not used self-etching primer thus far -- just sanding, followed by several light layers of Krylon general purpose spray paint, followed by clear coating; no baking or anything.

That has worked okay, but I have noticed that the finish on one of my pedals -- one that I throw in a backpack with cables and other stuff that I haul to band practice weekly -- has already started to chip in spots.  Looks cool in a sort of broken in way, I guess...

I plan to start using self-etching primer on new builds in the hopes of getting something more rugged and long-lasting.

- Jay

[Lachlan C.]

In my opinion (Not expert or definitive by any stretch) I would probably go with a dedicated self etching primer first. As others have pointed out, you can use self priming colour coats no probs but I think the finish will be better with a coat or two of self etching primer first. I have achieved very even results with lightly sanding the bare enclosure with 180, 260, 360, 400, 600 and then applying a self etch primer. The enclosure being primed with a dedicated primer first means that you will have to do less colour coating to get an even finish.

The most important thing to keep in mind for achieving a good, scratch resistant finish with paints is to allow ample time between coats to both dry and cure (read strengthen). Personally I've had a good run recently due to Mother Nature being on side - high 20's - 30's deg celius and low-mid humidity. I guess Australian weather isn't too bad...

Best of luck with enclosure(s) - post some pics post painting

- Lach