Posted by Alan Bowes on June 09, 1998 at 08:34:23:
In Reply to: Ready to Paint Frame posted by Dave Horvath on June 08, 1998 at 09:34:14:
Here are some suggestions regarding Metal Prep solutions and painting:
1) Be generous with the metal prep solution when you apply it. This will reduce the flash rust that forms in areas where the solution becomes expended.
2) Most, but not all, metal prep etchant solutions require rinsing. If yours indicates that rinsing isrequired, be sureto rinse it off before it has a chance to dry on the frame. If it dries, reapply the Metal Prep before rinsing again. You may have to do one section at a time.
3) Do not sand or wire brush the surface after using Metal Prep. The purpose of the prep solution is to etch the metal and create a microcrystalline phosphate surface that bonds well with paint. If you sand this, you will lose that particular benefit in those areas.
4) If you use Metal Prep on the entire surface, you don't really need to use a self-etching primer, although it certainly won't hurt anything to do so.
5) Don't worry about a little variation in color. For that matter, even a little flash rust won't hurt anything if it is very thin and not an opaque layer.
6) The primer that you use must be a primer-sealer, or else you will have to apply a sealer layer before top-coating it.
7) I'd suggest staying with a paint "system" to make sure all paints are compatible with one another.
8) Apply the coats within the specified time limits to avoid having to sand between coats.
9) After all painting is complete and the paint has cured, I'd suggest spraying some penetrating-type rustproofing solution into all of the crevices/interstices to prevent rusting in areas where you could not paint, such as where the spring shackle brackets are riveted to the frame rails, etc. 3M makes a good solution that sprays in very thin and leaves a long-lasting waxy film. Wipe the excess off before it dries.
Have fun,
Alan