To paint or not to paint

[Ronw435]

I have a question about the back side of panels. What is recommended when you have put three coats of primer on the back side of a panel like say the cowl grille and grille support panel? I have primed the back side but was wondering if I should paint it the same as the top or just clear the primer to give more protection from the possibility of rusting?

I have painted the insides of the fenders on my step side with an industrial paint to give it a little more protection.

Appreciate any information on what others have done in these areas?

Thanks
Ron

[cableguy0]

Primer can be a sponge for moisture. I personally would paint them and treat the back side like any outside surface to make sure rust doesn't creep in from the back side. Most rust problems start from the under side of the panel. The more you do to prevent it the longer it will last and look good.

[AcampoDave]

Living in California rust worries are low, so I left some unseen areas in primer. They weren't so bad to begin with after 48 years and I'm sure I'll be dead when it becomes an issue. It saved me time and a little paint too.

[cableguy0]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Living in California rust worries are low, so I left mine in primer. They weren't so bad to begin with after 48 years somI'm pretty sure I'll be dead when it becomes an issue. It saved me time and a little paint too.

Must be nice. LOL. Vehicles around here less than 10 yrs old are rotting away.

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

Primer can be a sponge for moisture. I personally would paint them and treat the back side like any outside surface to make sure rust doesn't creep in from the back side. Most rust problems start from the under side of the panel. The more you do to prevent it the longer it will last and look good.

Epoxy primer wont absorb water and will be plenty of protection.

Was it epoxy primer, high build, rattle can, etc?

[cableguy0]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Epoxy primer wont absorb water and will be plenty of protection.

Was it epoxy primer, high build, rattle can, etc?

Your correct but he just said black primer.

[hugger6933]

He said back side with primer. I went back to look again I didn't think he had said epoxy, But my advice that nobody asked for [I give lots of that]is to paint the back side of the panels. When you try to make the back of the metal look as good as the front it makes the whole job that much nicer.

[Lazyb]

If I were taking the time to do it right I would paint it. You can always use cheap single stage and it will last a lot longer. I promise you primer will rust if not top coated.

[BigDan3131]

I undercoat everything, the stuff I'm using now is so tough that with it it seals out all moisture.

[Ronw435]

Thanks for all the information. It is a high build primer and it looks like I will either paint it or under coat it.
Is it a good idea to clear coat it? And would that be sufficient?

Thanks again for the input.

Ron

[Lazyb]

If you are using base clear I would get it colored and 1 coat of clear will be fine since it will not be seeing any sunlight

[hugger6933]

If it is a bc/cc system don't quit on it early you really need to put on the clear,and make sure it is covered . Jim