treating bare metal to prevent flash rust

[56hotrodred]

What products are out there to treat bare metal that may be sitting for a while?

I saw in a post somewhere - last night but can not find it right now - someone mentioned DT90 - Is that what I am looking for?

My body shop guy says they used to use some stuff called metal conditioner in school but they do not use it at work. I guess stuff just does not sit that long in the shop.

I would like something that does not have to be removed prior to primer, painting, etc...

Thanks in advance.

56hotrodred

[56hotrodred]

This is the stuff I was looking for.

Picklex 20

I saw them using it on Trucks a while back but did not catch the name.

56hotrodred

[Tri5Nerd]

What I've used is Epoxy primer. Seem to provide good coverage and protection.

[bad6772]

i always do a light coat of etch and then epoxy....you should not have any problems.....I think the primer you are thinking about is....DP-90.....And if my memory serves me....That also is a epoxy.....Its been a while since i had dealt with PPG Products.....

[56hotrodred]

With that epoxy primer do you have to do body work first?

How do you apply it? I have no experience with paint spraying nor is my air compressor system equipped to do paint spraying.

Thanks in advance.

56hotrodred

[Tri5Nerd]

Originally Posted by 56hotrodred

With that epoxy primer do you have to do body work first?

How do you apply it? I have no experience with paint spraying nor is my air compressor system equipped to do paint spraying.

Thanks in advance.

56hotrodred

You can prime then do body work but I would suggest that you get the big dents and ding out then prime then bondo.
Yes you need to spray it as far as I know. I'm not sure if they sell rattle can epoxy primer.

BTW: I'm no expert at this I'm still learning myseft.

[56hotrodred]

Ya that is kind of what I thought. With the Picklex 20 stuff it is applied with a hand spray bottle and might work better for me right now. I have some pretty serious body work in a couple of places (i.e. front fenders & doors) that my body shop is not prepared to start until I get the cab sitting on the frame - which makes sense to me.

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.

56hotrodred

[OrrieG]

I think you should just bite the bullet and etch prime it. It is available in rattle cans from paint stores, about $8.50 per can. It is what I have been using on my truck, nice to work a little bit, then prime. Anything you do that leaves bare metal will need to be hit with a da sander to knock off the surface patina before you apply primer. It takes about 4 cans to do a cab exterior in two wet coats. It is not the most cost effective way, but good for small jobs when you don't want to clean a gun for a two minute job. You can do the plastic body work over the primer, I use Rage that works on metal or over primer. Like the poster above said, do as much of the gross metal work before priming.

[Caveman49]

You may want to check this site out, lots of good info.......

http://www.autobody101.com/

[56hotrodred]

I am downloading some info from that site as we speak.

Thanks.

56hotrodred

[50adrod]

use SPI epoxy on bare metal then do bodywork on top of it, I have used several epoxies and SPI is the best by far. do not treat the metal before you use epoxy primer. it has to be sprayed, but your eventual paint job is only as good as the first coat of primer you put down