Rust proofing

[roblockett]

Well the car's off to the shot blasteres the begining of next week. I've got an etch primer which has zinc phosphate that i'm going to use to coat the bare metal but i was wondering whats the best thing to put on the more rust damaged area's, like around the window seems etc before the etch primer goes on just to give it extra protection. I've did alot or reading on here last night but found some saying one thing and others saying another which was a bit confusing. Has anyone got any idea's or experience.

[Neil MG]

If it's getting shot blasted then the etch primer is fine. The secret is to remove ALL the rust, which shot blasting should do. Make sure you thoroughly degrease and dry before application as the blasting process does not remove oil and grease, but blasts it into the surface!

[roblockett]

Thanks for the advice

What's the best thing to degrease with. I've got panel prep wipes but i think it will take quite a few

[Matt Tomkins]

petrol imho -- just don't smoke while you're doing it :p

[Neil MG]

Buy five litres of "panel wipe" from your local motor factor/paint shop. You could use thinners or petrol first I suppose.

[chickenjohn]

Don't use petrol! Panel wipe is safer to use and is designed for th job of degreasing car panels.

I'm surprised that the blasters are not including a coat of protective etch primer in the job they are doing for you!

[roblockett]

I'm pretty happy doing the primer myself as i know the stuff i'm using is compatable with the other paints that's going to be used.

[PaulTubby]

I personally would use thinners then a panel wipe, there will be alot of shot grit in the chassis legs and box sections so this would need blowing out well with a air line first. i would use some acid etch personaly, a bit more expensive then standard etch primer but is good stuff, also if there is some pitting and rust areas that looks like it may come back, get some rust convertor on the bare metal first, then etch prime.