Primer - basic question

[sgray]

Hello..

I've been using brush-on red oxide primer for the few small bits of re-painting I've been doing, but I notice that lots of the pictures show grey primer (acid etch?). What's the difference and what should I be using? I'm about to do the glove box surrounds for example, and possibly the latches on the pick-up tailgate.

Simon

[alex_holden]

The grey stuff is likely to be zinc-rich primer. It's a bit more rust-resistant than red oxide.

[jonathon]

Be careful using Rex oxide, as despite the manufacturers claims , few are over paintable, with good results. Go for acid etch , no probs with colour of it ,as it comes yellow ,grey etc.then a high build primer and top coat.

[sgray]

Be careful using Red oxide, as despite the manufacturers claims , few are over paintable, with good results.

That's interesting.. I have had real problems getting a good coverage of top coat over the red oxide.. thanks

[jonathon]

Shouldn't really paint top coat on red oxide. I'd be tempted to flat it right back, then high build prime it then top coat. Do not use etch on RO paint its bound to react.

[bmcecosse]

Is the 'red oxide' intended for auto use ??? Sure it's not meant for garden gates!

[hotrodder13]

i used it on my wheels (but it was red oxide primer) but then went over it with quite a few coats of primer and they look as good as a sprayers job, (flatted every other coat)

[sgray]

That's what I've done wrong - I put the paint straight on top of the red oxide and it's not taken.

Oh well, you live and learn

[hotrodder13]

i did try putting paint stright onto it on my wings but it didnt stick properly so i removed and primed over it,

[lippychick]

well i am just starting to refurb my wheels and had lots of problems with paint and primers and the reactions they have with each other but i have now found a combination that works really hopefully i will also be lucky with the rest of the painting :0)

[sgray]

but i have now found a combination that works

Is it a secret ?

[lippychick]

no sorry its not a secret its just zinc 182 with a halfords white acrylic paint which is ok with all types of primers unlike alot of acrylic paint :0)