HarleyTechTalk

This question is for the painters out there. It seems everything you read talks about using these 2 part primers? Is this really necessary? We lived without 2 part primers in the past. What's the real deal here? Selling the crap or does it really make your paint job that much better?

When I painted my bike, they (paint shop and painters)talked me into using the two part epoxy primer because it seals out all the moisture.  I talked with several guys with old muscle cars and they all agreed so I used it.  I looked at paint jobs that had used both types of primer and the ones with the old style primer that were a few years old had not held up as well.

The 2 part epoxy primers are farrrrrrrr better than the old primers. I've used the DP Epoxy Primers from PPG for years and they definitely improve the strength and longevity of a paint job. The other thing I like is they come in several colors; black, white, grey, brick red, to name a few. The color of the primer enhances the top coat considerably. Example: painting a bright red top coat comes out brighter and bolder over white primer, than over a black primer. Also, after the primer has dried you don't have to sand it prior to top coating like you did with the old primers. Just shoot two coats of primer, let dry and shoot your top coat. (less labor, so I like that)
The down side is it's more expensive. But, my philosophy is; if your going thru all the time and trouble to do a nice paint job, you want it to last more than just a year or two. So, I've always used the best products available.
Just my 2 cents worth based on 9 years pf custom painting.
Bob

The PPG DP epoxy primers are worth every penny you spend, they lock the new top coat to even poor surfaces with few issues. Reduced they make the ultimate sealer, and as Bob says, you can use the primer that best matches the color of your topcoat!

I like the way you guys explain it. I think I'll do it. Just wonerdered what the big deal was. As always Thanks for the advice.

The new paint and primers are also a lot more damaging to the lungs so make sure you have really good ventilation and respirator system.

Quote from: ChopperBob66 on March 25, 2010, 08:55:15 PM
The 2 part epoxy primers are farrrrrrrr better than the old primers. I've used the DP Epoxy Primers from PPG for years and they definitely improve the strength and longevity of a paint job. The other thing I like is they come in several colors; black, white, grey, brick red, to name a few. The color of the primer enhances the top coat considerably. Example: painting a bright red top coat comes out brighter and bolder over white primer, than over a black primer. Also, after the primer has dried you don't have to sand it prior to top coating like you did with the old primers. Just shoot two coats of primer, let dry and shoot your top coat. (less labor, so I like that)
The down side is it's more expensive. But, my philosophy is; if your going thru all the time and trouble to do a nice paint job, you want it to last more than just a year or two. So, I've always used the best products available.
Just my 2 cents worth based on 9 years pf custom painting.
Bob

I just completed painting my Ultra using the PPG system based on Seattledyna's recommendation. It produces great results. You must understand and follow the instructions exactly. It isn't like traditional methods. All the work is in prep of the base, and then you shoot on epoxy sealer, base colour and clear coat... wet- on- wet. The base coat colour is about the consistency of water. The layers bond to each other chemically.