Marine Epoxy primer ok?

[boatbuilder]

I'm struggling with the restoration of my T25 and coming into the winter it is going to be hard. My garage can be slightly damp sometimes and because I only have time to do a bit and then leave it a few days until I get back to it, parts that I have been working on are going rusty fairly fast.
So I reckon the solution to my problem could be epoxy primer?

I could use "Metal Ready" on the welded repairs and then put epoxy primer over that. I would leave it then until I have all the welding and replacement panels done, then go back and put body filler over the top of the epoxy. I can see how much easier this would make things as the epoxy forms part of the permanent coating and doesn't need to be removed like other paint does when applying filler.

Anyhow I can't find epoxy primer round here anywhere! All I can find is Blakes Hempel marine epoxy primer.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hempel-Blakes-Epo ... 4aa02b6d1c" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Is this suitable for my van? (probably roller applied)

Thanks,
David

[boatbuilder]

Well, after doing a good bit of research, I've found some "Lechler epoxy primer" that is recommended by various posters on automotive forums. Some marine epoxies have problems with putting filler over them, but this one is ok. Another brand that comes up a good bit is DP40 by PPG, but the Lechler stuff apparently cures better in the UK's colder temperatures compared to the DP40. Hopefully this will be of some use to future searchers as it took me ages to research and discover this info.

Lechler Epoxy primer
L29107 - 4 litres of epoxy primer
L29370 - 2 litres of this hardenener needed
00516 - optional thinner

http://www.metalflake.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
£61 including shipping to a UK address for all of the above...not bad.

[lance]

as a ex-racing boat builder i wouldnt put or use epoxy on any van
are you thinking about painting it or covering it?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Having seen the use of full epoxy systems on a steel fishing boat hull I would have thought that it was a very good idea to use an epoxy primer. Over 10 years use and no rust developing except where an odd anchor had gouged into the hull.
Why would you not use epoxy on a van based on your experience with racing boats?

[boatbuilder]

as a ex-racing boat builder i wouldnt put or use epoxy on any van
are you thinking about painting it or covering it?

I'm talking about epoxy primer paint formulated for painting cars, not the "West systems epoxy" type of stuff.
Maybe that is what you are tallking about? If not, then what is wrong with epoxy primer?

I would imagine that epoxy paint has the correct additives to make it suitable for painting sheet metal?

[steveo3002]

i think its ideal for your use , should provide the best base for any paint jobs

[boatbuilder]

Just wanted to update this thread.... I ended up getting the Lechler primer and I'm happy enough with it.
Only thing to look out for is to make sure that the paint has tinter mixed with it when you buy it. Otherwise, you are just buying the binder and the paint will be transparent.
I found that I had to thin it down a bit more than recommended to get it to go through my 1.8 tip gun without clogging.