Primer

I've done a lot reading on primers, I'm not ready to talk paints though! I can only say that you have to do your own research, and by that, I mean read about what everyone else is doing and make your own decision. I really think priming decisions can fall into the following catagories:

1. No Priming, aluminum is protected by Alclad from the factory. Though, the build binder does say that some parts require priming, so this #1 option really means minimalist approach.


2. Prime only required parts per build binder and prime areas that were a) disturbed by drilling, deburring, cut, etc... & b) areas where two pieces mate, meaning when you attach Part A to Part B, you prime the areas that touch.

3. Prime everything with either rattle can or spray gun corrossion primer. Corrossion preventative primer is not too durable, so many recommend a Sealer over it.

4. Prime everything like #3, and spray Sealer over it.

There are so many options in type, brand that I won't go into, but I decided on Dupont because there were a few vendors with actual store fronts I could visit and get advice from. I've noticed that many builders start out with one process and change during the build, so I reserve the right to change processes too :)



I'm going to prime everything with Vari-Prime. Most of what you prime, you'll never see again, except to inspection access holes. But the areas that face exterinal areas, I thought I'd use a Sealer tinted White. If that area needs to be apart of the exterior paint area, I'm not to worried about adhesion, I'll do my best. These aren't "high traffic" areas...

I also unpacked and assembled the benchtop grinder and drill press. Almost ready for business.

Costs:

1 Qt. white sealer $38.90

8 Oz. Sealer activator $16.75

1 Qt. Variprime Sealer $51.10

1 Qt. Variprime Converter $24.35

1 Half Face Respirator $28.20

1 Gal Prepsol Cleaner $22.70

1 Gal Lacq Thinner $ 12.54

2 Tack Cloth $ 15.50

Total $227.05

They threw in a lot of stiring sticks and strainer funnels, likely out of guilt for charging me full list price. They did say that if they start recgonizing me, the discounts will follow. :(

I don't know how much priming I will get out of the starter Qt, but that's all I wanted to start with. I do know I'll need to get some rattle can primer for fix ups and the odd part or two.

Purchased at Fiesta Auto Paint and Supply

Tempe, AZ

PS: Shocker! I wanted to try painting a completed part of the older RV6 I have and asked for a quart of a really nice Navy type Orange Imron (Dupont) paint. The cost was $186.00/Qt. & requires a hardener that only came in a gallon size for $496.00!!! Granted, it was a 3 to 1 mix, the the hardener could be used for more paint, but WOW! I passed on it and will research paint options in the future.

PS2: grinder was about $40.00 and drill press was about $60.00 both at Harbor Freight.