Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Uncle Joe]

For a few years, I have been refinishing my restorationsin the following way. When the surface is absolutely free from rust, I spray it first with a self-etching primer, and then apply a skim coat of waterproof filler. this gives me the possibility to leave the surface for as long as I want, and it never seems to rust. When I am ready to paint, I then flat the skim coat, being careful to leave it whole.

Recently, I have been told that it is possible to first use a metal conditioner on the bodywork, then wipe on a galvaniser, then prime and seal the primer.

There are a few thing that I find interesting about this. 1) A galvanised surface shouldn´t rust. 2) the longer you leave such a surface, the easier it is to paint afterwards. 3) For the system that I have been looking at, the recommended primer is water resistant. 4) The primer has to be sealed. Is this to prevent burning through, or to fully waterproof the primer? and finally 5) If the galvanised surface is untreated, if any rust does show through, it will be easier to repair.

Is there anyone that has had experience of this method, or has any comments or views?