[rxlmod]

i was looking for some opinions on using epoxy primer as a sealer coat. i have 3/4 of a gallon of epoxy primer left over. people have told me the i can reduce it 10% and use it as sealer and it works great others tell me to just buy some different stuff they say id be better off that way. i can afford to buy sealer but if i already have something that'll work good why buy something else. Can i tint epoxy primer? should i tint my sealer?

[Whiskyb]

What type is your epoxy, does the manufacture's tech sheet say it can be used.

[rxlmod]

Omni I think it only said that you can reduce it.

[Whiskyb]

I looked at the tech sheet for omni and your right it says nothing. I am using SPI whose tech sheet is very informative. My epoxy is reduced and activated for a sealer/top coat before applying base. You might have to ask your jobber or rep if nobody else comes along

[Fast Eddie D]

All the epoxies are different. You can ask your jobber, but don't expect a straight answer. He will want to sell you a dedicated sealer product I bet.

I always use epoxy as a sealer. I have always used Kirker Enudro-Prime epoxy. I don't even reduce it; it's plenty thin. Although it is an economy brand, in my opinion it is excellent and versatile. I have even brushed it on the back of panels. I always hear people rave about SPI and have no doubt that it is an excellent product.

To use as a sealer, you want to shoot wet on wet, which means you want to shoot topcoat within the recoat window of the epoxy. Epoxy is very slow; dedicated sealers can typically be recoated in 15-30 minutes. Epoxy recoat will be hours at a minimum. This is fine for hobbyists, but not so fine for production shops.

Some epoxies sand real nice, others not I gather. Kirker sands and feathers great if left to sit for a few days.

Look at your p sheets for recoat window and sanding guidelines.

I must point out that epoxy is a poor choice for cold shops, as it needs to be kept warm for long periods to kick. Dedicated sealers typically kick real fast, allowing you to go from sealer to topcoat in a short time. If you shoot epoxy, you need to keep the shop warm for days, even if you topcoat the same day.

[crashtech]

If the data sheet says it can be applied to the substrate you have, can be reduced about 20% or so, and can be topcoated without sanding with the paint you have chosen, then it can function as a sealer. I believe the Omni epoxy works well as a sealer, but my recommendation would be to spray a test panel first, just the way you will spray the vehicle. Contact PPG tech support and tell them you WANT to use it a a sealer because of its superior properties compared to conventional sealers, and see what they say.

[Gentle Ben]

I use omni/shopline for a sealer all the time. I just reduce it one part.