[cornfieldcars]

I am new to body work and have received conflicting advice on the steps I need to take. I am trying to take the body down to bare metal, fix the dents and then paint. Getting down to bare metal isn't a problem, it's how the steps to get new paint back on.
Starting with bare metal...should I prime, putty, sand, putty, sand(etc.), then wet sand, prime, paint, sand, paint, sand, clear, sand (etc.)? I don't expect a perfect job my first time out but would like to do as good a job as possible. Thanks to all.

[milo]

Here are 12 steps as well as the 3 secreats to getting on the right path.

http://www.a2zautoforums.com/showthr...=8856#post8856

[Aces0vr8s]

where in iowa are you

my steps...

bare metal
bondo (putty)
prime
seal (optional)
paint


This is how my painted had me do it....

[crazy larry]

what i did was;

• bare metal
• filler
• primer
• sealer
• base coat
• clear coat

having done that, i've decided that the next paint job i do will be

• bare metal
• epoxy primer
• filler
• sealer
• base coat
• clear coat

keep in mind, each of these steps is a quite detailed process in itself as evidenced by your references to

should I prime, putty, sand, putty, sand(etc.),

take your time, when done right the results are as professional as any shop could produce. and you have the satisfaction of being able to say "yeah i did it, if it ain't right, it's MY fault."

[sportbikeluvr]

Milo thnx for the link!

Somethng I have just recently read in an other forum was the recommendation of laying down a coat of epoxy primer on all bare metal 'before' using fillers. The reason being is that fillers absorb moisture and if you shld get a stone chip down the road over that area exposing filler (w/out the epoxy primer laid down first) it will rot the underbody in no time at all, it kinda makes sense to me!

What are ur thoughts about using an epoxy primer on bare metal BEFORE filler application?

[milo]

I too have heard rumors of this being the "new" way and will try it as soon as I see a filler repair I was a part of fail. Been waiting since 1974 and no one yet has said "Hey Milo, the bondo you slapped on my car fell off or cracked"Of course there have been times when I've applied fillers on top of primers, old paint and even old filler however it's always understood as a cost effective shortcut instead of going to "bare metal" and still no failures???

We have to remember the marketing gimmicks paint companies have to come up with to make money when they have guys like me telling you to use Windex or 89 cents worth of Ajax instead of wax and grease remover etc. How can you get wax or grease off something by soaking it with a oil based solution? Crazy salespeople

Primer, even epoxy or so called etching primer is still a filler and a risk period.

[cornfieldcars]

Thanks a ton for all the replies....great info Milo and everyone.

Acesover8s....I'm in one of two places depending on the day of the week...Monday thru Thursday I'm in Ottumwa....Friday thru Sunday in Davenport.

I have another question but will have to post it in a different area. Thanks again.

[crazy larry]

well after what Milo said, i think i'll stick with what i've been doing. and i haven't had any filler fall off either.

crazy paint companies......

[BarryK]

Originally posted by crazy larry
well after what Milo said, i think i'll stick with what i've been doing. and i haven't had any filler fall off either.

crazy paint companies......

*************************************************
It has nothing to do with filler falling off! Things get better and things change some people have open minds and get better some some don't.
Let see to do warranty work for Mercedes or porches or Toyota
all filler must be put over epoxy. Crazy car companies!