Which primer......?

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z3steve
Joined: Thu 03 Feb, 2011 23:01
Posts: 155

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Tunbridge Wells

Which primer......?

Post by z3steve »

Hi all, I'm in the process of getting the bonnet repainted but would like to know a) what metal it's made from and b) what primer to use. Heard lots about etch primer but really not sure which way to go. I was going to use no.5 Upol high build filler primer but will wait for advice - the bonnet is bare metal apart from various spots of old primer.

Cheers! Steve
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Deano1712
Z Register organiser
Joined: Sat 05 Aug, 2006 12:56
Posts: 1396

  M roadster S50
Location: Leeds

Re: Which primer......?

Post by Deano1712 »

Etch primer first on bare metal, otherwise the primer wont stick to it.
Z3M with a few mods...and a little bit more power
z3steve
Joined: Thu 03 Feb, 2011 23:01
Posts: 155

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Tunbridge Wells

Re: Which primer......?

Post by z3steve »

Thanks, the Upol #5 says you can use it on bare metal but I'm a bit unsure as to what metal it means.

Or would you use etch primer then another primer on top?

Steve
frog farmer
Joined: Thu 18 Jul, 2013 15:01
Posts: 32

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Charante Maritime, France

Re: Which primer......?

Post by frog farmer »

Etch primer is for Aluminium alloy's as used in the aircraft industry, if it is steel you are painting then your primer will do.
z3steve
Joined: Thu 03 Feb, 2011 23:01
Posts: 155

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Tunbridge Wells

Re: Which primer......?

Post by z3steve »

I'm 99.9% sure its steel. Would it harm to put etch primer on steel and then the filler primer on top?

Thanks so far....

Steve
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Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Which primer......?

Post by Robert T »

AFAIK the whole of the Z3 is galvanized steel, with the exception of both bumpers, the wing mirrors, the side gills and front grille (all plastic) and wing mirror bases (alloy).

I would trust Deano, as he has painted his own car.

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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z3steve
Joined: Thu 03 Feb, 2011 23:01
Posts: 155

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Tunbridge Wells

Re: Which primer......?

Post by z3steve »

Ok thanks will go the etch primer route. It seems to be the way forward whatever the metal is.

I appreciate the input from you guys, thanks.

Steve
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Deano1712
Z Register organiser
Joined: Sat 05 Aug, 2006 12:56
Posts: 1396

  M roadster S50
Location: Leeds

Re: Which primer......?

Post by Deano1712 »

Better option is exopy primer, more stable and doesn't shrink. Rough up the steel before spraying. That will stick better than 1k.
Z3M with a few mods...and a little bit more power
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