epoxy primer
 

what is everyone using for epoxy on bare metal before body work?

I use Axalta 2580CR. It's a chromate epoxy, so kind of the gold standard. Rumors are it will be discontinued soon (due to the chromate), so get it while you can.

SPI. Great epoxy for a fair price. Sands nicely if needed. I also reduce it and use it as a sealer before base.

Free shipping when ordered direct over the phone.

Don

Just realized it’s you Luke. :)

SPI worked great for me

Using anything besides epoxy first is like putting a band-aid on before the cut

wouldn't the Band Aid offer protection from a cut?
There are other options depending on the situation.

your best bet is to stay with the same system all the way thru primer, paint and clear. Determine what you plan to use for paint and clear and use their epoxy

That’s really not necessary. Especially with epoxy which is so solvent resistant. The stick with one brand is pushed by the manufacturers to boost sales. It is not based on chemistry….

It's based on my own experience and also seeing failures when I was a jobber tech.
Not worth the risk. Do it right, do it once.

I’ve seen plenty of failures but never due to mixing brands of epoxy and urethane paint. I’m sure the manufacturers and jobbers like to use that excuse because it absolves them of all liability….

Quality epoxies and urethanes have no compatibility issues. Quality being the operative term…

not an excuse, it is real.
The main thing for others is there is no reason to take the chance. It is real easy to stay in the same system throughout and eliminate one other avenue for things to go wrong. Zero advantage to mix. People try to be a chemist or save a buck. A proven system that has been designed, developed, tested and beta tested is always the best option.

Epoxy is inert by its very nature. You and I will have to agree to disagree. I’ve been doing what you advise against for 20+ years with never an issue.

This multiple show winner has epoxy, primer, base and clear from four different manufacturers.