How to Apply Self Etching Primer on a Vehicle

Taking your car to a body shop to repair a damaged paint job or rust spots can result in a high bill that covers the manual labor and the materials needed. Instead, you can repaint your own car and save yourself some money. One of the first steps to painting your car is to apply a self-etching primer. This primer sticks to the bare metal of your car frame and allows the paint to stick well for a better paint job.

Instructions

1

Sand the car with 180-grit sandpaper, followed by 240-grit sandpaper. This prepares the metal surface for primer application.

2

Clean the area of the car with a mild car washing soap, water and a sponge. Dry it completely with a soft cloth to remove any debris from the area.

3

Cover any glass, chrome, plastic or tires that are in close vicinity to the area in which you are working. Use a plastic sheet and tape it in place to avoid painting areas, such as the windows, headlights, taillights and tires.

4

Mix the two parts of the primer together at the ratio of 19 and a 1/2 ounces of primer to 33 ounces of converter. You may also add five percent paint retarder if you live in a hot climate.

5

Pour the primer mixture into the paint sprayer. Attach the sprayer to the air compressor.

6

Turn the air compressor on at 6 to 8 pounds per square inch and squeeze the trigger on the spray gun to apply the primer. Apply the primer in a sweeping motion. Self-etching primer is typically gray, which allows you to see where you have applied it and where you have missed.

7

Allow the primer to dry for 30 to 45 minutes before applying a second coat.