Car in etch primer need to apply bondo how to prep?

[AZDAN]

 My car was stripped and then sprayed with an etch primer 2 years ago. I have replaced rusted panels and I'm ready to apply bondo to finish the panels. Do I apply the bondo over the etch primer or do I need to spray another type of primer over the etch primer before apply the bondo.

[elitecustombody]

you can try a small spot and see how well it adheres, but I'd recommend going over with epoxy primer before filler

[72bluNblu]

 

Especially if you plan to use bondo, you need a good sealer primer down. Any contaminants or rust under the bondo will wreak havoc with your paint job down the line. I recommend not using traditional "bondo" at all, as it has a talc base that can absorb water. I have always had great luck using Evercoat's Metal-2-Metal, which uses an aluminum powder base instead of talc. It feathers on the edges much better than bondo as well. It does have a few drawbacks; its more expensive, and it doesn't change color when mixed, so there's more of a learning curve on getting it completely mixed. But I've personally used the stuff on concourse winning cars that were painted as many as 18 years ago, and they still look great today.

Metal cars should not have plastic filler! 

[AZDAN]

Thanks for the info. The bondo I have is not bondo brand it some plastic that eastwood sells. I'll check out that metal2metal sounds like it good stuff. I want to do it right the first time.

[E-Body Products]

I agree that metal-to-metal is the way to go, especially on the body seams.  I recommend this instead of putting lead back in the seams.  I have always been taught that filler will not stick to primer, unless it is epoxy primer (PPG rocks, but it is $high$).

[Mentally Challenged]

Where do you buy the metal to metal?

[dutch]

I never used metal to metal, but I hear it`s pretty difficult sanding... 

[72bluNblu]

You should be able to get it at your local paint shop, that's where I always got mine.  I'm sure not all places carry it though, so you may have to make a visit or two. They should be able to order it if they don't have it on the shelf too.

As far as sanding it, it is harder than Bondo, but I've found that while it wears out the grit on the sandpaper faster it doesn't "clog" the sandpaper as quickly as the softer bondo material. It also "feathers" better on the edges, again because its harder it doesn't "chunk" as badly as Bondo does.

Working it is a little different, but I wouldn't say harder. And its more than worth it for the results, smoother edges and being impervious to soaking up water are both HUGE benefits.

[E-Body Products]

Carquest is where I always get my filler.  It has to be a store that carries automotive paint and supplies.

Metal-To-Metal is easier to sand than lead for filler in the body seams (Pillar Posts, Lower Rockers, etc...).  Also, you will probably live longer to enjoy your car.

I have found that metal to metal actually sands pretty close to the same way as bondo, just maybe slightly more difficult.  The light fillers are much softer though and require much less sanding.  No matter what, by the time you get done, your arms are going to feel like they are going to fall off.

[Mentally Challenged]

Thanks guys, I will check our local Napa. I am pretty sure they are our evercoat dealer.