ecoating and epoxy primer questions

[Jocigar]

 
How do you guys prep and clean the ecoating for epoxy ?   coarse scotch-brite pad, 280 grit sandpaper,  DA sander or by hand,  prepsol good before epoxy or denatured alcohol or paint thinner ?   

For DP primer what tip ?   Can I get away with using a cheap HF purple gun to save my good debilis for paints and clears?

The DP primer is older but I have a new sealed activator... hope that works out.

Thanks ! 

[JS29]

In order of asking, 320 grit on a DA followed by hand sanding where the orbital sander won't reach. red scotch-bright in those really tight and awkward places.  Grease and wax remover, read the mixing instructions and any 1.4 nasal will due.  primer gun's usually have 1.8 tip's.        

[7E-Bodies]

I completely remove the e coat and use bare metal prep. I pretty much follow to a tee the write-up that cuda cody put together. All of the chemicals are listed there with informational sheets attached.

[cuda hunter]

https://www.e-bodies.org/videos/

[Jocigar]

@JS29

How would you test DP40LF, I mixed the base really well last night with drill attachment.    The activator is sealed new from last year.    Before I spray behind Qtr I would like to test it first.    Its a new old gallon so big savings if i don't need to purchase again but could cost more if its not working.   

I remember someone saying the base doesn't go bad, only the activator with time, or once opened.   Guess I'll spray out 6 oz and see how it cures.

BTW, opened the purple gun nozzle to 1.8 will see how that works out.

thx

[JS29]

 @Jocigar  That is what I would do, It is the activator that can go bad on you.   Use a test panel once it has had proper flash time, top coat it and see if it reacts. 

[anlauto]

@Jocigar  That is what I would do, It is the activator that can go bad on you.   Use a test panel once it has had proper flash time, top coat it and see if it reacts. 

Some times a visual reaction of bad or wrong activator can happen months after it's painted....ask me how I know

[Jocigar]

You're killing me Alan,  but I guess $400 on a new gallon set is good insurance.    i'll save the old stuff for the next project, god willing.    I can spray some out and wait a year  see if it holds up for next time.

Anyone have input on best epoxy color to get, I think DP40 gray/green should do well, they have red, black,LT gray also.  There is some DP40 already on car from what I can tell.

FK5 is the final paint if that matters.

[Rich G.]

The activator has a shelf life I've been told. I had some that was just about expired and didn't have any problem but I was only priming a fender. There is a code on the can and if you call PPG tech they can tell you if its good. I would think if it's sealed there wouldn't be a problem. This is the PPG tech number if you need it. 1 (800) 647-6050

[Jocigar]

How long after opening have you guys used the 401LF catalyst ?   

Just curious, I will order new one regardless. 

Tech support just told me they recommend within 2 weeks after open, but they know it can last longer under certain conditions.  So even if I order a new one I'm under very limited time table according to their recommendation.