Plug primer

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Hey guys,

I have a plug i’m making from an existing part. The existing part has a fine textured surface to it and is made of abs plastic. I am thinking of mixing up a fairing compound with epoxy, applying it just enough to fill in the texture, then sanding it smooth.

I bought some Rust-oleum automotive primer in aerosol cans. The can says “Fast Drying”. How long after i primer the plug do you think i should wait to do the mold lay up? I will be using epoxy based mold resin. The temp outdoors is like 55F but i’ll be putting the plug indoors in 72F after a few hours of initial drying time.

#2

Do you think 4 days is long enough for the primer to dry enough to be buffed smooth with 800 paper then 1500 paper then waxing?

#3

I recall reading on this forum about guys using aquabuff to get mirrored finishes on their surfaces, that’s why I ordered some (not here yet though) I can’t recall which thread though. I did start my own thread about aquabuff but that’s not where I read it. Might want to consider that aswell for a good surface.

#4

Use Aqua Buff over the cured primer i assume?

#5

that’s right

#6

becareful with the primer you choose, some primers are very porus and even if you seal them many times they will still stick a part. I recommend duratec easy sanding primer then using a duratec high gloss black for the very best results

#7

duratec +1

highbuild primer and then gloss topcoat for easy sanding and polishing

#8

spray can primers dont build a thick enough surface. i would recommend u buy a kilo of automotive primer and spray it with a 1.6mm needle spray gun. after about 20 minutes, it will be ready to be sanded. Of course then you must paint the part and wax it in order to lay fiberglass on it and not stick. primers are porous and they will stick if u use resin on them (hey, its their job :smiley: )

#9

yeah i hear that. I wish i had a gun and an air compressor to spray primer like Duratec.

Not having a work shop is really hindering me.

I can rent a shop no problem…it’s the first electric bill and deposit that suck… the electric company here requires $1000 deposit for any new business.

#10

How is Radecout doing? I thought you said you helped him get on his feet? Can’t he lend you a bit fo space in his shop, call in some favors;) :smiley:

#11

He would go in with me for rent on a shop. Just that i live in Arizona and he in Texas. I don’t want to move to TX currently. Not sure about where i’ll eventually move to, but Phoenix is where i’m at at least until August.

But yeah he does me favors and I him.