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Epoxy primer versus lacquer?

skeer

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Investigating various primers for the lathe when I get to that point. Definitely wanted lacquer but learned about epoxy based primers today.
I like the idea of greater adhesion, wondering what the rest of y’all think?
 
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Hammer1963

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Lacquer is an outdated inferior product. You have multiple options available. Yes epoxy will provide the best adhesion, but you would be fine with an etching primer followed by a synthetic oil based enamel or a 2 part urethane. If you are going to finish the lathe with a synthetic (industrial) enamel, then an oil based synthetic would be a good choice. There are other options as well that are offered by Sherwin Williams and Ben Moore and a host of DTM (direct to metal) auto primers available
 
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skeer

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I know of self etching but I am concerned if I happen to get a bit of overspray on a milled surface that I don't realize quickly. Would one of those options be more forgiving than the others for a degreased surface?
 

Dagny

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My old aluminum step van behind the barn was painted 43 years ago with dupont corlar epoxy primer and imron urethane paint it looks new.
 
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skeer

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I thought this was pretty funny/interesting, I asked ChatGPT about the Atlas Press Companies 'machine green':

The Machine Green used on Atlas lathes was a specific shade used by the Atlas Press Company, which manufactured Atlas lathes. While there is no single, definitive color recipe for Atlas Machine Green, some people have attempted to recreate the color based on old paint samples or other sources.

Based on historical records and anecdotal evidence from Atlas lathe owners, the following paint mixture ratios have been suggested as a possible recipe for Atlas Machine Green:

  • 1 part boiled linseed oil
  • 1 part turpentine
  • 1 part Japan dryer
  • 6 parts zinc oxide (powdered)
  • 2 parts chrome oxide green (powdered)
  • A small amount of drier (optional)
These ingredients would be mixed together to create a paint mixture that could be applied to the lathe. However, keep in mind that the exact shade of Atlas Machine Green may vary depending on factors such as the age of the lathe, the condition of the paint, and variations in the paint mixture. Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with a professional paint supplier or manufacturer to ensure that the paint mixture is appropriate for your specific application.
 

firebirdparts

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I suppose the benefits of epoxy might not really be helpful on a lathe, indoors. It does really stick to bare metal, or so they say. I use it on cars, but I don't know how well it would do with oil on it all the time. that's a curious thing/wild card in the machine shop.
 
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