Oddball question about Automobile Self Etching Primer

[Gravy]

This is an odd question-

Do you have to paint over self etching primer, or can it be used like spray paint on metal? I love the flat green Rust-Oleum flat green auto primer as a finish and a color and want to paint something that goes boom with it.

Thanks in advance,
Gravy

 

[firebirdparts]

What have you got to lose? Rustoleum Primer does not give good weather protection over the long haul,, but maybe you don’t need that.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Like firebirdparts wrote, especially if your something will mostly live away from weather and sunlight, give it a try. Rustoleum also makes a dead flat clear that you could apply over it if you need more protection.

Most primers don’t provide rust protection, and degrade rapidly due to UV.

 

[Viper98912]

What are you painting? Even though the color looks cool, remember that primer still looks like primer (aka cheap). If it's just a utility item, great, but if it's something that needs to look right (like a finished car), then definitely try to find the color as a topcoat.

 

[Glemon]

Having sanded it when working on car refinishing I have to say, like most aerosol primers it runs of very easily, not a hard shel finish like you would want on anything that gets handled or washed regularly.

 

[captaindiode]

Etch primer does not seal the surface. It is an interface between the bare metal and the top coat. It is easy to sand. Mositure will penetrate the primer and cause rust. Yes, you need a top coat.

 

[Solpainter]

It most likely does not have UV resistance

 

[Firebrick43]

They are making new cars (Kia and Toyota) that have a shinny primer color now so the negative stigma of a car in primer must be waning.

 

[f121]

Primer is porous so will not keep water off your surface

 

[joe_padavano]

If you like the color, simply topcoat with a clear. Gloss or satin, whichever you prefer.

 

[Joemctag]

What have you got to lose? Rustoleum Primer does not give good weather protection over the long haul,, but maybe you don’t need that.

I’m a huge fan of Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer. In the gallon can and use brush and roller. I store a lot of lengths of steel outdoors and put the primer on it before I do. I can say that it doesn’t seem to degrade even after many years. I know Rustoleum doesn’t say it’s capable of this, I just want to share my experience. Of course you don’t want to, say, stack steel directly on top of other steel where it’ll stay wet between the pieces.

 

[ZRX61]

One post wonder a week ago...

 

[C_F]

Calendar watcher...

 

[yhprum]

Could have the color scanned, then get some white rust oleum paint mixed to match

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I love the flat green Rust-Oleum flat green auto primer as a finish and a color and want to paint something that goes boom with it.

That stuff does look pretty good! I used it on my truck's wheels and thought about stopping right there and calling it done.

If you're concerned, maybe use some matte or satin clear on top?