Sanding Question

[72barracuda]

I am getting ready to sand some parts that have a coat of primer. I don't have a compressor and I was wondering if anyone uses electric DA sanders for this. If so, is there a particular brand that is better than others? Is 5" typical? I have read reviews of these tools on store websites and some of them are not too impressive. Thanks in advance.

 

[Adam]

What kind of primer are you sanding, EDP, epoxy, or 2k/ polyester? I would not use a DA on 2k or poly primer, although some guys do it quite well. For scuffing epoxy or scuffing/removing EDP a DA is good. Electric? I would be very skeptical of them... go on SearchTempest, get a used 5 hp compressor. You will use it for all sorts of things... inflating tires, air tools, shooting primer, etc.

 

[challenger6pak]

I agree get a compressor and air tools. If the compressor is used make sure the tank isn't rusted on the bottom near the petcock.

 

[72barracuda]

I have two aftermarket valance panels that are EDP. Most of the car is a green rust preventive primer, probably contains zinc, fenders are being worked on and have a different primer. I will have to research the actual type of primer that was used in both cases.

 

[challenger6pak]

It is probably the old epoxy primer. I have a Challenger sitting here with that on it. I painted it 25 years ago with the primer over bare metal. It sat for 20 years under a carport with a car cover and never rusted. I wouldn't sand it. It is a sealer. It wasn't designed for sanding. Spray sandable primer over it.

 

[js29]

green could be ether etch or epoxy, ether one should be scuffed down. PPG recommends after 7 days to sand there epoxy primers. they also recommend using a product called DX330 grease and wax remover to sand it with so it dose not ball up on the sand paper. i would try 320 wet or dry 3m sand paper and wet sand it if you find that it is epoxy. if its etch you can dry sand. ether way i would still plan on getting a compressor i prefer a 2 stage.

 

[72barracuda]

Thanks for the feedback. I did more research and found a nice restoration guide on the PPG website and also some videos from Eastwood on block sanding.