NO Epoxy Primers allowed! What to use?

[MetalEd]

I just went to a major automotive paint store and asked for a quality 2-part Epoxy Primer, they looked at me like I was stupid and told me that they are no longer allowed in California! WOW, I thought it was only lacquer paints, but epoxy primers as well. The only thing they have that is comparable is "Rubber Seal, Medallion Refinishing Systems - Direct To All Metals, Primer Surfacer, MRS-800" (2 part) They told me this might even be better (???). Anyone familiar with it? Can I apply a coat and then use body filler to fix any small dimples, then apply another coat as I would with an epoxy primer? If it is no good, what type of primer would I use instead? I don't want to use self etching because I may not take all areas down completely to bare metal (welding some new metal patches in and they are painted/rust treated. Probably prohibited as well!) Wish I had known, just got back in state and accidentally brought back some lacquer paints....

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[Starfury]

Ed, you can still get epoxy primers in CA. The shop you went to is apparently staffed by idiots. You just have to get VOC-compliant stuff, which isn't that much of a challenge. If you're really unlucky and live in a county like mine where everyone is an eco-nazi, you're limited to water-based color coats. But even we still get to use two-part low-VOC primers.

I'm not at work (I work at Napa), but if I was I'd be able to dig up some Martin Senour part numbers for you.

[MetalEd]

Originally Posted by Starfury

Ed, you can still get epoxy primers in CA. The shop you went to is apparently staffed by idiots. You just have to get VOC-compliant stuff, which isn't that much of a challenge. If you're really unlucky and live in a county like mine where everyone is an eco-nazi, you're limited to water-based color coats. But even we still get to use two-part low-VOC primers.

I'm not at work (I work at Napa), but if I was I'd be able to dig up some Martin Senour part numbers for you.

Maybe it's just LA county? I mentioned that we should have picked it up in Arizona and the guy that works there said a lot of his people do that, but he couldn't recommend it (of course!). Odd that he would be incorrect since this shop is THE supplier for most body shops in my area (literally 100s!)
I did pick up a quart of the DTAM (2.1 VOC), so I don't know if I should try it out or return it for something that would work better.
I haven't seen any restrictions on eastwood's site about not shipping their's...

[4reboy]

Originally Posted by Starfury

Ed, you can still get epoxy primers in CA. The shop you went to is apparently staffed by idiots. You just have to get VOC-compliant stuff, which isn't that much of a challenge. If you're really unlucky and live in a county like mine where everyone is an eco-nazi, you're limited to water-based color coats. But even we still get to use two-part low-VOC primers.

I'm not at work (I work at Napa), but if I was I'd be able to dig up some Martin Senour part numbers for you.

hahaha definitely the downside of SLO... I've never seen so many prius's in my life, they should make a club.

[Starfury]

LA is about the same as San Luis, so you're restricted to low-VOC primers and clears and water-based colors.

I'm poking around Martin Senour's website right now. Their Crossfire CP400 is a three-part epoxy primer. Depending on how it's mixed, it's still legal in CA, even in LA. Most Napa stores should be able to get a hold of the primer, reducer, and activator. That said, you can probably still use a DTM surfacer to get a similar effect. And keep in mind, Martin Senour isn't cheap.

I've been taught that you should apply body fillers directly to bare metal, then primer over them. I'm not claiming to be a professional painter, that's just what I've been taught. I don't know if you can apply body filler to DTM primer without it lifting. I know you can't apply it to etching primer.

[MetalEd]

I found the restrictions for LA county (So Cal.), the toughest in the US. Basically they can't sell anything with more than 10% solvents in So. Cal, the rest of the state is restricted to 25%, rest of the country is restricted to 45% by volume. WOW.. Basically, whatever you spray isn't going to dry in LA!

If anyone is interested... http://www.epoxyproducts.com/voc.html

So if there is a 2-part epoxy primer that is less that 10% solvent, then it can be used in So. Calif. So they may be right if they aren't down to 10% or less.
Starfury, San Luis is Central isn't it or are you in the SOCAL restricted area(SCAQMD District)? Maybe I can go north a couple hours and get the "right stuff"?

[Starfury]

SLO sets the standard in tree-hugger laws. You can bet we're on the same restrictions that you are. That said, you can still use solvents in your primers and clears as long as they meet VOC requirements, which aren't the same as the ones for color coats. For color, you have to use water-based stuff.

You're right though, you can probably go a few hours north and have more selection than you do down there. Since you're doing it yourself and don't have to worry about business liability, it shouldn't be a problem.

[2+2GT]

Well, I guess that explains why there are no auto manufacturing plants in the People's Democratic Republic of California.

[67 evil eleanor]

Leave the word "Democratic" out, unless you "OK" its use with Queen Nancy. I never knew you could stretch an onion skin over a human face so tight. Just imagine, that idiot is second in line for the Presidency. Now thats a scary thought. "MetalEd" a little "drive time" very well may pay off in this situation. I would go get the good stuff.

[hiboostwoody]

Even if I COULD use the other, I would go get the good stuff too, just out of principle. Frikin enviro whackos anyway.