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Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 9:23 am
by Pete
Might seem a dumb question (won’t be my first

) but what’s the best way to protect bare metal on a shell/doors/boot lid etc against surface rust in a damp garage. Just rattle some primer on it or is there a better way?
Re: Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 9:35 am
by Old English White
Everyone will have their favorite method but mine is to simply use a primer called "Bondaprimer" which is a traditional bare metal primer of "red lead" appearance. I brush it onto small areas and spray via a gun on larger areas. It is very easy to apply and gives excellent protection. I have used it on all my repairs and restorations since the 1970s and never had a single problem with it. It is still available via the internet from various paint suppliers.
Re: Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 10:34 am
by Polarsilver
Try WAX from Dynax UP sells on ebay .. this is Clear Wax in a rattle can will also spray upside down & has a fine pattern spray .. is also supplied with a small tube for the inside bits.. will wipe off with white spirit.
I use this Wax on my finished cars on the hidden surfaces its good stuff.

Re: Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 11:14 am
by AndyPen
For a complete shell I'd support the red lead primer - having seen how effective it is on marine work.
I'd be concerned about any wax or oil as I'd be afraid to get it all out.
A Carcoon could be a good investment, especially if you can find one second hand that needs a cheap repair?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Carcoon-Evo- ... SwUEheJK~O
Re: Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 11:24 am
by mini_surfari
i found epoxy primer seemed to be the only way to stop the rust, as aerosol primers seem to be porous.
Re: Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 12:29 pm
by Dearg1275
I would agree that epoxy primer is the way to go. Etch primer is definitely not a barrier to water vapour and most primer fillers will take on moisture.
D
Re: Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 3:43 am
by Aussie Bill B
Old English White wrote:Everyone will have their favorite method but mine is to simply use a primer called "Bondaprimer" which is a traditional bare metal primer of "red lead" appearance. I brush it onto small areas and spray via a gun on larger areas. It is very easy to apply and gives excellent protection. I have used it on all my repairs and restorations since the 1970s and never had a single problem with it. It is still available via the internet from various paint suppliers.
Ditto for OEW. Sounds similar to a product in Aust. that I've been using for just as long. Lead is now banned but this is a red oxide metal primer with powdered zinc in it.
Started stripping the 30 year old underseal and this primer recently but gave up as there was no rust underneath.
This is an enamel based primer so can be topcoated with 2K direct. I have done it with the last rebuild without issue.
It is cheap, long lasting, totally waterproof, doesn't need hardener and adheres even in wheel arches.
Re: Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 4:31 am
by Exminiman
Old English White wrote:Everyone will have their favorite method but mine is to simply use a primer called "Bondaprimer" which is a traditional bare metal primer of "red lead" appearance. I brush it onto small areas and spray via a gun on larger areas. It is very easy to apply and gives excellent protection. I have used it on all my repairs and restorations since the 1970s and never had a single problem with it. It is still available via the internet from various paint suppliers.
Interesting stuff, they do in a rattle can as well
https://www.rustins.ltd/bonda/our-produ ... osol-170gm
928A8688-0C41-4A0C-B9D2-02BE4CC0436A.jpeg
Re: Bare metal and surface rust.
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 9:13 pm
by Pete
Good info thanks all, I’ve ordered a couple of cans!