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Before I knew any better, I primed the rear facing (exposed) side of the the rear spars with PPG Epoxy Primer/Sealer. I realize now that I shouldn't have sealed the exposed surfaces as paint will not adhere to them without much prep work.

Do you think it is worth looking into removing the primer that is on there now? I only ask because I can imagine that prepping the rear spar for paint after the flap brace and gap fairing are in place would be a big pain in the butt.

Any thoughts?

Brad, the primer sealers and sealer products I have seen just require a quick profiling (scuffing) before a final coat is applied.

Why do you think a top coat will fail?

CJ

I don't necessarily think it will fail, but my understanding is that this PPG stuff is really tough and needs a little bit more prep than just a scuff, especially if it was mixed as a sealer AND if it has sat for a long time.

I am just thinkng that getting in behind the flap brace etc. to prep the surface well will be tough.

I don't know... I am sure professional painters have seen and done it all, but I just figured I would ask questions now, while I still have the chance to do something about it.

I think you are okay.

In fact, I am willing to BET you are okay.

My rear spars are epoxy primed with VariPrime over the epoxy!

I ain't losing sleep because I know they were both prepped effectively.

Worry not.

CJ

I think you should be fine. I hope so anyway as I primed mine with SW epoxy primer/sealer. I think some of that area you will never be able to get to again. Made me feel better to shoot it.

Thanks guys.

Ok, I am feeling a little indecisive today, so I have a follow up question.

Knowing you will eventually paint, and with all this in mind, would you prime the flap brace and gap fairing with the same epoxy (sealer) or with something that isn't sealed (e.g. rattle-can)?

I shot mine with all the same epoxy primer/sealer. It says if it is more than 24 hours before you paint over it you need to rough it with a maroon scotchbrite or 320 grit paper. I asked about it at the place I buy my paint and they said "no problem".

Disclaimer: Just because I did it that way does not mean it is right.

How 'bout leaving them unprimed, like I did...the painter can prime them for me...

I got mine all ready today and am gonna shoot them with AKZO tomorrow.
For one, they are not really very visible when everything is installed anyway.

Thomas

The auto body instructors at school tell me that epoxy left out in the sunlight will chalk up on you!

Consider that during the "eventually paint" scenario.

CJ