Primer with rustoleum?

Hey guys, I'm about to black out my bumpers with rustoleum and I was wondering if I need to use primer with that? If so, what kind would I need to get.

 

Paint sticks to only one thing: primer.

Personally, after sanding down that chrome, I'd use a Duplicolor etching primer, followed by several coats of whatever Duplicolor type of black you want. You should be able to get it any any generic auto parts store.

 

Thanks man! So like one or two coats of primer?

 

I haven't done a chrome bumper before, but I'd do two because there may still be really small remnants of chrome you miss, plus front bumpers are subject to lots of abuse from everything in the world coming at your truck. It's always better to build up thin coats that cure thoroughly and evenly.

Just think of it as the world trying to continually sandblast the front of your truck, and paint accrodingly.

 

At least 2 coats of primer, but even more if needed. Check the back of the can. Both Rustoleum and Duplicolor makes sandable primer if you want to get rid of small imperfections in the surface.
Make sure you use the same brand primer and paint. I have used both Rustoleum and Duplicolor and they are both okay, but i had problems when i mixed the 2.

 

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with rustoleum. So sand it down first, then clean it, then prime it with a few coats, and then paint it? Would I need to sand the primer any?

 

I typically sand every coat if i want it to look nice - it depends on what your coat looks like. Inspect it from different angles. If you have a run or some other imperfection and you start spraying the color over it, then it is too late to turn back and fix it.

 

I usually wet sand the primer coat to get it nice and smooth. It all depends on how picky you are. With rustoleum, you can even out your coats with some heat. I had also heard their enamels cure harder and might be more appropriate for an automotive application. Otherwise, Rustoleum is a soft paint and scratches easily. Personally, if were going to paint a bumper, I'd use something more durable.

 

now this would be for the outside and not in the gas tank ( a question on here) it cost some money, but its something i learned at work,ACETONE! get a pair of disp, gloves and some paper towels, and after you sand it wipe it down with some acetone, a little goes a long way, and it will get any oil, or human prints off so the primer and paint will stick. you dont have to do this, and it is an expensive item, and you need to guard what you don't use for safety, but i have found it will give you a clean surface to start with.
DONT GET IT ON YOUR SKIN FOR A EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME LIKE 5 MINS.

 

Thanks. If i need to I'll just touch it up. But since I have a prerunner I can only do so much off roading, so there won't be too much damage back there

 

Yeah I've heard of using that. What do I Need to get a pair of?

 

I don't mean just with off roading. Rustoleum is a soft paint in general. I painted a motorcycle using it once and it doesn't harden like regular automotive paint does. For example, bugs can embed themselves in the paint at highway speed, stuff that would normally just wash off leaves a permanent mark in a rustoleum job. Off road damage aside, you get what you pay for with paint. Nothing wrong with rattle canning it, as long as you know what you're getting out of it!

Disposable gloves. Personally, I keep a box of disposable nitrile gloves in my garage, very handy to have around!

 

Yes, I believe anything but nitrile will be melted by acetone. Same deal w/ laquer thinner.

 

Ohh I got ya. I'll just touch it up if I need to, I'm not that worried about it. Haha thanks though!

 

I'm sorry rubber gloves! i dont think it will take you long if you use acetone but long term exposure on the skin is not good

 

It's all good man! I'll be sure to be conservative with it haha

 

Yes, Make sure to use etching primer. A clear lacquer coat will really help durability too.

If its possible, get it sandblasted first. Paint will stick better to bare metal then chrome plating.

Powder coating would give you the best results. Mine is, have had it for over a year and no scratches or chips, even after backing into a post. Also pervents rust on the inside of the bumper. You should be able to get it done for around $120.

 

yeah man. i was considering the powder coating too. but idk, we'll see what happens