Amazing finish! So satisfying! I’m about to start this kind of mission on my Discovery 3.
can you expand on what you used? What is the epoxy? Primer?
Keep up the good work!
Hi there, thanks very much.
For small plates etc I will just citric acid dip/sand/grind to bare metal then I use FE-123 to treat and left over crust, normally at this point its just rust in pits. From there I spray with an acid etch primer and then rattle can satin black. The parts then get a good dose of Dinitrol 447 which is a black, zinc loaded resin based stone chip. It leaves a fairly nice satin black finish which to me looks fairly oem - especially if applied over a smooth surface. The FE-123 seems to work well, it cures to a hard surface which you can (and should) paint over however it is latex based so I have concerns over its long term stability so wouldn't use it on the body its self just small items which I can keep an eye on.
For larger items (and smaller brackets if I have some mixed) I prep and then paint with Epoxy Mastic 121. This is either a primer or finish and cures over approximately 12 hours to a b*****d tough finish. I came across it on a landrover forum funnily enough and many people use it to paint chassis with. Its ace card is that it bonds to the surface really well (assuming you've cleaned it nicely). I prefer this functionally to powder coating as its less likely to chip however the finish will never be as smooth and nice as powder coat.
On some parts I've sprayed them first with a high zinc primer. But always finish off with Dinitrol 447. For some areas (cavities etc) after the 447 I will use Dinitrol 4941 which cures to a flexible bitumen based layer (a bit like waxoil)
But what ever you use, if you can seal the entire surface you will be doing a good thing. A small un protected patch will corrode far more quickly (if the rest of the surface is sealed) and the corrosion will creep under what ever you have done and spoil your work over several years - I am hoping to have protected this car for 5-10 years.
The biggest bit of advice that I can give you is to remove everything and send it to be blasted. It will save you sooooo much time and they will do a better job than you could with a wire brush on an angle grinder. I did the latter because all the local blasters were closed during lock down and although fun at first was such a chore by the end. On a larger car I would have just given up until the blasters re-opened.
In the bay, or on coloured parts I use 4010 which is a clear high temp wax
In cavities I will use Supertrol as its thin and gets into seams nicely. Alternatively I might use Dinitrol ML which is a penetrating wax however have not used it yet so can't review.
Basically my goal is to improve every part I take off or touch. Even if I don't do a great job if I've improved it then I've improved the car. It is time consuming though and I'm sad to say on a car like the Clio it doesn't make much financial sense. I just got carried away because I like the car and was getting bored over lock down.
Good luck!
I like Frost and Rust Buster because they carry good stock and a wide range plus ship super fast.
‘Rustbuster EM121 Epoxy Mastic, what a fantastic finish, what a fantastic product! Automotive paint suppliers typically sell products for accident repair, these products are porous absorbing moisture from the atmosphere causing rust under the primed surface during long term restoration...
www.rust.co.uk
www.rust.co.uk
Dinitrol 4941 Underbody Coating Black Aerosol Dinitrol 4941 is a black underbody underseal product. It dries to the touch but remains as a flexible rust proofing for several years. Apply to a clean grease-free surface: remove any loose rust or dirt prior to application. Dinitrol 4941 is widely...
www.rust.co.uk
Dinitrol 447 Stonechip Black 500ml Aerosol Dinitrol 447 Protect Super is a fast-drying, rubber and resin based stonechip. It is ideal for application to areas most likely to be damaged by stones and other objects impacting while driving, including the vehicle’s underside, wheel arches etc. Body...
www.rust.co.uk
DINITROL 4010 CORROHEAT IN A SHUTZ CAN Long term clear engine protection product with heat resistance up to 200 Centigrade. The product leaves a clear firm transparent film with short drying time and good adhesion and flexibility on all metal surfaces,rubber and plastic parts. Can be used on...
www.rust.co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0043ZWCN6/?tag=cliospnet01-21