We have been using the PPG waterborne base coat for a while, but they just came out with a new primer surfacer. We tried it out and thought we’d let you know a little about it.
1K – 1 Reducer
The primer surfacer is a 1K product, which means it is not a catalyzed product. The only thing required to mix to the primer is the water reducer. It uses the same reducer as the base coat which makes it easy. One reducer for all primer and base coat….with the exception of extremely hot weather. They do make another reducer for hot climates., but it is not recommended to use with this primer surfacer.
Quick Flash Time
The TDS states that once the primer dries to a matte finish, you can apply the next coat of primer. However, you will need the air blower to decrease the time this takes. When we tested this it took us 1 to 3 minutes to dry each coat before applying the next. The time it takes to dry each coat will depend on how thick the primer surfacer is applied. It is recommended to apply lighter coats than solvent primer. When testing the primer, I think we sprayed it too thick on the first coat, which took us a little longer to dry. The TDS is a little confusing to me on this because one area states to apply wet coats and another document I read it said to apply medium coat for maximum performance. Personally, I found spraying medium coat to work better.
30 Minute Dry Time
The TDS states that the primer is ready to sand in 30 minutes. We applied 4 coats as directed and waited 30 minutes. After waiting we sanded the primer to see how it sanded. I was surprised that the primer sanded extremely well. I thought a 1K product that does not have a chemical change may be soft or clog up the sandpaper, but it didn’t.
Direct To Metal
This primer can be applied directly over metal. However, if you do apply it directly over metal it is recommended to have 2.5 mills after sanded. With the 4 coats we sprayed, we did not have that many mills after sanded. So it may have been better to apply 5 coats or apply each coat a little heavier. This is something we will have to play with to get right.
24 Hour Pot Life
Since the primer is a 1K product it has a long (24) pot life. This is the time it has before it starts to harden in a sealed cup. I think this is good because you could mix some primer in the morning and pour the left over primer into a cup and reuse it throughout the day as needed.
Thoughts
Overall the new primer surfacer seamed to do a good job. It sprayed and sanded well. However, it is hard to make a full opinion until after we have used it for awhile to see if there any problems that arise. The mill thickness does not seam to be as thick as solvent primer, but this could be an adjustment I need to make on my part. I am also curious to see if there are any shrinking problems that show up later as with some primers. That will come with time too. I definitely think it is work using more to determine if it is a product we want to use.
Let Us Know
We just started using this, but if you have been using it, I would like to hear your story good or bad. Have you had any problems or opinions to share?
Technical Data Sheet
If you would like to learn more about this product, you can read the technical data sheet at CollisionBlast.com/WaterbornePrimerSurfacer
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