Do you Prime metal before body filler?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 09, 2026
46 Epoxy primer must dry for one hour and all metal work must be completed before starting the body filler process. Applying body filler over epoxy primer provides maximum corrosion protection for the metal. Apply filler within seven days of applying epoxy primer to maximize adhesion.
How do you prepare metal for body filler?
The first step is to prep the surface.
Here Jeff uses a red Scotch-Brite pad (about the equivalent of 220-grit sandpaper) to scuff the surface of the primered metal so the filler will adhere properly. Jeff prefers Scotch-Brite because it roughs-up the surface without removing a significant amount of primer.
Do you put primer before filler?
For small repairs, you can bog directly over the bare metal. If the repair is larger, or you're looking for a longer-lasting job, apply a base coat of epoxy primer before laying on the filler.
Can you apply body filler over bare metal?
A. Evercoat fillers are designed to work over bare, properly prepared substrates such as: steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, fiberglass, and SMC. Fillers and putties will normally work OK over properly sanded (80-180 grit) cured OEM paint.
How does body filler stick to metal?
Body fillers stick to the metal through mechanical means. The smoother the metal, the less perfect the adhesion will be, which is why the instructions always tell you to rough-sand the metal surface. Those scratches allow the Bondo to stick very well and for a very long time, assuming there's no rust layer.
23 related questions foundDo you have to sand epoxy primer before body filler?
It doesn't need to be sanded before you apply filler. It is designed to be used that way. Directly over unsanded epoxy that is within the 7 day window. It actually will lessen the bond between them if you apply it over sanded epoxy.
Is there a filler for metal?
Permatex Liquid Metal Filler is an easy-to-use filler that can be drilled, filed, sanded and painted. It forms a long-lasting, metal-tough bond and works on metal, wood, and concrete.
Will metal rust under body filler?
After many years of media blasting tons of stuff, and seeing tons of Bondo, I can confidently state that body filler on bare metal WILL allow rust to build up UNDER the said filler. So, after you blast your stuff, or get it blasted, get it in Epoxy primer, THEN do the bodywork.
How do you prime a bare metal car?
How to Prepare a Bare Metal Surface for Automotive Painting
- Wash the auto body part with surface cleaner.
- Apply some metal conditioner evenly on the surface.
- Spray the surface with DTM primer.
- Spray a second coat of primer.
- Roughly sand the surface using P320 sandpaper.
- Finish by hand.
Will body filler stick to galvanized metal?
Not only does it adhere to galvanized metals, but it is easy to mix, easy to apply, and provides for clog-free sanding. Many repair products do not properly adhere to galvanized metal.
How do you use metal filler?
Place a 3-inch diameter circle, approximately 1/2 inch thick of Metal Reinforced filler on a clean non-porous mixing surface, add 35 drops of the supplied liquid hardener to the puddle (using a push pin in the end of the hardener tube will create a hole that is best to the correct drop size.
What is the best primer to use on bare metal on a car?
Both Epoxy Primer and Self-Etch primer (Self-Etching primer) can be used on bare metal. Both provide corrosion protection, and both can be top-coated with primer surfacer.
Do you have to Prime Bondo before painting?
Do You Need To Prime Bondo Before Painting? To help your top coats adhere to the metal, you should use a “direct to metal” primer (DTM), but it is not usually necessary under body filler. Once the metal is primed, you can apply a “filler primer” (2K) to hide scratches and minor surface scratches.
How do you prime a car?
How to Apply Car Paint Primer Correctly
- Materials and Tools: Paper, tarp or other covering. ...
- Step 1: Remove Dirt. The very first step is washing the car to get rid of any dirt or grit. ...
- Step 2: Sand the Car. ...
- Step 3: Let your Car Dry. ...
- Step 4: Cover areas not to be Painted. ...
- Step 5: Priming. ...
- Step 6: Sand Car again.
Can I use body filler over etch primer?
Filler can be applied over some epoxy primers, but I wouldn't try it over self etching primers.
Can you paint bare metal without primer?
Primer is a must for painting metal. If the metal surface has been painted before, you'll need to remove old paint, rust, debris, grease, dirt using a wire brush or wire-brush tool.
What does filler primer do?
A filler primer is basically formulated to fill in any pits on the surface from sanding or rust, which is faster than an epoxy primer alone. It is believed by some restorers that filler primer is not much more than liquid body filler. It is also common for filler primer or high-build primer to be urethane.
At what humidity does bare metal rust?
rust when the relative humidity in the air climbs above 50%, and steel rusts when the relative humidity reaches 80%. If your shop is unheated, iron and steel tools will also rust when the nights are cooler than the days.
Can I put bondo over rust converter?
Rust converter converts the rust to primer. You can prime and paint over it. Clean the loose rust off first before converting of course tho. I re-read yes you can bondo over it.
What is epoxy primer?
It is an airtight sealer that protects the primer before the walls are ready for paint. It also acts as a binding ingredient between the concrete, and the topcoat of the paint. Epoxy primer paint protects the walls from extreme weather conditions.
How do you fill holes in metal without welding?
Epoxy or Tape
Epoxy and tape are two common no-weld hole repair options. These do-it-yourself approaches are effective when repairing a small hole rather than a significant tear. Specialty epoxy and tape products are designed to patch steel and metal.
How strong is metal filler?
With a tensile strength usually around 900, this stuff when molded into any shape creates a steel reinforced non rusting putty that when applied, will repair and rebuild just about anything.
Can you Bondo metal?
The Ease of Bondo® Filler, With Extra Strength
This simple 2-part filler is reinforced with aluminum — great for use on fiberglass, metal, aluminum and even wood or masonry. Metal Reinforced Filler includes a small tube of hardener.
How do you prepare bare metal for epoxy primer?
To prepare a bare metal surface for this primer, clean and degrease the surface with Eastwood Pre Painting Prep which is also available in a 50 State Compliant version called Pre Green Paint Prep. This will ensure that all road grime, dirt, grease and other surface contaminants are removed.