Recommended "Rattle Can" Primer
 

I am going to use a can primer for my tail. Appreciate recommendations on best product available. Also, will a Sharpie show through for marking parts?

Thanks

SEM self-etching primer.

If you lay it on too thick, it'll flake and scratch easily, but a couple of light
coats will stick better and allow a sharpie to show through.

I'm with John, I like the SEM stuff, but it is very pricey through my local supplier ($15+/can). I switched to Napa #7220 simply because of the cost and ease of acquistion, and it seems to be working just fine.

I'm using this stuff from Aircraft Spruce:

Marhyde Self Etching Primer works as good as any rattle can stuff and you can get it at most any automotive paint store.

SEM works well
 

I second John's thoughts. SEM self-etching primer works well. Two light coats works great, dries fast and lets Mr. Sharpie shine through. You can remove it with MEC, if you want. I bought my first few cans through an auto paint retailer, but you can get it much cheaper on the internet. I bought about 3 cases and they will last me through the whole project. I am about 3/4 through the fuse.

Napa #7220 Self Etching Primer
 

I second the NAPA #7220 Self Etching Primer. It works great and easy to apply. If you watch for NAPA sales you can get it half price. It usually runs around $7.50/can I caught it on sale a year ago for half price. I bought a case of it and have pretty well used the entire case up to this point (fuselage pretty well complete). I wish I had bought two cases of the stuff.

I second the aircraft spruce stuff - but that might be cause I can drive there and pick it up:



I also looked for the NAPA 7220, but no stores in my area carried it. Spruce had there self-etch priced at around $7-8 per can. Like the SEM, don't go to thick or it will scratch or peel easily. Learned that the hard way... a few times. :cool:

This is what I use.


Light scuff with Scotchbrite, clean with MEK, a VERY light coat of Dupli-Color to etch and then Rust-oleum Gloss Smoke Gray topcoat. Quick easy and $4.99 for each at you local Auto Zone or Pep Boys.

I would suggest MEK before and after Scotchbrite to keep from working oils into the surface or the pads.

My local NAPA carries both the Dupli-Color and the #7220 Self Etching Primer. I returned the Dupli-color after one use. It did not hold up like the #7220. If you don't see it at Napa then ask at the counter. Mine store stocks the Dupli-color but can get me the #7220 next day. Using two items like above may work as well but why the extra work?