Cleaning kit parts before priming

[magiccarpet]

If necessary, I start with removing remains of adhesive labels and oily fingerprints with alcohol.
Then, after scuffing the parts with maroon Scotch Brite pads, I clean the parts, first with soapy water (and yes, I use the same shower cream products as for myself ), rinse them very well and let them dry.
Then, before priming, I use acetone to fully degrease and to take away any rests.

Even though you may laugh about of using body shower cream, I think any substances with degreasing effect will do the job. And as I take large parts to the shower booth, the soap is already there

[Barneybc12d]

Wash with Prekote using a maroon pad and rinse. Prime within 24 hours. Strong bond. Akzo needs to be sanded off.

[JonJay]

Couple of things to note. Cleaning before sanding or scuffing is recommended. Is it necessary, probably not. However, cleaning before sanding eliminates the chance of grinding contaminates into the surface.

Self Etching primers make a very good base for other primers even without sanding or scuffing, at least the SW product. The etching process itself makes a pretty good bite. Unless you apply it too thick, which is a common problem. I personally did not take the time to scuff anything that was simply etched, like ribs inside surfaces of skins, etc.... I chose to scuff surfaces that I etched and then primed or painted to give an extra bite. Professional painters scuff the mustard off of things, probably for a good reason.

I like Kleen Strip Prep-All. It has a variety of solvents in it working together as a degreaser and surface prep. It is not that expensive and a gallon goes a long ways. No need for any other cleaner or surface prep product. Wipe it on with a clean rag, let it sit for 1 minute, wipe off with a clean dry rag, done. You can buy it at most auto body shops. This product will reduce you prep time.

[aerhed]

Coleman fuel! Naptha by the gallon.

[XOverZero]

+1 for PreKote. No soap, no solvent, just Scotchbrite scuff with PreKote, water rinse, dry, then shoot with SEM. Superb results and no clean up hassles, VOCs, etc. Wear gloves though, or the PreKote will do a bang up job of degreasing your hands.

[rv9builder]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like there's lots of choices!

[jpowell13]

Don't know if it's still available, but I used acetone plus DuPont 225S and 226S prior to primering. It was easy to use and my DuPont Variprime, self etching, primer has shown no signs of letting go. John

[Bill_H]

I'm amazed at all these steps! Wow.
1. Wipe with acetone. Cheap by the gallon at big box.
2. red Scotchbrite pad scuff.
3. Wipe with acetone.
4. Spray rattle can self-etching aluminum primer - Home Depot Pro series or Marhyde from Oreilly Auto Parts.

As previously said - you'll have to sand it off if you want it off.

[Greg Baron]

Look up the following YouTube clip describing metal surface preparation by Dan Gelbart. I found it most useful.

http://youtu.be/x7onZGqrYyY