Hello,

Can anyone recommend any alternatives to 2k paints / primers and fillers for sealing bucks etc.  Is seems 1k systems will be problematic with bonding / mould releasing but 2k looks like evil stuff to work with and prohibitive cost wise for me due to the H&S kit required (3 stage filters for breatheable air supplies, secondary compressor, air fed mask etc..).

Is 1k completely off limit or is it just that it's hit-and-miss to avoid problems?

I'm just about to try a 2k epoxy filler/primer in a can from spraymax (you puncture a bladder with a button on the bottom), this one has no dangerous isocyanates and can be sprayed with a standard carbon type mask for working with epoxy,  hopefully that'll polish to a sheen which will be enough to take the mould from, otherwise will then use a gloss coat from them...

Bear in mind not all 2k is the same, certain types are suitable for the right filter masks without needing the pressure fed masks etc (I'm in the same boat)

Will let you know how I get on over the weekend...

James

1k paints dry by solvent evaporation basically the longer you leave it the harder it gets, 2k paints dry by chemical reaction which is obviously why there is a catalyst. the aerosol 2k paints that are around nowadays are good for the shall we say handyman at home (even though we use them at work for painting inside rear panels and 1/4 panels before bonding and riveting)

used in a ventilated area with a good mask you'll be fine, don't forget to keep as much skin covered! it does absorb chemicals.

i know it is totally hillbilly--but you can mix two component primers and use a foam roller to apply..
just sand it smooth after it is cured and you would be fine.
use no reduction (do not thin it) just primer and catalyst. roll on several medium coats and let it almost dry between coats.

and it does work !!

CarbonFiberCreations

not as hillbilly as you might think, applying 2k primer with a roller has been around for a long time. it allows jobs to be primered on the shop floor without masking up everything in a big radius. spraying on the shop floor is against H+S regs

Hi Brasco
Us Canadian Hillbilly's have an even cruder way of applying 2 part epoxy primer surfacer. I mix it up like you described and then simply brush it on nice and thick with a cheap chip brush. It works great, sort of like a brushable body filler. Once I have the pits all filled and sanded flat I then spray on a good smooth layer.
Can't argue with results.
Fred
  

It's been too damp&cold - will probably attempt in the coming week...

the original HVLP !!

CarbonFiberCreations

Finally sprayed 3 large patterns with it today - works a treat! nozzle is adjustable for fan size and orientation, sprays a very nice even coat that flashes off quickly, even in 15deg temps, and seems to build well... Have tried wet sanding an area and it produces a nice sheen (I doubt it will polish to a gloss, but i'll give it a go...

Expensive, but an excellent way to avoid conventional 2k (can use a normal epoxy mask) or sending it away

James