How long can you leave primer on the body before painting

[GrumpyOldTruck]

I threw some primer on my hood a couple days ago and I'm just wondering how long I can leave it like that before I decide to paint over it

 

[SCOTTYINWV]

A good while if you keep it clean. Then before you paint, wet sand to clean it up before you re spray.

 

[GrumpyOldTruck]

Ok thank you I'll do that

 

[SCOTTYINWV]

If I could find the pics, my buddy left his in primer for a year and we just sanded and shot the paint. He has had it like that for a few years now. Paint looks great.

 

[great white]

A lot of it depends on where you live. If it's warm and dry the rust isn't a big issue and you can go a fair amount of time.

If you live in a wet rust prone area, it comes on pretty fast.

The thing is: primer is permeable. Meaning, water and oxygen can penetrate the primer and start the rusting process.

It can show up years after the finished paint is shot on if exposure to the elements in primer is too long.

Now, we're talking about a primer exposed to the elements like on a driver, not a project sitting in a nice cozy garage....

 

[96k1500]

Like greatwhite said depends on climate and location but driver or project doesnt really matter if its a humid area, the moisture in the area will start rusting alot sooner than if painted and cleared however not as fast as bare metal, correct me if im wrong but i believe bare metal starts rusting within 24 hours

 

[great white]

Like greatwhite said depends on climate and location but driver or project doesnt really matter if its a humid area, the moisture in the area will start rusting alot sooner than if painted and cleared however not as fast as bare metal, correct me if im wrong but i believe bare metal starts rusting within 24 hours

Bare steel starts rusting the moment it's exposed to oxygen. Referred to as "flash rusting" in media blasting and body working circles....freshly blasted usually goes straight into primer asap.

 

[Horns]

Dev should know. His has been in primer for quite a few years now.

 

[bow61509]

Mines been in primer for over a year now but I also live where rust isn't a problem

Sent from DAS DOOLAY!!!

 

[gmcyukondriver]

Dev should know. His has been in primer for quite a few years now.

Same with Bill (98nightmare). That turquoise color is actually primer. It's been like that for YEARS.