Paint Primer color

[FarmerJim 5]

Hey Guys, When you prep your tractors and equipment for paint what color primer do you have the best luck with?. back in the day when I restored a few Farmall tractors I used red oxide primer(always thought that made the red a little more "deep" . I haven't painted anything in probably 10 years and am behind the times. Just curious.

[rmaynard 15,715]

I think it depends on the top coat you are planning to use. I don't see auto painters use anything other than gray. If you are using spray cans, and the top coat is thin, maybe a red primer is best. I have never used anything other than gray myself.

Bob

[tgranthamfd 29]

I prefer the red oxide under the red top coat. If you happen to chip the top coat, with red oxide under it, it is not a noticeable.

[Gene_S 93]

Hey Jimmy nice seeing you yesterday!!!

I to like using the red under my top coat because of the chip reason. On my first restore I used grey and all the chips and scratches stand out. Something funny tho when I worked in the body shop years ago they only used grey but everthing got a coat of "sealer" before the base coat clear coat went on. I'd replace body panels, fenders, bed sides, door panels and so on. The owners brother would fix dents with filler if need be and shoot grey primer on. Then I would mist black primer over the grey and wet sand then the owner would paint... The place run like a BROKEN clock! Sorry to ramble... :omg:

[rickv1957 72]

I have always used the gray primer,Rick

[buckeye 5]

i use red primer for the tractor, and grey primer for the wheels

[FarmerJim 5]

A big to all who replied I really enjoy getting everyones input! Got to find my gun and start practicing so I'll be ready when the time comes .

I know I have alot of coaches here on R.S. who will help me along the way!.

Gene: nice seeing you again nice little swap meet down there and keep us posted on that tricycle front.

[PPGman 5]

Primer color selection depends alot on the top coat color. For wheel horse red, a darker gray, would be a good choice. The goal i kinda shoot for is to be able to burry my primer/sealer with no more than 2-3 coats of color........that way i'm not wasting my good paint, just to get the primer covered.

In reality, just about any color primer will work, but you just might have to use a bit more color to get that primer covered. Good luck with your project!