Epoxy mastic chassis protection?
Discussion
Does anyone have any experience of epoxy mastic coatings. Combined with an appropriate rust converter / primer it looks like a miracle product.
I'll be refurbing my Chim's chassis over the next few weeks and I want to apply the best coating possible as I'm not looking to repeat the experience.....
>> Edited by Tigertiger on Monday 15th August 16:23
>> Edited by TigerTiger on Monday 15th August 19:32
I'll be refurbing my Chim's chassis over the next few weeks and I want to apply the best coating possible as I'm not looking to repeat the experience.....
>> Edited by Tigertiger on Monday 15th August 16:23
>> Edited by TigerTiger on Monday 15th August 19:32
The Epoxy Mastic is very good stuff - extremely impact resistant coating. Also has good temperature tolerance e.g. on the chasis near the exhaust manifolds. However, my experience is limited only to applying it to blast-cleaned steel - not something you can do if the chasis is still attached to the body! In any case, it is bound to be better than Hammerite. It is available in Black, Aluminium, Red (IIRC)
The other popular solution is POR15 but I have never tried this. Apparently it can go off in the tin once opened and left on the shelf for a while. This will not happen with the Epoxy as you have to mix 2 parts for it to set. Just mix as much as you need each time. I think POR15 is available in black, silver, grey, clear (from www.frost.co.uk) From my enquiries, it is also difficult to get top coats to stick to it without using an intermediate "Tie Coat" primer first. POR15 is not colour stable in UV light (maybe not an issue on your chasis) and it requires a lot of surface preparation with other POR products first.
Another product from Frost is "Eastwood Rust Encapsulator" in red, black or silver. This stuff seems to be similar to POR15 but is UV stable and will take a top coat directly I believe.
Yet another choice is some new stuff called "Rust Bullet" which I am meaning to try soon. This comes in an Aluminium pigment only. The claims sound good, particularly as it seems to require minimal surface preparation compared to other products (handy when working under the car). There is a UK distributor, but I don't have the details to hand right now. Advert can be found in Practical Classics magazine
In summary, I have tried Epoxy Mastic and it is certainly excellent stuff on blast-cleaned steel. Supposedly good over existing rust too. I have tried Hammerite and it is quick to slap on, looks nice at first but does not adhere or last very well.
My next try is going to be Rust Bullet when I have a job where body removal is not taking place.
Long winded, but I hope all this is helpful info.
Cheers, JW
The other popular solution is POR15 but I have never tried this. Apparently it can go off in the tin once opened and left on the shelf for a while. This will not happen with the Epoxy as you have to mix 2 parts for it to set. Just mix as much as you need each time. I think POR15 is available in black, silver, grey, clear (from www.frost.co.uk) From my enquiries, it is also difficult to get top coats to stick to it without using an intermediate "Tie Coat" primer first. POR15 is not colour stable in UV light (maybe not an issue on your chasis) and it requires a lot of surface preparation with other POR products first.
Another product from Frost is "Eastwood Rust Encapsulator" in red, black or silver. This stuff seems to be similar to POR15 but is UV stable and will take a top coat directly I believe.
Yet another choice is some new stuff called "Rust Bullet" which I am meaning to try soon. This comes in an Aluminium pigment only. The claims sound good, particularly as it seems to require minimal surface preparation compared to other products (handy when working under the car). There is a UK distributor, but I don't have the details to hand right now. Advert can be found in Practical Classics magazine
In summary, I have tried Epoxy Mastic and it is certainly excellent stuff on blast-cleaned steel. Supposedly good over existing rust too. I have tried Hammerite and it is quick to slap on, looks nice at first but does not adhere or last very well.
My next try is going to be Rust Bullet when I have a job where body removal is not taking place.
Long winded, but I hope all this is helpful info.
Cheers, JW
Thanks JW - not long winded at all. Good to hear from someone who has used the stuff and being able to make some comparisions. Apparently it can be used over firm rust if surface presealed / converted with Fe-123 first. Axle stands and jack arrive tomorrow, Guess what I'n doing over the weekend...
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