December 22, 2003

Finally made it out to Sherwin-Williams Automotive store. Made the decision to go with the SW GBP-988 self-etching primer. Why? No simple answer there. Ask "which primer" to a 100 builders, and get 100 different answers. Okay, maybe a couple would agree, but probably not on all the details. This seems to be one of the biggest issues on the newsgroups as far as passionate subjects.

Bring this up on the Matronics lists, and I guarantee you'll get a "Don't ask" & "Search the Archives" type of answer. Personally, I find these responses worse than useless. #1, I've already searched the archives, and #2 how does somebody new to building get answers if he doesn't ask?

(Notice I'm not going to worry about being politically correct with he/she. Most builders are men. Deal with it.)

I winnowed the list down to two methods: Alodine/Iridite w/ AKZO epoxy, or the SW GBP-988. Both methods have their adherents (including some fanatics), but I based my choice on a couple of things:

GBP-988 is less toxic. I have a mask with organic filters, but I'm building in my basement shop under the house. Keeping the nasty fumes down will make married life much better.
Left over hazardous materials. I know some folks just dump it, others recommend mixing w/ concrete. I don't do concrete (ever seen a concrete plane?), and hazmat disposal could get spendy. I'm talking about used Alodine.
Up-front costs. It would cost about $400 to get started along the Alodine route, and it cost me $21 to get started with Sherwin Williams.
Time. The Alodine route just plain takes longer, for questionable benefit.

I'll let everybody know how this works out!