Shop Hack: Roll on Primer to Protect Bare Metal as You Work

Imagine telling all your car friends you’re going to roll the primer onto your restoration project. You should expect raised eyebrows and incredulous looks, naturally. You may as well have just declare you’ll be knitting your car’s new paint job. Yet, despite the initial absurdity, rolling on primer might just be the clever hack that transforms your DIY restoration from a chaotic spray zone to a controlled, efficient process.

To be clear, we’re not suggesting you prime and paint the entire car using a roller. However, rolling on epoxy primer as a first layer on top of bare metal offers numerous advantages over spraying. This is especially true for a DIY project where the priming process may be dragged out over weeks or months. Or hell, may even over several years (you know who you are).

Here’s why we believe using a roll-on epoxy primer like Eastwood’s OptiFlow system is a smart move:

No Overspray

First and foremost, rolling on primer eliminates overspray. This means a cleaner working environment (aka – your home garage). This is particularly beneficial when working in confined spaces or areas where you need to avoid contamination of other surfaces. There’s also typically less need for extensive masking of surrounding areas to protect against overspray, as well as less wasted material.

Rolling significantly reduces the amount of airborne particles, decreasing inhalation risks and the need for extensive protective gear. This can be an important advantage when working in less ventilated areas or without professional-grade respirators. However, when working with any catalyzed paint system like epoxy, we still recommend using an activated respirator.

Better Control and Precision

Using a roller allows for more control over the application process, especially in tight or intricate areas where spraying might be difficult. This precision can help ensure an even coat and reduce the chances of runs or sags in the primer.

In fact, rolling can help a novice painter achieve a more uniform thickness with the critical primer layer. While skilled sprayers can achieve similar results, rolling might be easier for less experienced individuals to get a consistent coat.

Low Equipment Cost

Rolling on primer eliminates the need for expensive spray equipment, such as spray guns and compressors, and the associated maintenance. This can be more cost-effective for small-scale projects or hobbyists. It’s not uncommon for a DIYer to eventually hand off their project to a professional for final bodywork and paint.

Easy Cleanup

Cleaning up after rolling is generally simpler than after spraying. Rollers and trays can be disposed of or cleaned relatively easily. Spray equipment, on the other hand, requires thorough cleaning with harsh solvents to prevent clogging and ensure longevity.

Because prep and cleanup time are reduced, roll-on primers make it more convenient to work on small sections of a project. Simply mix the amount of primer required for the task, pull out a new tray liner and roller, and you’re off and priming.

While rolling on epoxy primer has these advantages, it’s important to note that it may not always produce the same level of finish quality as spraying, particularly for top coats. For the best results, some restorers may use a combination of both methods, rolling on the primer for its practical benefits and then spraying the top coats for a smoother, more professional finish.