MattF
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Just thought I'd post up the progress on this subject. All of the advice I received on this subject is highly appreciated.
Now that the original bits which were painted in both manners a few months ago have had the time to cure fully, I'm personally of the opinion that primer is pretty much a pointless addition where painting tools/machines is concerned, for several reasons.
1) The enamel has bonded fine regardless of whether primer was used or not. As long as the basics are adhered to with regard to providing a clean surface for painting, it goes on and bonds well either way.
2) The primer introduces an extra level of phaff, especially when brush painting.
3) This one is more personal preference, but I honestly think rough cast things look nicer with just an enamel layer. The primer tends to sanitise the appearance somewhat, detracting from the character of the piece.
4) It honestly seems to make no difference as to whether an enamel paint is going to chip or not. Due to being unexpectedly interrupted the other day whilst in the process of relocating the end covers from a grinder, (painted with primer and top coat), they ended up being dropped. Same outcome as when an unprimed piece gets a knock. Paint chips just pull the primer off with them.
5) It's a sight easier to touch up an unprimed piece and get it looking fine. Quick dab of paint, (and seamlessly blend in the edges later if desired, though it seems pointless doing so on something which will likely need touching up a few more times throughout its life), and a chip is sorted. Primer does make it far more notable as to where a chip has happened if you just dab some enamel on there without building it back up properly.
Obviously, I've no way of telling the minute differences primer makes to overall adhesion, but in real world use from my experience, it seems an unnecessary level of phaff.
Now that the original bits which were painted in both manners a few months ago have had the time to cure fully, I'm personally of the opinion that primer is pretty much a pointless addition where painting tools/machines is concerned, for several reasons.
1) The enamel has bonded fine regardless of whether primer was used or not. As long as the basics are adhered to with regard to providing a clean surface for painting, it goes on and bonds well either way.
2) The primer introduces an extra level of phaff, especially when brush painting.
3) This one is more personal preference, but I honestly think rough cast things look nicer with just an enamel layer. The primer tends to sanitise the appearance somewhat, detracting from the character of the piece.
4) It honestly seems to make no difference as to whether an enamel paint is going to chip or not. Due to being unexpectedly interrupted the other day whilst in the process of relocating the end covers from a grinder, (painted with primer and top coat), they ended up being dropped. Same outcome as when an unprimed piece gets a knock. Paint chips just pull the primer off with them.
5) It's a sight easier to touch up an unprimed piece and get it looking fine. Quick dab of paint, (and seamlessly blend in the edges later if desired, though it seems pointless doing so on something which will likely need touching up a few more times throughout its life), and a chip is sorted. Primer does make it far more notable as to where a chip has happened if you just dab some enamel on there without building it back up properly.
Obviously, I've no way of telling the minute differences primer makes to overall adhesion, but in real world use from my experience, it seems an unnecessary level of phaff.