Sam,
You are correct. An etching primer will do the job and allow the painter to proceed with applying a thin and durable paintjob. Any imperfections can be fixed using bondo or spot putty, depending on the situation. Spot putty has limitations as to thickness and should only be used for minor repairs. Catalyzed spot putty or bondo should be used for dents and such. Spot putty has to be applied over the primer, whereas bondo is acceptable to use directly on the properly prepared bare metal.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa,CA
>
> I don't know if Brian will agree but with the small tubes on a bike and If
> the frame doesn't need anything hidden you can use an etch primer and paint
> right over it. You don't need a primer surfacer. This really cuts down on
> the amount of material applied etch primer is almost non existent it is just
> a rust inhibitor that allows the primer surfacer to bind. Sam DiBartolomeo
> Southern CA.