Paint advice needed

[Cov1500]

The time is rapidly approaching when I am going to have to deal some painting my car myself (another new experience......). Not sure which type of paint is best for the job, synthetic or cellulose? I also need to know which types of primer are compatible with the original paint (which is presumably cellulose), filler and the top coat. I was thinking some sort of zinc sulphate primer to help prevent rust. Does this require any other primer (such as etch primer)?

[cliftyhanger]

I think or cars were painted in a type of acrylic in the factory, but cellulose is what is usually used at home for resprays.
Etch primer is almost essential on bare metal as it contains phosphoric acid which bites into the bare metal and also helps kill rust. Though bondaprimer is another favourite of mine.

High build primers are useful, and so is acrylic stopper (forget cellulose stopper, useless in comparison) for surface imperfections. Any decent filler is good. If you are (horror of horrors) going to repair holes, use a fibreglass filler as it is waterproof so stopping water getting into the repair from behind. Don't worry, a surprising number of cars have fg filler repairs that last indefinitely and most owners have no idea....

Have a look at the mig welding forum for general painting guides/hints and tips. Very good resource.
But remember it is all about the prep. And if you have the safety gear, 2K paint, especially primers, make the job better and much easier. Cellulose over 2K works well, but I use 2k topcoat too. (being lazy!)

[Cov1500]

Thanks for the reply - by acrylic I meant the 'truck' paint rather than 2K. Filler is to cover dents and other imperfections. I have a bad surface rust issue with the roof, so some sort anti rust treatment may be required thought hopefully I can take it to bare metal before I end up with an unexpected sun-roof....
So etch primer before a zinc sulphate high build primer then top coat?

[Jon Tilson]

On a big panel like a roof I really would spend the time getting it back to bare metal and then using an etch and a high build primer
on top. Personally I like cellulose but it gets harder to find. Thermoplastic acrylic is also ok but less forgiving in that you need to spray
the gloss in and its harder to get a shine if you get it wrong. You can get a shine on celly even if you slap it on with a trowel.

I'm not a fan of 2k. Any car Ive had done with 2k never lasts as long as the original celly did.

Jonners