Here's the primer of choice that I use for most jobs. It's a PPG product and is a non-sanding self etching epoxy primer. To explain that in more detail...the self etching gives the primer the bit. Bit into the bare metal....and bit when you smell it. It's a mild acid that grabs a hold of the bare metal and seals it from the elements. The epoxy part means it's a two part mix: Primer & Hardener. The blue can is reducer which doesn't have to be used if you have the right equipment to spray thick primer. The "LF" on the end of the part number states for "Lead Free"!!!! Hey, at least the primer and paint won't have any lead in it.....but the type used in this press sure will have some lead in it!!!!!

The next three pictures show the draw bars in the first three steps of restoration. First picture is the draw bars removed from the press ready for sandblasting. The second photo shows the same bars after sand blasting. All the paint, ink and rust removed. The third picture shows after the bars are in epoxy primer. Still have polyester primer, sanding....maybe more polyester primer/filler, sanding, sealing, and then painting. Stay tuned to this site for later updates.....these draw bars are very colorful when completed.