I have my usual dilemma in the middle of a Michigan winter.... I'm ready for primer on my latest fiberglassed project, but don't have a heated spraybooth handy. Has anyone rolled on the primer instead of spraying it? I'm using a 2-part primer (PPG shopline primer/surfacer). I could roll the primer on in my basement workshop, but I am curious about 1) it's behavior of the primer when rolled, and 2) if the cat & I will end up dead as a result of the fumes. I know this stuff is really nasty on the 'ol respiratory system, but I'm not sure if it's the fumes of the paint itself or the vapor/mist created when spraying. Any thoughts?

if its spraying then your puting millionbs of particals in the air which you can breath in which is dangerouse. but rolling it on shouldnt be to bad at all just try and keep a supply of fresh air entering your room. as for the behavior of the primer if roilled on i dont no but i primered a car up with celu primer and i brushed it on and had no problems at all apart from brush strokes. itr didnt matter anyway as there was allot of filling and sanding to be done to it. hope this helps
or you could try contacting the manufacturer of the primer and ask them. they should know if they made it as they should have tested it for suitable application process.

The atomization helps the evaporation of the carrier solvents which does not happen when you roll it on. Some may get it to work but I have tried to dab primmer on a car and it was not as good.

With spray you can get a very even coat and easily control the thickness. Brushing or rolling will give you less control and you'll wind up with excess paint and extra weight.

actually some of the finest builders you will see online roll primer on their projects. go to rcsb and look for projects done by sevarg or monocoupe, their talents are indescribable. they both roll their primer on, you are going to sand most of it off anyway. and it's a lot faster way to fill in pinholes, etc. the foam rollers at lowe's (key word: foam) are available in the 3-4" range. with that you can roll your primer so thin you can see through it. all techniques have their advantages, even rattle cans of filler primer; they are quick and convenient. good luck.

Bingo ! good and correct answer .

PPG makes a primer just for that - SX1060. Many of my customers have rolled primer (K36, NCP250 ) on spot situations for years and have had no problem at all. The carrier portion of the solvent is contained in the solvent you use for reduction to spray - something you will not be doing for a roll on application. It does have it's disadvantges though. You tend to get ridges along the edge of the roller (foam) which can make it a pain to sand level. That's a big reason it only gets used for very small areas. Also the smell is just as bad as if you would have sprayed. Ventilation is still very important. I have rolled JP202 and have had very good results so if it is your only option for the moment have at it. Keep it to one or two coats at most. Give it extra time to cure before sanding, you'll find it will powder just as nice.

Have fun,
Dan

somewhere in this absolute master model builder's thread is his primer rolling technique.

http://www.rcscalebuilder.com/forum/...036&PN=1&TPN=1

Most people seem to be off track.You asked about the enviroment more so than technique,which can govern that.If you think it's to cold to spray take some precautions and drag out the wifes hairdryer or a paint stripper gun and ignore the cold.Heat it up gently and evenly.

he asked if anyone has experience with rolling vs spraying and discussed the risks of spraying. my comments were simply to direct him towards some real pros that i've ran across (and their rolling techniques).