I'd been planning to paint my chassis over the weekend. I've prepped with the POR-15 degreaser and acid etch stuff and my spray gun is all ready for action.

But on double checking the safety info, I've discovered that POR-15 contains isocyanates. I'm 99% sure that means I need an air fed mask if I value my lungs at all...?? (I had previously concluded an organic particulate filter mask would be OK - but that's for brush application only it seems).

So I have a few options: Find a local bodyshop to paint the chassis; buy/hire an air fed mask setup; or scrap the whole idea and get the chassis powdercoated....

But being a stubborn bugger I'm determined to use POR-15 and do the bloody job myself. So that means brush/roller painting and lots of tedious rubbing down before I spray on the topcoat.

Don't know why I'm posting really... sympathy perhaps?

I wasn't sure when I first used POR-15, but I ended up brush-painting it on. It goes on easily (a bit sticky) but looks messy when wet. As it dried it tightens up and ends up as a really smooth and tough finish. It does need a top coat if it's exposed to UV light as it will discolour, but all that's needed is a rub-down with fine-grit abrasive paper to take the gloss off before over-spraying with your chosen colour.

Get some decent-quality brushes or rollers and treat them as disposable - even if you use the proper solvents they'll be all stiff and useless afterwards!

[Edited on 22/3/08 by David Jenkins]

I would brush it on, there is so much wastage when spraying tube.

Instead of por15 I have bought Black Epoxy Mastic 121. It is a two pack paint that does not need an undercoat.
Apparently guaranteed against peeling, cracking, flaking and attack from road salt, battery acid and brake fluid etc.
Not cheap at £108 for 5 ltrs (delivered) but according to some car mags/write ups, is the dogs cahoonas!
It comes in other colours.

I tried to spray my frame with 5 cans. Waste of paint! It went everywhere, and some actually made it to the frame. I would powdercoat if I was doing it again - and I would hire it out, even though I have a powdercoat setup. Baking it on is a pain with a gun.

Brushing is what I ended up doing. And it all scratched off when I put the engine in.