It seems etch is a carry over from the old days when there were adhesion failures with automotive paint. It is still used in shops when time is short, ie in a paint production facilities, where time between coats is critical and the part needs to be out the door.
There is endless information on why etch is not really a good long term solution. It is an acid, deposits zinc to make the surface rough so paint will adhere, it is not rust treatment or prevents rust. It can't be used under body filla of any type, it remains "reversable" which means a year later you can still wipe it off with acetone or reducer. Epoxy is modern high-tech solution that is "not reversable" and has tenacious adhesion when used over a lightly sandblasted part.
I have 2pak paints that specifically warn not to be used over etch.
Make sure whatever paint you use is compatible with etch, if that is the route you go.
I must admit, it is hard to find an epoxy primer in BLACK, but any other colour primer will show through and ruin the whole look. I have found 2 products locally available, they are out there.
There is endless information on why etch is not really a good long term solution. It is an acid, deposits zinc to make the surface rough so paint will adhere, it is not rust treatment or prevents rust. It can't be used under body filla of any type, it remains "reversable" which means a year later you can still wipe it off with acetone or reducer. Epoxy is modern high-tech solution that is "not reversable" and has tenacious adhesion when used over a lightly sandblasted part.
I have 2pak paints that specifically warn not to be used over etch.
Make sure whatever paint you use is compatible with etch, if that is the route you go.
I must admit, it is hard to find an epoxy primer in BLACK, but any other colour primer will show through and ruin the whole look. I have found 2 products locally available, they are out there.