Monstaliner (I know) prep question

[TuggerTJ]

Hey y’all. In a previous post I was looking for some guidance about a 2000 TJ for sale. Well, after a lot of back and forth and a new tranny and clutch, I decided to pull the trigger on it. During the test drive, 5th gear was burned out. I had them replace the tranny and install a new clutch and now he’s running beautifully.

My first project was to gut the interior and line the tub. I started the process of dismantling everything while I did research. The passenger seat took a whole can on PB to actually lean forward to expose the bolts. After many hours going over Herculiner vs Monstaliner posts, I decided to go with monsta. Placed my order and it arrived today.

First day of hand sanding was brutal. The PO sprayed some matte black paint so I had to get that all up. Bought a wire cup brush and day two was much easier, although now with thorough research I believe I did TOO much.

I have bare metal in many places, mainly the footwells. I’m trying to get a general consensus on primer before the Monstaliner application. POR 15? Rusto? Do I spot prime or just do the whole tub? Any help is much appreciated. I know prep is key and I’m probably a good week away from rolling the liner (weather permitting) but I want to do it right the first time because there really isn’t any second chances.

Thanks. Attached are before and afters thus far. Last picture is some surface rust accumulation on the passenger foot well.

 

[balfred]

When I did monstaliner on my rock sliders I just media blasted them and then used a self etching primer. Then cleaned the surface with acetone and let dry, then applied the monstaliner. That stuff is good, I really like it

 

[TuggerTJ]

When I did monstaliner on my rock sliders I just media blasted them and then used a self etching primer. Then cleaned the surface with acetone and let dry, then applied the monstaliner. That stuff is good, I really like it

I've read from these forums that ML won't adhere well to self etch. Now I'm really down the rabbit hole. eriodico:

 

[balfred]

Oops sorry to confuse you more! I didn't know that and mine seem to be fine. ML has been on over a year and the steps still look brand new. Sorry man, maybe don't do the etching primer then if others have had bad experiences just because I didn't have a bad experience.

 

[TuggerTJ]

Oops sorry to confuse you more! I didn't know that and mine seem to be fine. ML has been on over a year and the steps still look brand new. Sorry man, maybe don't do the etching primer then if others have had bad experiences just because I didn't have a bad experience.

I'm assuming you went down to all bare metal, right? Maybe thats the kicker. I just have bare spots like the rails in the bed and foot wells.

I appreciate the help, nonetheless!

 

[balfred]

Yes they were sand blasted essentially to bare metal and then some self etching primer was put on to keep them from rusting before I could get to lining them with ML. I didn't apply it heavily I don't think, I want to say I just did enough to coat them fully but it would have been very thin/light

 

[TuggerTJ]

Update: I emailed MagnetPaint, and they recommended the following in case anyone else has the same issue.

Rustoleum oil base metal primer in quarts or gallons, no spray can
Let it cure 2 days before topcoating with ML
Light scotchbrite pad the surface and vacuum or dry tack rag to remove dust
Mineral spirits cleaning or water and let dry thoroughly, no MEK or acetone over this primer

Serious shout out to Magnet Paints, too. They responded in minutes.

 

[FireJeep]

Sorry I did not see your post earlier, I too used Monstaliner in the tub of my Jeep as well as an M416 trailer I have, it is very tenacious, Monstaliner is great for customer service. I am very happy with how mine turned out, in fact I am in need of replacing my right front fender due to rust and am going to Monstaline the top and front to make it more durable than the stock paint......

 

[TuggerTJ]

Sorry I did not see your post earlier, I too used Monstaliner in the tub of my Jeep as well as an M416 trailer I have, it is very tenacious, Monstaliner is great for customer service. I am very happy with how mine turned out, in fact I am in need of replacing my right front fender due to rust and am going to Monstaline the top and front to make it more durable than the stock paint......

Glad I made the choice. The price option was obviously my main comparison between herculiner and monstaliner. The real thing that swayed me was the UV and the texture. Many people who used Herculiner said they were pleased with it, but the black would fade and the texture was too rough to get any dirt out of it easily. Living in Florida, I don't plant to have a top or doors on it much, so I wanted something I could easily clean that will stand up to the sun.