Bare metal prep options

[JankyGarage]

Looking for what's expectable to prep bare metal for epoxy. I already know 80grit DA and sandblasting (with appropriate media) are the best.
My question is for areas with a lot of twists, turns and angles going on like the bottom of a hood. Are any of these acceptable but also knowing not as good as DA and sandblasting,

1. Hamburger Wheel
2. Roloc red
3. Roloc 80 grit
4. Hand Sand 80 grit
5. Angle grinder 80 grit
6. Power air 5" sander 36 grit.

Biggest reason to not just sandblast all these small areas is with my set up it will take 2 months and probably burn my compressor out. Also Im curious what type of "bite" the epoxy needs.

A lot of questions here, as far as epoxy metal prep Im just looking for a list of what's:

1. Best prepping options
2. Ok if used in low wear and tear areas
3. Use at your own risk
4. Absolutely do not try.

And again as far as the outside of the vehicle that will be exposed to elements and rock chips I wouldn't do less than 80 grit da or sand blasting to remove any rust pits.

Its my own personal project Im just trying to save time to keep the wife happy.

 

[Evil_Fiz]

I won't speak with authority where I have none, but I will share what I have learned here.

1. Best prepping options

Media blast with crushed glass or coal slag, blow off with compressed air and spray epoxy.
1st runner up is DA 80# followerd by 80# by hand.

2. Ok if used in low wear and tear areas

Scotch-Brite, Maroon or Tan if 80# won't fit or conform.

3. Use at your own risk

Phosphoric acid

4. Absolutely do not try.

Greasy napkin left over from lunch at KFC


I used a combination of all the methods listed above with good results.

Curious side note:
If you use fingerprint authentication on your mobile phone, and you do any vigorous hand sanding, be prepared to employ alternate methods of unlocking your phone.

-----
Emil

 

[Lizer]

Don't overthink it. Use whatever variety of methods you need to utilizing whatever tools you have to get the paint stripped and clean. Get 80 grit scratches on whatever you can. For anything else, even red scotchbrite is better than nothing, like tight corners, etc. The epoxy will still stick.