Painting for the entry level person

[Bluto92]

Phosphate

What we do is this; blast it well with the correct media for the situation and immediately spray all bare metal liberally with a phosphate solution. That will kill any slight trace rust the blasting didn't reach and etches the metal. The phosphate solution will dry leaving a light residue that can be easily wiped away with a scotch brite pad. We follow up with 2 coats of epoxy primer right over the phosphate which seals out moisture completely. Primers in general do not seal out moisture. Sounds as if the one you are using is letting moisture through. It will work super fast in humid conditions of summer. If you want to fill the pits after applying epoxy, you can do so without worry of rust showing back up if you have done each step correctly. Filler will work just fine over the epoxy; follow up later with 3-4 coats of high build primer for a nice prep job prior to paint.

Charles - a few phosphate questions for a newbie...
1. Are you using Iron Phosphate or Zinc/other?
2. Using spray can or bulk liquid in a spray rig?
3. Brand? Where can i buy?

I have lots of newly liberated parts that need to be blasted but haven't chosen a final color yet. thanks.