Yellow Zinc Chromate Primer (Alternatives)

[VCS1]

Hello,
I am searching for recommendations, paint codes etc to simulate yellow Zinc Chromate primer. I know the health, environmental factors to using real Zinc Chromate but I still want to get the "look" for my P-35A replica. I have using some spray paint cans I bought at Aircraft Spruce that are okay for small parts, but I really need to start using a paint gun. I have noticed the MAAM P-61B, "Dottie May" P-47D restorations that are using some type of yellow Zinc Chromate colored paint. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would also appreciate something I could legally buy in California as well.

[John Dupre]

One alternative is yellow zinc oxide primer. Don't know about its status in CA though. There are two part self etching epoxy primers. The one I know the most about is a tan color but it is possible that it is available in yellow shade.

[The Inspector]

If you dig deep enough into the "MAINTENANCE HANGER" thread, you'll find this was discussed on a couple of occasions and several alternatives offered within the last 2 or so years, My suggestion is the water based solvent resistant finish (SRF) that Boeing uses (since I'm most familiar with that primer), once it's dry you toss it in the garbage as it becomes environmentally neutral when dry. It can be tinted to match any color you may want if you go to a large auto paint and body supply store as the same basic stuff is used for 'suede' finishes in any color for rat rods and old skool lead sleds.
Zinc oxide has serious environmental and health issues.

[ZRX61]

Local autobody store will be able to tint PPG DPLF epoxy primer to match

[snj-5]

PPG makes a series of catalized primers and one of them
is yellow (forget which one right now, but you can look
it up on the web).

I've used DP-70 before, and it's the same milspec as
Boeing BMS10-11 primer (probably the most durable
primer out there).

Bela P. Havasreti

[ZRX61]

I've used DP-70 before, and it's the same milspec as
Boeing BMS10-11 primer (probably the most durable
primer out there).

Bela P. Havasreti

& the great thing about epoxy primer is that it sticks to *everything* & everything sticks to it One of the DP's is a *military looking* blue/green color.... altho I prefer the white or blue (close to RAF PR Blue)

[Dan Jones]

I exercised a little artistic license and had polyurethane paint mixed in the "zinc chromate yellow" color as well as a couple of different shades of "zinc chromate green". Then I just prime with the applicable primer and finish in the yellow or green as required. That way everything has two coats of finish on it to protect the metal. It's a more durable finish as well.

Dan