What Primer?

[Wolfpack]

We all know that the Germans used a red-brown primer for their armour, but what did the US use on Shermans?

W

[Johan]

Hi,
been trying to find an answer to the same question.

So far I have found no "proof" or reliable source.

4 main ideas seem to come back over and over;

A.) US Shermans where not primed - the OD was baked on and very durable. When worn it was simply overpainted with more OD.

B.) Red Oxide
C.) Don't paint-chip a Sherman - the color did not wear off that way

D.) Don't use zinc cromate green, that was for alloy/aircraft only.

Good luck
Johan

Edited August 2, 2013 by Johan

[Test Graham]

I've just received Son of Sherman Vol 1, which I'd have thought told me everything there was to know about Shermans (except what is coming in Vol 2!) but it says nothing about painting that I can find. However, there is a page devoted to close-ups of various handles, and several of these have the paint almost worn away. None of these show any sign of red primer or indeed any other coloured undercoat.

[SleeperService]

The coating on Sherman tanks was baked on just like car repair shops do today. The sub assemblies were painted by the sub-contractors.

Having been fortunate to see several hulls at various stages of restoration there is no other colour under the OD. I believe that standard air drying paint was issued to 'subbies' who lacked paint ovens or even spray gear, this would be the same as used by engineer battalions to paint vehicles in the field.

Go with Johan's Option A. Red lead was definitely NOT used as it was always in short supply and the Navy took priority. Chromate only works on aluminium AFAIK, zinc primer is used on ferrous metals.

[Wolfpack]

Looks like a bit of bare metal and thats it. thanks folks.

W