Canadian tire also sells the POR-15 metal prep.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/me...l#.Vsk7f1JA5Yk
Prior to metal prep, there can be no paint and the metal has to be degreased. For degreaser, I use TSP (trisodiumphosphate), which is available at just about any hardware store.
Personally, there are only two kinds of etching that I like: flash rust or else sandblasting. If you apply POR-15 on a smooth surface, odds are it will peel off like a film sheet.
If you are going to prefair, check to see if they got in those pelican storage containers.... I am looking for one. Am happy to pay reasonable markup and postage.
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=25265