Do I need primer??

thegoblin

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
44
I am going to paint a 5" racing stripe on my 16 ft runabout. I've got the blue base coat and clear urethane from an auto paint supply. He told me I don't need to,prime just dewax and degrease, light sand and put down the basecoat. Everywhere I read online says to prime. It's going to be a blue metal flake stripe that is why I went this route just want to make sure it is put on right.
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
If there is compatible paint on there now that is good, not peeling and sound condition, then no, you don't need a primer. BUT, you have to make absolutely sure you remove any and all waxes, silicones, contaminations, dirt and oils before taping off for your strip. And the finishes have to be compatible. You also need to sand the area to give the new strip something to attach too. But if you follow the paint instructions to the letter, you should be fine... One other thing, light coats are way better then one heavy dripping coat. So take it slow and use light coats until you cover everything correctly. JMHO!
 

thegoblin

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
44
Sorry my first post wasn't really clear. I am doing it on gelcoat. I washed the area with TSP then taped it off then sanded it. I have my base coat, clear and metal flake. Thought I should prime and the fellow at the paint store said it wasn't necessary.
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Gel coat is a very good substrate for paint, primer isn't really needed.
 
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