Primer/Sealer or not

[dsinger]

I am restoring a 78 MonArk. I am to the point of paint. This is my seventh complete restoration and I have always sealed the old paint on the fiberglass but just because the paint store told me to. I was wondering if it is original do I have to seal it. I always apply base coat clear coat automotive paints. The place I purchase the paint always ask me what type of paint I am applying it on and I always say I dont know and they say well you have to seal it then. That makes me think you can apply certain types of paint without a sealer/primer.

 

[1730V]

Re: Primer/Sealer or not

Fiberglass/gel coat needs to be sealed.

 

[dsinger]

Re: Primer/Sealer or not

Even if the gel coat is sanded off.

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Primer/Sealer or not

Do not sand the gelcoat off or you will need a filler primer and not just a sealer. If the gelcoat is sound and not oxidized you could probably paint over it with good results. Chances are that it is not, and the sealer will fill the microscopic porosity that likely exists. Your basecoat would look terrible applied over a surface like this. A solid single stage color would be much more forgiving but definitely seal for base/clear unless the gelcoat is like new.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Primer/Sealer or not

Primer's are basic 101 painting, and after 7 restore's im sure you know that...........want to skip a step, go ahead but something is telling you HUH......