Questionable substrate what should I use?

[dhenkel]

I am painting an old work truck for a friend and it has been painted several times with who knows what. He wants just a ok job for this farm truck but doesn't want the paint to fall off. What would be a good first product before paint? I always seal every job but was thinking about some slick sand or feather fill ? I am looking just for a good foundation for my paint to bond to. I know everyone will say sand it all off and then prime but this is a $200 paint job including paint so I can't spend 100 hrs on prep. Please just give me your opinions. Thanks in advance.

[Len]

I am painting an old work truck for a friend and it has been painted several times with who knows what. He wants just a ok job for this farm truck but doesn't want the paint to fall off. What would be a good first product before paint? I always seal every job but was thinking about some slick sand or feather fill ? I am looking just for a good foundation for my paint to bond to. I know everyone will say sand it all off and then prime but this is a $200 paint job including paint so I can't spend 100 hrs on prep. Please just give me your opinions. Thanks in advance.

You can't make the paint stick to a surface that has a coating that isn't sticking well. Your paint will only stick as well as the substrate is sticking and if the substrate is cracked or peeling then that problem will transmit to your topcoat. However if your substrate is only dull then just scuff it and lay your topcoat on top and you should be ok.

[All Dry]

I am painting an old work truck for a friend and it has been painted several times with who knows what. He wants just a ok job for this farm truck but doesn't want the paint to fall off. What would be a good first product before paint? I always seal every job but was thinking about some slick sand or feather fill ? I am looking just for a good foundation for my paint to bond to. I know everyone will say sand it all off and then prime but this is a $200 paint job including paint so I can't spend 100 hrs on prep. Please just give me your opinions. Thanks in advance.

Wow! 200.00 including paint? Sounds to me like you are working for free. Mike

[easymoney]

at that price all you can do is scuff it and spray it with the cheapest enamel you can find if you are going spend less than your $200.00 on paint and materials.