Barrier Coats

Barrier coat under running gear paint

A barrier coat is the layer between bare metal and whatever goes on top of it. Its job is adhesion and blocking water, so the antifouling above it is not relying on the substrate to hold. On running gear that means props, shafts, struts and trim tabs, where paint has almost nothing to grip.

Pettit Running Gear Guardian 1870 is what is stocked here for that job. Prep does most of the work: get the gear clean and dry, abrade it so the primer has tooth, and coat it before oxidation comes back on the fresh surface. Follow the can for recoat windows, since a coat cured past its overcoat window needs sanding before the next layer bonds.