Bodywork experts advice needed - filler exposed to the elements

[FF33rod]

Perhaps one of the Jeffs or other knowledgeable bodywork times can chime in....

As I'm fitting the various body pieces on the hot rod, I'm also fixing up some of the fit and finish issues. Grinding down the mould flash, evening up the top of the door inner and outer shell offsets, etc.
Been using Everglass and Rage gold.

So now what do I do if I want to run this without paint for awhile? Something tells me I should protect/seal the filler so it doesn't absorb contaminants that may cause issues later.
Advice?

Thanks for the help
Steve

[GoDadGo]

Steve,

I'm no body work expert, but what about using SPRAYMAX or EASTWOOD catalyzed epoxy primer or 2-K clear coat?
You can find it at some body shop supply stores, Eastwood or Amazon.
It's worth a shot even though the stuff is expensive.

Steve

https://youtu.be/0mrD21NeSTE

PS: The 2-K clear coat works well on head lights once you sand the crap out of them so maybe it would work well over Gelcoat & Fillers too.

[AJT '33]

If you want to seal the body filler, then I agree with the previous comment that you should seal with an epoxy primer and lap onto the Gelcoat at least a couple inches to protect the edges. DO NOT use any waxes or polishes on the primed surface or the exposed Gelcoat, that will give you problems later. Exposing the Gelcoat and the epoxy primer to the elements and only rinsing it will allow it to weather a bit and mother nature will help get any of that mold wax and naturally etch the surface for you. In a way like you badly maintained your boat by only rinsing it every so often. Have fun!

[cob427sc]

As mentioned above, you need to seal the filler as it will absorb moisture and everything else causing problems down the road.

[FF33rod]

As mentioned above, you need to seal the filler as it will absorb moisture and everything else causing problems down the road.

That's what I suspect but the question is how or with what. To be clear, there will still need to be more finessing, sanding and filling before paint so whatever gets put on at this point will likely be sanding down/off later...

Steve

[AJT '33]

That's what I suspect but the question is how or with what. To be clear, there will still need to be more finessing, sanding and filling before paint so whatever gets put on at this point will likely be sanding down/off later...

Steve

If you know the paint system brand you intend on using, then use their epoxy sealer, as you will most likely need to do a sanding and full prep after you can apply the epoxy primer with a 4" roller, it will self level enough for now.