re doing the putty on my window drip rail

[Ricks1971]

Ok guys I have stripped the old putty off my window drip rail to bare metal. Do I treat the bare metal or primer it before putting the new putty on? New to this process and was hoping on a how to for this. thanks Rick

[mongocanfly]

not sure what you plan on using, but most sealers require at least primer before applying..
i know mine did
and if you have bare metal ,it needs epoxy primer on it

[Accelo]

I agree prime it then the sealer.
There is a choice between a poor-able sealer, which flattens out nicely, or the more standard sealer that is dispensed from a tube. The tube sealer is less expensive.

[Grounded63]

3M's ultra pro seam sealer (tan). Unlike the self leveling ones. It will stay in place, and is tool-able. Usually I'll cut a thin stip from a putty spreader. And radius the end over. So I can create a smooth and consistent fillet. That along with a acid brush and wax&grease remover like dx330. Use the acid brush and dx330 to keep the surface "wet" while tooling/soothing the Seam sealer.

Epoxy bare metal, let it cure, scuff with maroon scotch brite, clean, tool seam sealer in place. Less is more, tool it in place 18-24" sections at a time. Depending on ambient temperature. Once it skins up, you are guaranteed to make it worse, not better. Let it set up a few days, it's solvent based. If you have a few areas that aren't as smooth as you'd like. You can go back over it. With a maroon scotch bite and wax&grease remover. ( Or re-tool in more sealer if needed / wanted. ) The wax&grease remover will soften/dissolve it some. And the scotch Brite will knock down any ruff or high spots. Once that dries, make sure you don't have any residue smeared on your epoxy where it shouldn't be. Then re-epoxy the drip channel. Make sure to not seal in the weep holes, if your channel has them.

[Ricks1971]

thanks grounded63