In refinishing, when is applying a sealer particularly beneficial?

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A sealer gives a uniform, consistent base that controls how the next coats behave and how the finish ultimately looks. In metallic finishes, that uniform foundation is especially important because metallic pigments reflect light in a very sensitive way. Any slight variation in the surface—like porosity, staining from the substrate, or differences in underlying color—can show up as mottling, color shifts, or uneven gloss once the metal particles interact with light. The sealer minimizes these issues by sealing the substrate, reducing absorbency differences, and providing a predictable surface for the color coats and final clear. While sealers can also be helpful in other scenarios, the need for a flawless, uniform base makes them particularly beneficial for metallic finishes.