prep with 150-220 Grit.
I prefer to spray it, but watch out because it will run in a hurry.
And the paint is made so that it cannot be buffed.
One can buff it, but it'll lose it's protective finish that makes it superior to other paints.
Thus leaving the idea of using AwlGrip for it's finish and durability irrelevant.
A trick a lot of painters use in order to keep it from running much is using a bit of accelerator mixed in.
Not too much, for it'll make the shine die back.
One does not need to use an Awlgrip primer, or primer for that matter, but it is suggested.
A two part (2k) primer will do the job, but as many will agree, it's sometimes not worth the risk of mixing paint systems.
Although, I have done it in the past with great results on friends boats who didn't want to spend the extra money.