Old timer at the machine shop who is servicing my B230FT head and block said to spray some "Copper Spray-A-Gasket" on the head gasket before assembling the cylinder head back onto the block. My machine shop is top-notch and I have no doubt the mating surfaces will be completely true and flat, but this guy dates back to flat-head Ford days.
He agreed it will make it a tough job for the guy doing the next replacement (head gasket) job, but said it will seal it tight and leak free for the high turbo pressures and temperatures.
I'm an O.E.M. type of guy who follows Green Book policy.
I welcome anybody who could weigh in...

Not needed. Gasket technology has changed.

We used to re-use head gaskets after spraying with gold radiator ( household steam radiator ) paint!

Back in the days I enjoyed. GM cars were sprayed with single stage, acrylic lacquer paint.
I had a can of the PermaTex Copper Spray-A-Gasket on the shop shelf (never used it), and when the machinist mentioned spraying the head gasket, I thought, "I have some of that".
But, the jury came in and the copper spray is going back on shelf.

I used it say 40 years ago.
I think the new gaskets are designed better and don't need it now.

Dear Townshend Act,

Hope you're well. I concur with trichard: no sealant should be used.

If one were needed, Volvo would specify and supply it.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook

Thanks Man.

Don't!!!!!!!

there is no need to add this component to your repair.

the 230turbo does not put out that much boost requiring extra measures and even when you add boost to the stock system an elring head gasket is more able to handle it and still last for a couple hundred thousand miles.

the key as you have noted is shop cylinder head prep, cleanliness and then installation technique

The shop prep and my installation will be restoration level, my friend.
I can't stress enough to our BrickBoard friends to have the cylinder head pressure tested at a trusted machine shop.
I just did a head gasket job on this Volvo last February. My tolerance measurements were well within specifications, but I missed two electrolysis trails.
Leaked, overheated, cracked the head...
Found a good cylinder head from Pick-A-Parts for $65 (that will never happen again!), and took it in for full service. Don't want to do this job again!

funny you mention electrolysis trails. they are sneaky devils and easy to over look/ignore when getting a resurface and if anywhere near the fire ring, oh boy.

a few times i have resorted to welding fresh aluminum to eradicate them before having the head resurfaced. that method works very well indeed.