Re-painting Fiberglass
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 2
From: Na
Re-painting Fiberglass
I'm planning on repainting my targa top pretty soon. I've never worked w/ fiberglass therefore I have no idea where to start. Can someone tell me the procedures and supplies needed to complete this project? Thanks. :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Re-painting Fiberglass (BiZ)
Biz is correct..if no repair was needed,it can usually be sanded down some,prime and repainted.Unless you plan to strip it.
(im not a pro,im still learning and this is the suggestions I got for mine)
(Do not use a chemical stripper,it will not do the job sandpaper can...I just sanded down 90% of my whole car with a DA sander and block sanding and the strippers I tested in some spots dont do jack,stay away from them)
If the top is faded,I suggest wet sanding by hand with a block with 320 grit,then 400 then finish smooth with 600 grit.
The prime,and repaint.To "seal" it requires an epoxy primer and if you sanded perfect,then you can epoxy prime and paint over that and not need high build 2k Primers.
Example steps...sand,epoxy prime,2k primer,block sand 2k,then base coat then clear.
Be sure to use a wax/grease remover for the old paint before sanding to remove old wax and dirt.A good washing is required too.
ALso,heres a great site for autobody and paint work for any questio you may have.I learned a TON there.
Go to http://www.autobodystore.com and click on the discussion board to post there.No signing up required.Len Stuart runs the site and can reply to questions as well as other Pros who have 30 years+ of experience.
:)
(im not a pro,im still learning and this is the suggestions I got for mine)
(Do not use a chemical stripper,it will not do the job sandpaper can...I just sanded down 90% of my whole car with a DA sander and block sanding and the strippers I tested in some spots dont do jack,stay away from them)
If the top is faded,I suggest wet sanding by hand with a block with 320 grit,then 400 then finish smooth with 600 grit.
The prime,and repaint.To "seal" it requires an epoxy primer and if you sanded perfect,then you can epoxy prime and paint over that and not need high build 2k Primers.
Example steps...sand,epoxy prime,2k primer,block sand 2k,then base coat then clear.
Be sure to use a wax/grease remover for the old paint before sanding to remove old wax and dirt.A good washing is required too.
ALso,heres a great site for autobody and paint work for any questio you may have.I learned a TON there.
Go to http://www.autobodystore.com and click on the discussion board to post there.No signing up required.Len Stuart runs the site and can reply to questions as well as other Pros who have 30 years+ of experience.
:)
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Micco FL
Re: Re-painting Fiberglass (Bill's86Coupe)
1. First and foremost wash top and the surrounding area real good;
2. Obtain a wax and grease remover, again throughlyt on the top and the surrounding area;
3. Make any repairs necessary;
4. Sand beginning with 320 and finishing with 600;
5. Prime the entire area lightly with an epoxy primer to show any imperfectons and again sand with 320-600.Please note that the hotter the climate you are in the longer you should let this stuff cure ;
6. Seal with an epoxy primer and once again note that the hotter the climate you are in the longer you should let this stuff cure. If you do not let all the vapors out you will have bubbles later under the paint;
7. Scuff the sealer or sand with 1200;
8. Take you gas lid off and take it to you local paint shop with your paint codes and get some good quality base/clear;
9. Spray the base coat and make sure and wait the required time to de-gas before applying the clear, otherwise your clear will have tiny little air bubbles in it.
Good luck
2. Obtain a wax and grease remover, again throughlyt on the top and the surrounding area;
3. Make any repairs necessary;
4. Sand beginning with 320 and finishing with 600;
5. Prime the entire area lightly with an epoxy primer to show any imperfectons and again sand with 320-600.Please note that the hotter the climate you are in the longer you should let this stuff cure ;
6. Seal with an epoxy primer and once again note that the hotter the climate you are in the longer you should let this stuff cure. If you do not let all the vapors out you will have bubbles later under the paint;
7. Scuff the sealer or sand with 1200;
8. Take you gas lid off and take it to you local paint shop with your paint codes and get some good quality base/clear;
9. Spray the base coat and make sure and wait the required time to de-gas before applying the clear, otherwise your clear will have tiny little air bubbles in it.
Good luck
