Finishing fiberglass requires sandpaper, filler putty, primer, and paint. Sand the surface with a range of grits, use filler putty for indentations, apply a thick polyester primer, and finish with paint and clear coat. Use the same manufacturer’s products for best results.
Trying to get a glossy finish on a fiberglass product can seem like a daunting job. Actually, finishing fiberglass is a task that will require a lot of effort, but the steps required to finish fiberglass are quite simple. Here is a list of materials that will come in handy during any fiberglass refinishing project and some basic instructions on how to go about it.
To finish the fiberglass, make sure you have plenty of sandpaper on hand. You’ll need a range of grits, starting with a low grit paper and going up to a high grit sandpaper. Sanding the fiberglass is a must before you even think about applying a finish to the surface. The exterior of the fiberglass must be perfectly smooth to achieve the desired look. For best results, do not attempt to sand using only your hand. Your fingers will naturally apply several layers of pressure as you sand. Using a sand block will apply even pressure and create a smoother surface.
Next, you’ll need filler putty to take care of any indentations you can’t remove. You might consider doing a pre-sanding, then spreading a layer of filler over the surface. This will help fill in any indentations as you sand to a smooth surface. In case there are small pits or hollows that are not filled with the filler putty, have some putty handy. Simply apply a small amount with your finger, then sand the filler down to the level of the fiberglass surface.
The next job in the task of finishing the fiberglass is applying a coat of primer. It’s a good idea to use a thick polyester primer, one that has some epoxy in the mix. This will ensure that the primer layer adheres properly to the sanded fiberglass. You might also consider mixing a small amount of your color layer into the primer. Adding the color will make it easier to finish the fiberglass with one finish instead of two.
Finally, to finish the fiberglass, you’ll need your final coat of paint. Using a spray gun will provide a smoother finish than using spray paints in the can. You’ll also have more control over the angle and distribution of the paint as it goes over the fiberglass. Make sure you’re standing an equal distance from the fiberglass as you spray on the paint. Let one coat dry slightly before starting a second coat. Don’t be discouraged if a coat doesn’t do the job. You probably won’t need more than two, if the sanding and backfilling were done correctly.
The final step in any project to finish fiberglass is what is known as a clear coat. This should be applied no more than a day after finishing the painting. Make sure there is no dust or debris on the freshly painted fiberglass before you start applying the clear coat. Spray onto one coat, then leave to dry for a short while. Add at least one more layer. Depending on the brand of clear coat you use, two coats should be enough to complete your project.
Using this method you can refine fiberglass components of all types, from lawn and patio furniture to car fenders. It’s a good idea to finish fiberglass pieces using the same manufacturer’s filler, primer, and paint. That way, you can rest assured that there won’t be any chemical interactions that could damage the finish internally. Remember that the work of finishing fiberglass takes patience and a lot of time, but the results can be well worth the effort.
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