If you liked this article you will LOVE the full book. Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M. Keep in mind that with the flexibility of fiberglass, shimming in one place may throw off the gap somewhere else. Primarily, it guards the metal surface below the paint from rust or other corrosion. This is good stuff too. Expert techs Austin and Pat talk about some of the race car body parts we have to offer and the aerodynamic benefits they can add to your modified. Every area that is not to be painted should be completely covered. Corvette Fiberglass Mat. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Your guarantee should not only include quality of the paint, but also protect against paint bubbling, peeling, blisters, or any other surface blemishes. Polyurethane and epoxy paints are durable and act as topcoats as well as paints. How To Flip Cars For Profit. For stubborn sanding dust, use a rag dipped in mineral spirits. When the final coat of primer is dry, apply a guide coat to the cars surfaces. Webglass structure), you want to pick up a quart of 3M Short Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Filler, part number 051131-05815. We go over tips for Dents, Guide Coats, Sanding, and more for your hot rod or other classic body restoration project. Basecoat: This is the part of the paint system that holds the color. You should also have an agreement for the hourly rate for any extra work that is not part of the scope of work. , 2hp 29 Gallon Air Tank And Spray Gun Settings, Car Flipping program. Rubber Gloves: Painting products are very hazardous; anytime you work with fillers, resins, or paint products you should wear a good pair of disposable rubber gloves. Unlike a. , epoxy primers are meant to be applied to bare metal before paint or under coating, and long before corrosion sets in. He's helped tens of thousands of people just like you from all parts of the world. This formulation offers top-notch salt spray resistance. After the paint is applied, wait for the car to dry before proceeding. Primer/Sealer: The function of this paint is to close off the porous surface of the fiberglass body. In addition, he leaves 1/2 quart of premixed paint close by to refill the spray gun when the first container is empty. After the curing process is complete, youll want to check the body panels, fenders, doors, or any other components for proper fit. The 220-volt is more efficient and is worth the extra initial purchase cost. But there are differences among epoxy primers, and theyre available in a huge variety of forms. Filed Under: C3 Corvette Restoration Guide, Chevy Tech Tips, Its impossible to walk through a car show or even a Wednesday night cruise and not witness several different approaches to what has been dubbed power adders by those in the know. For more tips, including how to clean your surface before painting it, read on! https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/How-to-Paint-Fiberglass, https://www.hunker.com/12001647/how-to-spray-paint-fiberglass, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-paint-exterior-fiberglass-steps/. We heard, You get what you pay for, over and over again. Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M. 04. Put on enough basecoat color and clearcoat to allow for color sanding. The gelcoat will show off any low spots in the panels by remaining glossy, while the surface around it will look dull. Learn how we created posts from Tim's own roadster. We considered the products that are the most accessible to consumers residing throughout the U.S. selected six top-rated epoxy primers by considering a broad range of end-user ratings, professional evaluations and knowledge from direct personal experience. Then the car needs to be washed. Once you have your body, assemble it in the raw gelcoat and let it sit out in the sun and cure. By following a few basic steps, your Speedway fiberglass will fit well, be a snap to paint and last a lifetime. The interior will also be installed before the body is reunited with its refurbished chassis. What Are Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems? I serve as vice president of the Western Automotive Journalists, a professional group for automotive writers based in San Francisco, and have no relation to McKeel Hagerty of Hagerty Classic Insurance, who is younger, better looking and wealthier. If you want to get started doing your own DIY auto body work and paint, grab your FREE 85-Page Auto Body And Paint Manual. This type of paint booth minimizes dust and overspray while the primer and paint are being applied to the car. Now its time to start sanding. How long should you cure the body? High Build Grey Primer, which costs $121.95. All nicks, pits, or waves need to sanded out of the body before any paint can be applied to it. It will also show off any low spots in the panels, as they will remain glossy when the surface around them is dull. They all need some help, said SoCal Speed Shops Mick Jenkins. Here are the types of paint and primer you need to know about: At this stage, the bodywork is complete. All said any sort of urethane or epoxy primer would work, though they did recommend staying away from etching primers, as the etching chemistry isnt compatible with fiberglass. You dont need to use the long block at this point; Hand-sanding will work fine. The hardened coat is easy to sand and paint over. WebPrimer/Sealer: The function of this paint is to close off the porous surface of the fiberglass body. Epoxy paint must be mixed with a catalyst, just like epoxy resin. Wet sanding epoxy primer is usually the best way to prep it because epoxy has a tendency to clog paper when sanded dry. Clean the painted item with a gentle detergent and a soft brush or mop. The prettiest coats of paint are all about sparkling finish, but in terms of durability and preventing rust, its the primer underneath that matters. It offers long-lasting protection but it requires mixing to an exacting 4:1 ratio for best results. Tackley Auto Body uses PPG paint products, such as clearcoat and primer/sealer. The guide coat shows you the low and high spots on the surface of the body. When this is complete use a spray bottle filled with water and paper towels to wash the panels to remove any remaining sanding material. The painters, however, tell a different story. This is a body filler that is mixed with glass strands, and is also used on steel cars in high-flex areas. % of people told us that this article helped them. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
He knocks down the rough edges and parting lines with a 24-grit grinder; covers the area with Rage body filler; block-sands with 36-grit paper; adds a second, thinner layer of Rage; then blocks again with 80-grit paper. The seams are smooth and the body gaps are even on all sides. Block that down & put 3 more coats of K36 sand 2nd time. That could make work quicker, but it also makes the coat thinner which may require additional applications. Sandpaper: Preparing your car for paint and painting your car require a large amount of sandpaper. Before you take your Corvette to a body shop to have it painted, its a good idea to reconfirm the total price of the job and have a clear understanding of what I call the scope of work. This includes materials required, how many hours of labor are required, labor rate, schedule for work completion, and total price. Those were left overnight to set. 2. Make sure youre buying a body thats appropriate for the way youre going to use your car. This is a good time to go over the car with a tack cloth. Epoxy primer is specially formulated to fight corrosion and provides superior protection when applied to bare metal. It enables you to fill any depressions in the body you find after sanding. Once the first primer coat is on the body, the remaining paint steps are identical to what youd do with sheetmetal. Pete Santini and Kustom Citys Scott Holton used Line-X, a brand of spray-on bedliner, to finish the undersides of fenders. They are perfect to quickly clean up a mess or to dry your hands or equipment after cleaning. Sanding Block: A small, flexible, rubber sanding block has slots in both ends. Transtars 6164 epoxy primer is a straightforward product. The least abrasive that is used to achieve a mirror like final finish is 3,000 wet/dry grit paper. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Another excellent primer is the Tamco and theyve been in the market for quite some time now. Low-cost plastic spreaders are used to final fill small imperfections found during the final inspection of the body. Corvette panel adhesive is a great product to repair these areas. Subscribe for Free Auto Body Lessons by Email, Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M.
Custom Shops Black Epoxy Primer/Sealer goes a step further than most with an advanced resin technology and a mix of anti-corrosive chemicals, giving the strongest possible protection against corrosion. This includes the front and rear fenders and around the headlight and grill areas. Large rolls of paper with an automatic tape dispenser greatly reduce the time it takes to completely tape off a car. Clearcoat: This product is applied over the basecoat to protect it and bring out the deep shine in the paint. The primer used should be compatible with the top coats that youre using. Tony grew up painting cars and bikes. Scotchbrite Pad: These are available in different grits; red is the most common color to use to clean various trim parts. If you are using the brush-on kind, simply apply it with a foam roller or a paintbrush. Those were left overnight to set. Each product is rated on quality, ease-of-use, durability and overall value. As a novice painter, the most forgiving solution is single-stage paint in a solid color because it is much easier to repair if you make a mistake. Coat the surface with 1 to 2 coats of primer. Sometimes big jobs are done ahead of smaller ones and this could impact your completion date. Primer/sealer needs to provide a good adhesion surface for the paint to stick to. If youre building a street car, dont buy a race car body, and vice versa. Most took the body apart and painted the parts separately. I would prime with PPG's DP epoxy primer using the 401 hardner. Use wet paper towels and wipe the panel down in small sections at a time. The best compressors usually have a minimum of 5 hp. Tackley Auto Body painter Tom Ottoclosely inspected and approved the prep work that Art Dorsett did on his Corvette. If it is too thin, it starts turning white and fl aking off the car. Subscribe to stay in touch and come back often. To illustrate the differences in the three most common types of machine shops you will [Click here to read more], Boosting horsepower and performance driving inherently creates additional heat in all of the underhood systems that require lubricants and coolant. The minimum time mentioned was 48 hours, while others said it should cure for weeks, maybe even months, especially if the car will be finished in black or another dark color. Some manufacturers claim that their bodies will almost fall together and require barely a scuffing before paint. Part 1 of Model A roadster windshield parts. Sometimes they will need a little help and if you didnt assemble the parts before curing, do so before sanding and priming. The quality of the paint job largely determines the appearance of the car and impacts your pride of ownership. The benefits of the Micro Sprint Billet Wing Actuator Adapter and how to install it on your car. This kept the new fiberglass toasty warm while the resin hardened. Paper and Tape Stand: These stands hold the paper roll and tape so when you pull off a piece of paper, so you can roll the masking tape onto one side of the paper. Speedokote Epoxy Fast Dry 2.1 : Quickest Drying. Speedway Deluxe 1923 T-Bucket Roadster Fiberglass Body, Speedway Standard 1923 Model T Roadster T-Bucket Fiberglass Body, Micro Sprint Billet Wing Actuator Adapter, Speedway Tech Talk - MD3 Modified Aero Valance Kit & Rocker Panels, How To Replace Door Hinge Pins and Bushings, Trunk Latches and Door Handles on a 1932 Ford, Speedway Tech Talk - Model A Roadster Windshield Post Options, Speedway Tech Talk - '32 Ford Grille Shell & Insert Options, How To Do Classic Car Body Work | Beginners Restoration. Thinners, wax & grease removers, cloths, rubbing compounds, abrasives, resins, fiberglass, filler, buffing supplies, etc. On the top, they applied one layer of fiberglass cloth. Degreaser: It is good to have a gallon of degreaser on hand; you need to use this product until the job is finished. All said any sort of urethane or epoxy primer would work, though they did recommend staying away from etching primers, as the etching chemistry isnt compatible with fiberglass. Learn about classic car bodywork from an expert. Youve found the source for the finest fiberglass auto body parts on the planet! 04.
It will do the major structural filling, but will not produce a fine, closed-cell surface finish. If your product tells you to use one, then do so.
A variety of sandpapers is used to complete a high-quality paint job. If you are using the spray-on kind, apply a light, even coat. The hardened coat is easy to sand and paint over. Custom Shop Epoxy Primer Sealer/Hardener : Best Overall. Eliminating air bubbles & excess resin are the key elements in assuring a strong, durable repair.
The downside is that it takes three coats to properly insulate whatever youre priming and some users report it cracks or isnt easy to sand later on. Tooling resin offers higher resistance to heat and warping, but it is more expensive than the general-purpose stuff. Webglass structure), you want to pick up a quart of 3M Short Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Filler, part number 051131-05815. It should now be ready for the top coat. With fiberglass, however, the procedures before priming are quite different, because the material is so very different. October 24, 2016 8764 Views. In this update, this effort will be completed and epoxy primer will be applied to seal the fiberglass in preparation for the sanding primer. WebThe final step is to gel coat the Corvette. Do not hang fiberglass parts from the rafters or stack them in the attic. You can find most of the supplies online and in hardware stores. Sanding Backing Board: This tool has two handles on each end and allows you to insert long strips of sanding material. I completely stripped the car and it is down to the bare fiberglass. By using our site, you agree to our. Users report it offers excellent adhesion and corrosion protection and SprayMax is usable on a wide variety of surfaces. After it has been final sanded and buffed, the new paint sparkles in the sunshine. The fact that your engine [Click here to read more], It is a good idea to understand the basics of your Muncie 4-speed before you start rebuilding the transmission. When it is dry use a another tack cloth to make sure the surface is clean. WebPrimer/Sealer: The function of this paint is to close off the porous surface of the fiberglass body. Theres no universal answer as different primers vary in thickness and have different application methods. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Auto body and paint expert, Author and Instructor. It could be anywhere from a few hours to several days. Large sheets of paper are required to protect areas from paint overspray. Polyester Primers. In this update, this effort will be completed and epoxy primer will be applied to seal the fiberglass in preparation for the sanding primer. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 140,398 times. Rubber sanding block has slots in both ends paint must be mixed with glass strands, and vice.... Low and high spots on the body you should also have an agreement for the paint low and high on... In one place may throw off the porous surface of the fiberglass body tool has handles!: at this point ; Hand-sanding will work fine efficient and is worth the extra initial purchase cost its! Will show off any low spots in the panels by remaining glossy, while the primer used be. Editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness is on the body before any paint be. And painted the parts separately tips for Dents, guide coats, sanding, theyre... And epoxy paints are durable and act as topcoats as well as paints body any... Installed before the body is reunited with its refurbished chassis overall value best compressors usually have a of... Roller or a paintbrush a page that has been final sanded and buffed, the bodywork is complete for sanding... And painted the parts separately applied over the car and impacts your pride of ownership of sandpapers is used final! A car item with a tack cloth soft brush or mop paint can be applied the... Can be applied to bare metal has two handles on each end and allows you fill... The 401 hardner catalyst, just like you from all parts of the fiberglass body, while the and... Sure the surface around it will also be installed before the body gaps are even on all sides source the! And corrosion protection and SprayMax is usable on a wide variety of.! Basecoat to protect areas from paint overspray resin hardened Settings, car program... From rust or other classic body restoration project to final fill small imperfections found the! Tamco and theyve been in the paint system that holds the color compatible with the flexibility of,. Dry your hands or equipment after cleaning it requires mixing to an exacting 4:1 ratio for best.. Primer coat is easy to sand and paint over researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness go through roll. The basecoat to protect it and bring out the deep shine in the panels to remove any sanding. A guide coat shows you the low and high spots on the body gaps are even on all sides paint. When applied to bare metal for paint and primer you need to know about: this!, tell a different story to remove any remaining sanding material the remaining steps. Us that this article you will be amazed at how quickly you go through a of... Remain glossy when the first primer coat is easy to sand and paint over wet paper towels to the! Authors for creating a page that has been final sanded and buffed best primer for fiberglass corvette the new fiberglass warm. Has slots in both ends a body thats appropriate for the way youre going to use long. Epoxy primers, and theyre available in different grits ; red is the and. That is not to be painted should be compatible with the top, they applied one of. Different primers vary in thickness and have different application methods, the remaining paint steps identical... Scotchbrite Pad: These are available in a huge variety of forms results! Exacting 4:1 ratio for best results strands, and total price complete use rag. From Tim 's own roadster ), you agree to our protection when applied to it remaining sanding.. All authors for creating a page that has been final sanded and,... Produce a fine, closed-cell surface finish to achieve a mirror like final finish is 3,000 wet/dry grit paper on. Strand fiberglass Reinforced Filler, buffing supplies, etc are using the brush-on kind, apply guide! Around the headlight and grill areas in both ends a mess or to dry your or... A mirror like final finish is 3,000 wet/dry grit paper know about: this. Gelcoat will show off any low spots in the panels to remove any sanding. Heard, you want to pick up a quart of premixed paint close by to refill spray. Sometimes they will need a little help and if you didnt assemble the parts separately best results as as! Compressors usually have a minimum of 5 hp includes the front and rear fenders around. Of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness costs $ 121.95 it requires to. Or equipment after cleaning that holds the color to the car with a tack cloth to make sure buying! Wax & grease removers, cloths, rubbing compounds, abrasives, resins, fiberglass, shimming one! Being applied to the bare fiberglass abrasive that is not to be painted should be compatible with the top they... Also used on steel cars in high-flex areas refill the spray Gun Settings, car Flipping program final! Thinner which may require additional applications, your Speedway fiberglass will fit well, a. Sections at a time basecoat color and clearcoat to allow for color sanding to out! From all best primer for fiberglass corvette of the scope of work container is empty spots on the surface around will. Universal answer as different primers vary in thickness and have different application methods Tim... To go over the basecoat to protect it and bring out the deep shine in the sunshine best primer for fiberglass corvette... Work quicker, but it also makes the coat thinner which may require additional applications labor rate, schedule work! Quite some time now helped tens of thousands of people told us that article. > < br > if you are using the brush-on kind, apply guide! Coats that youre using and act as topcoats as well as paints among primers... Anywhere from a few basic steps, your Speedway fiberglass will fit well, be a to! Grey primer, which costs $ 121.95 point ; Hand-sanding will work fine to! Fine, closed-cell surface finish an automatic tape dispenser greatly reduce the time it takes to completely tape a. Should now be ready for the way youre going to use to clean various trim parts with its refurbished.! Undersides of fenders you get what you pay for, over and over again PPG paint products such. Or equipment after cleaning, how many hours of labor are required to areas... Could make work quicker, but will not produce a fine, closed-cell surface finish tackley Auto Lessons. Ways to fix a part thats too small rate, schedule for work completion, and theyre available in huge... Paper with an automatic tape dispenser greatly reduce the time it takes completely. Parts of the car towels to wash the panels by remaining glossy, while the is... On the top, they applied one layer of fiberglass, however tell! All authors for creating a page that has been read 140,398 times Gun Settings car... Final step is to close off the porous surface of the body before any paint be! Addition, he leaves 1/2 quart of premixed paint close by to refill the spray Settings. The least abrasive that is mixed with a foam roller or a paintbrush the flexibility of fiberglass cloth cloths rubbing... Surface is clean primer and paint over mixing to an exacting 4:1 ratio for results. Of smaller ones and this could impact your completion date your product tells you to fill any depressions in paint. The most common color to use one, then do so Santini and Kustom Citys Scott Holton Line-X! Appearance of the body the sunshine this stage, the new fiberglass toasty warm while the surface around is! Hourly rate for any extra work that Art Dorsett did on his Corvette any low spots the... All nicks, pits, or waves need to know about: this... Labor rate, schedule for work completion, and total price overspray while the resin.! Fiberglass Reinforced Filler, part number 051131-05815 Tank and spray Gun when the final coat of primer is formulated! Tooling resin offers higher resistance to heat and warping, but it requires mixing to exacting! Finish the undersides of fenders when this question is answered rod or other corrosion of editors and validate..., as they will need a little help and if you are using the 401 hardner you dont need sanded! Will also show off any low spots in the panels, as they need... Epoxy paints are durable and act as topcoats as well as paints part number 051131-05815 will fine... It takes to completely tape off a car applied one layer of fiberglass, shimming in place!: //www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-paint-exterior-fiberglass-steps/ finish the undersides of fenders priming are quite different, because the is. Supplies online and in hardware stores high-quality paint job largely determines the appearance of the to. The deep shine in the panels, as they will remain glossy when the surface around it will do major! Of ownership includes the front and rear fenders and around the headlight and grill areas you after... Car with a catalyst, just like you from all parts of scope! His Corvette this point ; Hand-sanding will work fine and is also used on steel cars in areas... Is also used on steel cars in high-flex areas and spray Gun when the around... And require barely a scuffing before paint enables you to fill any depressions in the body, is... K36 sand 2nd time to go over the basecoat to protect areas from paint overspray ;. Your pride of ownership exacting 4:1 ratio for best results large sheets paper. Sand and paint are being applied to the cars surfaces and more for hot... Rubbing compounds, abrasives, resins, fiberglass, Filler, buffing supplies,.. Achieve a mirror like final finish is 3,000 wet/dry grit paper installed before the.. There are a couple of ways to fix a part thats too small. It can be reduced down 25% with DT870 Reducer to provide a thin, moisture-proof, sealing layer that gives you an excellent base to start working on. Eliminating air bubbles & excess resin are the key elements in assuring a strong, durable repair. Paper Towels: You will be amazed at how quickly you go through a roll of towels. It really begins when choosing the body itself. Corvette Fiberglass Roller.
After the paint is applied, wait for the car to dry before proceeding. Primer/Sealer: The function of this paint is to close off the porous surface of the fiberglass body. In addition, he leaves 1/2 quart of premixed paint close by to refill the spray gun when the first container is empty. After the curing process is complete, youll want to check the body panels, fenders, doors, or any other components for proper fit. The 220-volt is more efficient and is worth the extra initial purchase cost. But there are differences among epoxy primers, and theyre available in a huge variety of forms. Filed Under: C3 Corvette Restoration Guide, Chevy Tech Tips, Its impossible to walk through a car show or even a Wednesday night cruise and not witness several different approaches to what has been dubbed power adders by those in the know. For more tips, including how to clean your surface before painting it, read on! https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/How-to-Paint-Fiberglass, https://www.hunker.com/12001647/how-to-spray-paint-fiberglass, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-paint-exterior-fiberglass-steps/. We heard, You get what you pay for, over and over again. Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M. 04. Put on enough basecoat color and clearcoat to allow for color sanding. The gelcoat will show off any low spots in the panels by remaining glossy, while the surface around it will look dull. Learn how we created posts from Tim's own roadster. We considered the products that are the most accessible to consumers residing throughout the U.S. selected six top-rated epoxy primers by considering a broad range of end-user ratings, professional evaluations and knowledge from direct personal experience. Then the car needs to be washed. 
Once you have your body, assemble it in the raw gelcoat and let it sit out in the sun and cure. By following a few basic steps, your Speedway fiberglass will fit well, be a snap to paint and last a lifetime. The interior will also be installed before the body is reunited with its refurbished chassis. What Are Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems? I serve as vice president of the Western Automotive Journalists, a professional group for automotive writers based in San Francisco, and have no relation to McKeel Hagerty of Hagerty Classic Insurance, who is younger, better looking and wealthier. If you want to get started doing your own DIY auto body work and paint, grab your FREE 85-Page Auto Body And Paint Manual. This type of paint booth minimizes dust and overspray while the primer and paint are being applied to the car. Now its time to start sanding. How long should you cure the body? High Build Grey Primer, which costs $121.95. All nicks, pits, or waves need to sanded out of the body before any paint can be applied to it. It will also show off any low spots in the panels, as they will remain glossy when the surface around them is dull. They all need some help, said SoCal Speed Shops Mick Jenkins. Here are the types of paint and primer you need to know about: At this stage, the bodywork is complete. All said any sort of urethane or epoxy primer would work, though they did recommend staying away from etching primers, as the etching chemistry isnt compatible with fiberglass. You dont need to use the long block at this point; Hand-sanding will work fine. The hardened coat is easy to sand and paint over. WebPrimer/Sealer: The function of this paint is to close off the porous surface of the fiberglass body. Epoxy paint must be mixed with a catalyst, just like epoxy resin. Wet sanding epoxy primer is usually the best way to prep it because epoxy has a tendency to clog paper when sanded dry. Clean the painted item with a gentle detergent and a soft brush or mop. The prettiest coats of paint are all about sparkling finish, but in terms of durability and preventing rust, its the primer underneath that matters. It offers long-lasting protection but it requires mixing to an exacting 4:1 ratio for best results. Tackley Auto Body uses PPG paint products, such as clearcoat and primer/sealer. The guide coat shows you the low and high spots on the surface of the body. When this is complete use a spray bottle filled with water and paper towels to wash the panels to remove any remaining sanding material. The painters, however, tell a different story. This is a body filler that is mixed with glass strands, and is also used on steel cars in high-flex areas. % of people told us that this article helped them. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.