How to Prep a Fiberglass Hood

Fiberglass hoods reduce the weight of your vehicle. When you unpack your fiberglass hood, you will notice that the hood has minor imperfections. The surface of the hood must be smooth, flat and even to produce a professional paint finish. Once imperfections are removed, the surface of the fiberglass must be free of oils, dirt and dust to ensure the paint does not peel from the hood while in use.

Instructions

1

Attach a piece of 180-grit sandpaper to the bottom of a long sanding board. Sand the surface of the fiberglass hood with the 180-grit sandpaper. Run your hand over the hood as you sand to find imperfections. Stop sanding when the hood feels smooth to the touch.

2

Remove sanding dust from the hood with a clean rag.

3

Hold the tip of a spray can of primer 12 inches from the surface of the hood. Spray an even coat of primer on the entire surface of the fiberglass hood. Allow the primer to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

4

Fill a one gallon plastic bucket half way full with water. Transfer water from the bucket to the fiberglass hood with a sponge.

5

Sand the wet surface of the fiberglass hood with 400-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the hood has a glassy smooth finish. Clean the "mud" created by the wet sanding from the hood with clean water and a clean rag. Allow the hood to dry.

6

Run a tack cloth over the prepped hood before applying paint to the fiberglass surface.