How to Paint a Fiberglass Body

Fiberglass is used in the construction of many different things, from boats to bathtubs, due to its light weight, durability and ease of repair. All things constructed from fiberglass are painted with a resin-based paint called "gel coat." This special paint requires a catalyst in order to harden. Gel coat is best applied using a spray gun; although it can be applied with a brush or roller, you will not get a smooth consistent finish. All fiberglass gel coat supplies can be found at your local marine supply stores.

Instructions

1

Put on a respirator and sand the entire surface of the fiberglass body, using 200-grit sandpaper on a palm sander. If there are any nooks and crannies that a palm sander can't reach, sand those areas by hand. Wipe the body down with rags dampened with acetone to remove the dust and any of the other contaminates that may be on the surface of the fiberglass body.

2

Fill a small bucket with gel coat and add 1 to 2 percent catalyst. Mix the catalyst into the gel coat, using a paint stir. Add the gel coat to the gel coat gun, using a paint strainer.

3

Apply the first coat to the body in a heavy mist, keeping the tip of the spray gun at a consistent distance from the surface at all times. Clean the tip of the spray gun with acetone and let the first coat harden.

4

Mix another batch of gel coat and apply a second, heavier coat. Clean the tip of the gun and let the second coat harden. Apply one more heavy coat, following the same process, and let the gel coat harden for 24 hours.