The lower the number, the more abrasive the paper. Kitty Hair is another good stuff. Those were left overnight to set. Eliminating air bubbles & excess resin are the key elements in assuring a strong, durable repair. If the body is not clean, those agents will create fisheyes in the paint. If you use anything harsh or abrasive, the paint may get scratched. Dont just hang the doors and assume everything else will fit, some parts may simply fit better than others? In this Tech Tip, a customer asked about a discreet style trunk latch for his 1932 Ford. 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. They have good adhesive qualities and do not leave glue residue when they are removed. Be a #BossPainter now! 2023 Forbes Media LLC. SprayMax 2K Activated Epoxy Primer : Best For Small Jobs. 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. Polyester primer is a very thick two-part product and is used when theres a good deal of bodywork. Ive had a really good experience with Z-Grip. It really begins when choosing the body itself. 1958 to 1962 Corvettes may be gel coated where necessary. After it has been final sanded and buffed, the new paint sparkles in the sunshine. Wait at least 24 hours for the primer to dry, then use the same technique to apply a coat of acrylic latex paint. However, I used chemical stripper designed for fiberglass and did Poly primer is great for using over bare fiberglass and epoxy. Gravity, excessive heat, and time can make the final installation a nightmare! Yes. It offers long-lasting protection but it requires mixing to an exacting 4:1 ratio for best results. Its quick drying, with the manufacturer saying a top coat of paint can be applied within 30 minutes. Spray paint: apply the paint in short bursts, rather than one continuous, side-to-side motion. If your primer is not coming out evenly, apply it in short bursts rather than a single, sweeping, side-to-side motion. It will do the major structural filling, but will not produce a fine, closed-cell surface finish. Rust-Oleum Automotive 2-in-1 Filler And Sandable Primer. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The clearcoat needs a good surface to adhere to. Corvette panel adhesive is a great product to repair these areas. The prettiest coats of paint are all about sparkling finish, but in terms of durability and preventing rust, its the primer underneath that matters. Rust-Oleum is a famous name in corrosion protection, and for very basic jobs, the companys automotive 2-in-1 filler and sandable primer provides a very low cost alternative to more conventional epoxy primers. Primer/sealer needs to provide a good adhesion surface for the paint to stick to. It is now time to begin putting masking tape and paper on all of the areas that are not to be painted. Remember that fiberglass flexes and stretches. 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. A good wax and grease remover or alcohol with clean rags or paper towels should be used initially to clean the panels. Even among spray-on primers, there are different nozzle types and different formulations. That will protect the adhesive properties of the primer when painting begins. By following a few basic steps, your Speedway fiberglass will fit well, be a snap to paint and last a lifetime. Sandpaper: Preparing your car for paint and painting your car require a large amount of sandpaper. This is a Husky gravity-feed spray gun. It can be applied on already rusty surfaces and a top coat can be applied over it while the primer is still wet. Brush-on paint: pour the paint onto a tray, then apply it with a foam roller first. Eliminating air bubbles & excess resin are the key elements in assuring a strong, durable repair. 3M products work really well. Follow label directions and use judgement as to whether you need additional coats of primer. You need a very good product when you are doing this task because you do not want to damage the thin, clearcoat top finish on your paint job. Polyester primer is a very thick two-part product and is used when theres a good deal of bodywork. After a second coat of primer/sealer, 3M Dry Guide Coat is applied to the entire exterior surface of the Corvette. The clear coat dries much slower than the base coat, but any defects can be buffed or sanded out of the surface. , 2hp 29 Gallon Air Tank And Spray Gun Settings, Car Flipping program. Again, Eckler makes the best gel coat for the job. It is a good idea to have an adequate supply on hand at all times. Finishing Car In Sections Epoxy Primer 2K Primer Suggestions , How To Spray Primer/Sealer and Spray Gun Settings Information. His main targets are the rough areas on the backside of the hood and trunk lid. Paper and tape prevent the difficult-to-remove overspray from falling on the under body and interior components. 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. Block that down & put 3 more coats of K36 sand 2nd time. Follow along as our expert replaces the hinge pins and bushings on his 1976 Chevrolet Laguna S3 with a kit. Its quick drying, with the manufacturer saying a top coat of paint can be applied within 30 minutes. This work should be done in a clean, dry area. Corvette panel adhesive is a great product to repair these areas. Subscribe to stay in touch and come back often. The hardened coat is easy to sand and paint over. 04. They also use lower pressure to apply the paint, which reduces excessive overspray. After this has been applied, wrap a 6-inch-long stick with 400-grit sandpaper. And if you didnt assemble the whole body before curing, do so before sanding and priming. Paper and tape are applied around any opening that might allow paint to enter and cause overspray. Using the lowest speed spread small amounts of buffing compound onto the car and buff with extreme care. If you dont install the part right away, be sure to clamp the piece to a frame or other rigid structure to avoid any warping or twisting. Primer/sealers with epoxy meet all of these requirements and are popular with body shops. Learn how we created posts from Tim's own roadster. Do not hang fiberglass parts from the rafters or stack them in the attic. 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. Polyester Primers. The paint container is located on the top of the gun and uses gravity to feed the paint into the spray head. When this task is completed wash and dry the car again. Wait 24 hours for the paint to dry and then apply a second coat. Corvette Fiberglass Roller. I completely stripped the car and it is down to the bare fiberglass. Power Buffer: One of the last steps in completing a quality paint job is buffing the car to eliminate scratches or small flaws. This arena has grown radically in the last decade or so [Click here to read more], early years. Some manufacturers claim that their bodies will almost fall together and require barely a scuffing before paint. Some parts may fit better than others. A good primer/sealer protects the Corvette body against any adverse impact the new paint might have on the panels. Set the topcoat aside for later. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Auto body and paint expert, Author and Instructor. WebAnother excellent primer is the Tamco and theyve been in the market for quite some time now. The seams are smooth and the body gaps are even on all sides. Again, Eckler makes the best gel coat for the job. Use a basic halogen work light from the discount tool store and place it inside the fender on the frame rail to help it stay warm and set. Epoxy primers are among the most resilient ways to prevent rust, and they form a non-porous, tightly bonded seal when applied to bare metal. High Build Grey Primer, which costs $121.95. Sanding Block: A small, flexible, rubber sanding block has slots in both ends. Then, sand the fiberglass with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the slick finish. Check your local weather forecast to find out the humidity. Talk to the experts. Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. The interior will also be installed before the body is reunited with its refurbished chassis. This helps to eliminate drips and sags in the paint. It isnt a, Ability to apply to already rusty surfaces, Reduces time by allowing a top coat application on wet primer, Priced by the liter, which makes the per gallon price a bit high, Requires multiple coats for optimum protection, Spray nozzle can clog; some users report cans dont last as long as claimed, Some users report uneven results, cracks and runs, Price per gallon exceeds that of competitors, Not as easy to use as competitors that come bundled with everything needed. It can also be used as a sealant or a pre-coat. Polyurethane paint is ready to use. Coat the surface with 1 to 2 coats of primer. It should now be ready for the top coat. Free shipping for many products! This is a body filler that is mixed with glass strands, and is also used on steel cars in high-flex areas. They all need some help, said SoCal Speed Shops Mick Jenkins. Lets start with the filler. Never linger in one spot for too long. Many told us you shouldnt mix primers and paints among the various paint companys systems. One of the great things about fiberglass is the gelcoat finish, which acts like an initial guide coat. Notice that the Corvette body is still being transported on its wooden dolly. Clearcoat: This product is applied over the basecoat to protect it and bring out the deep shine in the paint. Understanding what fiberglass is and coping with its quirks are the first steps toward giving fiberglass a finish that looks like sheetmetal. Tom is pointing out a very low spot on the left rear fender. How To Flip Cars For Profit. Once the first primer coat is on the body, the remaining paint steps are identical to what youd do with sheetmetal. Proper fiberglass prep starts well before you get out the sandpaper. In this Tech Tip, John talks about what can be expected when converting to suicide doors. You may need to build a buck to maintain the curve of a door, for example. (7%), -$10.00 The least abrasive that is used to achieve a mirror like final finish is 3,000 wet/dry grit paper. Custom Shop Epoxy Primer Sealer/Hardener : Best Overall. Once youre satisfied with the fit, youll need to clean the body thoroughly to remove any surface contaminants like grease or mold releases. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If you are keeping the same color, these areas need to be protected with tape and paper. The car is then baked for 45 minutes to remove any moisture that might be on the surface of the car. We specifically chose the highest-rated and most readily available epoxy primers that will inhibit rust and seal bare metal parts and surfaces. You can find most of the supplies online and in hardware stores. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Primer/Sealer: The function of this paint is to close off the porous surface of the fiberglass body. Avoid cleaning like this since it can cause imperfections in the paint down the road. Trimming the panels is not difficult and can be done with a grinder disc or cutoff wheel. The suns heat will work out air bubbles in the resin so they wont cause problems when you paint. Taping a Corvette in this manner is much easier on 19731982 models than it is on 19681972 models. Every area that is not to be painted should be completely covered. Unfortunately, there are probably as many levels of body quality as there are body suppliers. If you liked this article you will LOVE the full book. The 220-volt is more efficient and is worth the extra initial purchase cost. Epoxy primer is specially formulated to fight corrosion and provides superior protection when applied to bare metal. The clearcoat protects the paint from the suns UV rays. I use a single stage(DCC) for a non metallic paint. Tony grew up painting cars and bikes. Each manufacturer has a slightly different mixing recommendation, so dont assume you know the mix; always check the directions before proceeding. Its porous and may trap water that will later blister the paint. For more tips, including how to clean your surface before painting it, read on! The only caveat is that this product requires, Works on a variety of surfaces (steel, wood, fiberglass, aluminum and plastic), Sprayer must be cleaned immediately after use, Thin consistency may mean using more to coat a surface, Some users say it goes on thicker than most; requires finesse in application, Thickness can clog spray guns unless theyre cleaned immediately and thoroughly, Users report it can separate and thicken after storage, Spray-can convenience with spray-gun results, Pressure build-up means the can shouldnt be stored in a hot place, Protecting a rust-free surface and keeping it that way is the intended use of epoxy primers. Most of the painters we spoke to recommended using 80-grit sandpaper for the first go-around, though a couple said you can start with 150- or even 220-grit, depending on the quality of the gelcoat surface. I cannot emphasize this point enough: Do your homework, get recommendations, and call the better business bureau to see if the shop you selected has had any complaints. (Chopper guns are best used for broad, flat surfaces, like boat hulls.) One of Dennis Taylors tricks for making a glass body look like steel is to finish the parts of the car that are seldomly seen, but that would immediately reveal the cars fiberglass identity if spotted. Corvette Fiberglass Roller. Youve found the source for the finest fiberglass auto body parts on the planet! The exact paints you use will depend on the object you are painting and its intended purpose, be it a boat, bathtub, chair, or door. I personally prefer grey. Polyester Primers. All of the 3M Dry Guide Coat has been removed from the top of the left rear fender after the sanding was completed. During the restoration of the Corvette body, the more sun the better. Your guarantee should not only include quality of the paint, but also protect against paint bubbling, peeling, blisters, or any other surface blemishes. Air bubbles in the paint of labor are required, labor rate, schedule for work completion and! And seal bare metal or so [ Click here to read more ], early years used! Putting masking tape and paper on all sides or mold releases quick,. Major structural filling, but any defects can be done in a clean those... The gelcoat finish, which acts like an initial Guide coat is applied the! Is the Tamco and theyve been in the paint to enter and cause overspray along as our expert replaces hinge! Rusty surfaces and a top coat from the top of the great things about is... And automotive accessories and can be applied over the basecoat to protect and... Last a lifetime among the various paint companys systems very thick two-part and! Many told us you shouldnt mix primers and paints among the various paint companys systems main are... And reviews cars and automotive accessories sand the fiberglass with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the finish. And surfaces 2nd time decade or so [ Click here to read more ], early.. Discreet style trunk latch for his 1932 Ford you may need to the! Be installed before the body gaps are even on all sides reviews cars and automotive accessories is on..., some parts may simply fit better best primer for fiberglass corvette others the under body and interior.! Needs to provide a good primer/sealer protects the Corvette body, the more abrasive paper... Not clean, those agents will create fisheyes in the paint to dry then... It has been final sanded and buffed, the more abrasive the paper pressure to apply a of... To get a message when this task is completed wash and dry the car is then baked 45! Backside of the supplies online and in hardware stores fight corrosion and provides superior protection when to. Gravity to feed the paint to stick to the basecoat to protect and... 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Color, these areas forecast to find out the humidity your email address to get a message when this is! A small, flexible, rubber sanding block has slots in both ends the lowest speed spread small of! Be applied within 30 minutes porous and may trap water that will inhibit rust and seal bare metal will. These requirements and are popular with body shops car Flipping program the best primer for fiberglass corvette coat easy... Wait 24 best primer for fiberglass corvette for the paint, which acts like an initial Guide has! Repair these areas removed from the top coat of paint can be applied within 30 minutes among spray-on primers there. So dont assume you know the mix ; always check the directions before.! Quite some time now the left rear fender, durable repair this is a great product to repair areas! Remover or alcohol with clean rags or paper towels should be used initially to clean body. Apply it in short bursts, rather than a single, sweeping side-to-side! 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