Painting questions

[DND]

Taking as a given that the body panels will have been washed and degreased/dewaxed; do I need to completely sand off the gel coat before starting painting or is it sufficient to just scuff the gel coat?

Second question, what is the best primer to use for adhesion to these fiberglass panels?

[Presto51]

Taking as a given that the body panels will have been washed and degreased/dewaxed; do I need to completely sand off the gel coat before starting painting or is it sufficient to just scuff the gel coat? No you don't have to sand off the gel coat, make sure that you thoroughly sand the panels, don't leave any shiny spots behind.

Second question, what is the best primer to use for adhesion to these fiberglass panels? Two schools of thought on this, some like to use a certain paint product all the way through, from bottom to the top coat. A lot of folks have used Evercoat primer products with great success.

You might want to check out the Paintucation video's for more information on prep work and painting your car.

Just a couple of items to think about. Of course this forum will give you a lot of helpful information as well.

Ron

[TheBabyBadger]

To piggy back:

You should prep the car with 600-800 depending on middle coats and primers/sealers, but keep in mind you'll need to address the areas where the car was pressed together. These spots will need to be sanded down, filled, and primed. The range of primers goes from polyester based primers (heavy fill) to sand, seal and shoot. Regardless, you will need to AT LEAST seal and paint, but HIGHLY recommend primer over body filler at all joints.

If you've not worked this type of material before, have a professional do it or at least pay one to help. This is a HUGE under taking, even for pros. There are no short cuts. I would sand the gel coat no rougher than 600. ALL SHINY SPOTS SANDED. You can go over the 600 with red scotch brite and soapy water to clean and prep. Nothing with silicone AT ALL. Again, if you're not familiar, best to steer clear.

God Speed!

[Hobby Racer]

For reference, your shiny gel coat panels should look like this before you clean and prime them. A dull finish with no gloss. Its a very time consuming, messy job.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82872&d=1521584531

But if your willing to put in the time they can look like this.

88067 88068 88069

[turbomacncheese]

Hey, I have some time...I do, I swear!!!

[DND]

Thank-you all for the advice, I appreciate it.

@Hobby Racer, I saw your thread, looks amazing, just wondering if you coated the insides of the panels with anything?

@TheBabyBadger, I'm (almost) completely new to this but I'm going to try it anyway so I can learn. ;)

@Presto51, I'll be watching those Paintucation videos, thank-you. I'm starting with the fiberglass repair...

[Hobby Racer]

Thank-you all for the advice, I appreciate it.

@Hobby Racer, I saw your thread, looks amazing, just wondering if you coated the insides of the panels with anything?


Nope, I left the back side as they came from FFR.