Glossy Finish on Fiberglass / Bondo

**[iG]** · 06-03-2004, 09:06 AM

After reviewing some pics i took at a show last fall here in Toronto i got a question... Does anyone know what kind of finishing products/prepping work needs to be done to achieve a glossy finish on the fiberglass parts?

Obviously the surface needs to be prepped/sanded very well to achieve a smooth look so glazing putty is our friend there. However, what's after that, do you apply the paint and than some kind of paint over it to get the gloss.. or?

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about if I'm not clear:

**Snootch** · 06-03-2004, 09:37 AM

It's done by getting the surface smooth, then priming, then spraying down a few layers of paint, then color sand with a hi-grit wetsand paper, then an automotive-grade clearcoat. Let it dry, wetsand, then a few layers of clear, and it's done, with a very sore arm from all that sanding, trust me.

**[iG]** · 06-03-2004, 10:54 AM

Ahh! My original plan was smooth > prime > spray. done. This will extend it by a few steps.. sheesh.

Few questions. Color sand? Wetsand paper?

**Snootch** · 06-03-2004, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by [iG]

Ahh! My original plan was smooth > prime > spray. done. This will extend it by a few steps.. sheesh.

Few questions. Color sand? Wetsand paper?

Wet or Dry sandpaper, very fine grit above 1200 grit. it's black in color, and you sand, keeping the surface wet with water.

Colorsanding: Basically wetsanding the several layers of color paint (or clearcoat) to eliminate "orange peel" or imperfections in the surface. Yes, it does scuff up the surface a little bit, bit the last coat of clear, and some buffing are what gets it glossy. Good link on colorsanding:
http://www.customclassictrucks.com/h...37_0403_paint/
The more sanding, and clearcoat with layers (and elbow grease) is going to give you a "deeper" glossy finish.

**[iG]** · 06-03-2004, 11:13 AM

*Enlightened* Thanks snootch

This weekend is gonna be busy for me!

**Snootch** · 06-03-2004, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by [iG]

*Enlightened* Thanks snootch

This weekend is gonna be busy for me!

In addition, the Carsound Fabrication forums are a great source for knowlege on this type of stuff:
http://www.carsound.com/UBB/ultimate...?ubb=forum;f=4

Good luck on your project. REMEMBER: make sure each coat of paint has FULLY CURED before you sand/paint/buff on it.

**kirk fogg** · 06-16-2004, 02:49 PM

once you have all your fiberglass work done, all the painting/clear coats/colorsanding/etc...is there much maintence to keep it up? i'm sure its not as bad as waxing your car and whatnot due to the elements it faces, but still curious on how much work is needed to keep up that deep glossy finish

**Snootch** · 06-17-2004, 12:51 PM

Naw, just wipe it off occasionaly, and make sure no one kicks it, sets anything on it. Make sure that nothing is cracking or anything due to the sun, etc.