My Steps before paint

T

Tonythefish

I wanted to share what my steps have been in the past. Looking for any suggestions from the Pro's that might make a better job in the long run. Speed is not a concern.

Car is a 37 ford OZE fiberglass car.

All parts have been in the sun for at least a week.
Wipe Waterborne W&G day before DA
DA glass with 80 grit
Wipe Waterborne W&G day before Epoxy
2 coats of Epoxy
Wet Sand Epoxy 180 grit
Bodywork
2 coats of Epoxy wait 48 hrs
3 coats of 2k within 7 day window ( I have never used Polyester sprayable filler, I'm thinking of trying one ) Insert before 2k then 2k ?

Paint will be tinted sealer, base, clear
IMG_1559.jpg
 
That body looks nice for a fiberglass repop. On most I would recommend polyester instead of mutiple rounds of 2K, so it depends how straight it is to start with. Your steps seem perfect. The polyester would go on after the bodywork. I usually spray epoxy over the bodywork and before polyester or 2K, but that is just personal preference. Epoxy must sit at least 48 hrs. before polyester, but since you're not in a hurry I would wait 72 hrs. That car is gonna be bada**. PS I think most would recommend another coat or 2 of epoxy after the wetsanding, before bodywork. I like to wait at least 24 hrs. after epoxy before filler, but 48 hrs. is even better.
 
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I have not done a complete 'glass body before but 80 grit seems a bit harsh to start with. For bare metal, sure, 80 grit is great. On fiberglass (or gel coat) I think it will be too aggressive. Interested in others opinions also as I have a 'glass hood coming in to install/paint for a good customer.
 
Yes other than the seams the body looks great.. For Poly any recommendations on brand ? I really want to start using poly on all my jobs .. I spend so much time blocking 2k and re-shooting to get it the way I like ...
 
texasking said:
That body looks nice for a fiberglass repop. On most I would recommend polyester instead of mutiple rounds of 2K, so it depends how straight it is to start with. Your steps seem perfect. The polyester would go on after the bodywork. I usually spray epoxy over the bodywork and before polyester or 2K, but that is just personal preference. Epoxy must sit at least 48 hrs. before polyester, but since you're not in a hurry I would wait 72 hrs. That car is gonna be bada**. PS I think most would recommend another coat or 2 of epoxy after the wetsanding, before bodywork. I like to wait at least 24 hrs. after epoxy before filler, but 48 hrs. is even better.
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After poly you end with some 2k ?
 
Tonythefish said:
After poly you end with some 2k ?
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I've done both epoxy and 2K. If the polyester comes out really nice, finished with 180, I usually just spray 2 coats of epoxy. If I feel it needs slightly more leveling, I'll spray 2-3 coats of Turbo primer. You just have to read what the surface is telling you it needs. I use lots of dry guide coat in between grits with polyester and 2K. One advantage to the polyester is the ability to apply more filler if you find a big low spot, something that is not recommended over 2K. Every vehicle seems to get different procedures, depending on how it is cooperating :)
 
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dhutton01 said:
I use Z-Chrome Rust Defender.

Don
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I've sprayed more Z Chrome than any other polyester. Never had an issue. I stopped using it a few years ago because the price skyrocketed and started trying Evercoat's polyesters. They all work well with small differences in build and ease of sanding. The new 4:1 versions are easier to mix.
 
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