How to Remove Paint From Auto Fiberglass

Fiberglass auto body panels are a godsend when manufacturing vehicles with a low gross weight. Painted fiberglass poses a challenge if you want to strip paint completely to repaint your vehicle. Fiberglass is a porous material composed of millions of glass fibers, and these fibers can absorb most paint thinners and removers, holding them within the fibers for long durations. Proper selection of a chemical paint remover is your most important task when removing paint from your fiberglass panels.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Eye protection goggles
• Solvent-resistant gloves
• Large fan
• Fiberglass paint stripper
• Camel's hair paintbrushes
• Nonmetallic paint scraper
• Large sponge

1. Put on eye protection goggles and solvent-resistant gloves. Open all doors and windows and set a large fan in a doorway in a fashion that it pulls the air through the building and out the open door.

2. Remove all components that will not be painted, especially plastic and rubber accessories.

3. Paint your fiberglass paint remover onto the painted fiberglass surface in one 2 foot by 2-foot area at a time, allowing the stripper to work for five minutes. When brushing the stripper onto the surface, apply generously and only run your brush across each area in one direction, not overlapping the previous stroke. Scrape off paint once you find it easy to lift off with your paint scraper.

4. Wash each section thoroughly after paint removal, and before moving on to stripping the next area, with a sponge soaked in water. Return the sponge to a bucket of clean water and dry the section with a clean oil-free towel.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until all areas of paint have been removed from the fiberglass body.

Tips & Warnings

• Always choose your chemical paint remover carefully, making sure that it is designed for use on fiberglass. Excellent sources for these chemical strippers are local marine and auto body supply shops. It is best to purchase your chemical stripper locally, as shipping costs are very high when shipping hazardous materials. Don't use a back and forth movement with your brush. Brush the stripper onto the surface by moving the brush in the same direction every stroke.
• Provide more-than-usual ventilation when using this stripping product. A ventilation fan should be set in a doorway in a manner so that it will draw the heavier-than-air fumes across the floor and out through the doorway opening. Windows should be opened to provide positive air flow into the building. Paint strippers designed for removing paint from fiberglass, as with all other paint stripping chemicals, are dangerous products that pose serious safety risks. Follow all manufacturer directions in a strict manner.

References

• "Automotive Paint Handbook"
• "Body Repair and Painting Manual"

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