How to Paint a Fiberglass Wall Panel

Paint fiberglass using gel coat, a fiberglass resin you can pigment to match any color. Gel coat acts as a protective layer for the fiberglass as well as a finish. It has a very thick consistency and requires a gel coat spray gun for application. Gel coat also requires a catalyst in order to harden, which most of the time comes with the gel coat you buy. Purchase your supplies at your local marine supply store.

Things You'll Need

• Respirator
• Palm sander
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Rags
• Acetone
• Painter's tape
• Gel coat
• Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (hardener)
• Gel coat spray gun
• Small bucket
• Stir stick

Instructions

1. Wearing a respirator, sand the panel using a palm sander and fine-grit sandpaper. Thoroughly scuff the entire surface so the gel coat will form a solid bond.

2. Clean the entire surface using a rag and acetone. Remove any grease or oil from the surface to avoid bubbles in the gel coat.

3. Tape off the edges of the area you plan to paint using painter's tape. Cover anything you don't want to paint.

4. Add the gel coat and hardener to the gel coat gun. An internal-mixture gun will mix the gel coat and hardener while you spray, while other guns will require you to mix the hardener into the gel coat as directed on the containers. For non-internal-mixture guns, mix the gel coat in a small bucket using a stir stick.

5. Apply the first coat onto the panel in a heavy mist. Spray as consistently and evenly as possible to avoid runs or a rippled finish. The first coat will act as a base coat for the second and final coat. Let the first coat begin to get tacky before applying the second.

6. Spray the second coat onto the fiberglass panel. Continue to spray as evenly as possible and solidly cover the entire surface. Let the gel coat cure until it completely hardens.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a respirator when working with fiberglass materials.

References

• Boating Made Simple
• Aqua Skier