How to Refinish a Fiberglass Basketball Backboard
Over time, basketball backboards will become dirty and discolored from normal wear and tear. They can become an eyesore, and you may think about replacing them. An easier and cheaper solution is to repaint the backboard. Fiberglass is painted with a thick paint called gel coat. Gel coat is fiberglass resin that is pigmented with color and requires a catalyst in order to harden. Gel coat is durable and will last a long time. Gel coat supplies can be found at your local marine supply store.
Things You'll Need
- Respirator
- Palm sander
- 200 Grit sandpaper
- White gel coat
- Catalyst
- Small bucket
- Stir stick
- Felt roller
- Masking tape
- Red spray paint
Instructions
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1
Remove the backboard from the post it's mounted on, then remove the rim from the backboard. Use a crescent wrench to loosen the bolts.
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2
Put on a respirator and sand the backboard using a palm sander with 200 grit sandpaper until the old paint is completely scuffed and smooth.
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3
Clean the surface of the backboard using a rag and acetone. Thoroughly wipe down the backboard, removing all the dust and any grease or residue. Any grease or oil left on the surface can cause the gel coat to bubble up.
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4
Mix the gel coat with the catalyst in a small bucket, following the directions on the containers. Use a stir stick to thoroughly mix the gel coat.
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5
Apply the gel coat to the backboard using an 8-inch felt roller. Roll it on thick, then let the gel coat harden for one to two hours. If the gel coat is thin, you can add another layer.
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6
Mask off a square around the top of the rim that is 18 inches by 18 inches and 2 inches wide using masking tape. The top of the rim should touch the bottom edge of the square and be centered. Mask the entire area around the square and in the middle of the square to protect from overspray.
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7
Put on a respirator and spray paint the square red. Let the spray paint dry and remove the tape. Put the rim back on the backboard and remount the backboard.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear a respirator when working with fiberglass materials.
