How to Paint Fiberglass Fenders

Refurbish fiberglass fenders.

If you want to personalize your vehicle with painted designs, you could start with painting the fenders. Of all vehicle parts, the fenders seem to be overlooked. Nowadays, automotive materials use less chrome; instead, this has been substituted by fiberglass. Compared to chrome, fiberglass fenders are easier to maintain. Paint your fiberglass fenders to make them unique from other cars to match your personal style.

Things You'll Need

• Sander
• 220-, 320-, 400- and 800-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• 280 high build surfacer plus catalyst
• Bucket
• Spray painter
• Black powder
• Wax and grease remover
• Shop rags
• Paint chips
• Stencils or thin brushes
• Fiberglass paint
• Clear sealer

Instructions

1. Lay the fender to be painted face up on a flat surface near an electrical outlet. Plug in an electric sander and sand with 400-grit sandpaper from the top of the fender to the bottom all the way across.

2. Clean the surface of the fender using a tack cloth. You do not want any dust or residue from the sanding under the surfacer.

3. Mix the surfacer and the catalyst in a bucket. Pour the mixture into the spray painter.

4. Cover the fender with three coats of the surfacer and catalyst mixture. Make sure you have covered the entire exposed area of the fender, including the sides. Allow the fender to dry overnight. Clean out the sprayer container.

5. Cover the fender with black powder. Brush off the powder. The areas that retain any powder will need special attention when re-sanding.

6. Apply 220-grit sandpaper on your sander and buff the entire surface once more. Pay particular attention to the areas that have retained powder.

7. Clean away all the dust created by sanding. Sand again with 320-grit sandpaper, making sure not to miss any areas. Repeat with 400-grit sandpaper then finally with 800-grit sandpaper.

8. Clean the surface of the fender thoroughly to remove any traces of the sanding. Use a wax and grease remover so that the paint can adhere completely to the fender's surface.

9. Wipe the entire fender one last time with the tack cloth. This will ensure that no dust or debris from the sanding will prevent the paint from adhering to the fender.

10. Fill the spray container with the base color you have chosen. Spray one coat evenly over the fender until it is completely covered. Allow it to dry completely. Clean out the sprayer container.

11. Place any design work on your fender now. You can use stencils and spray a design in a different color than the base coat or use a fine brush to do freehand detailing. Allow the fender to dry overnight.

12. Cover the fender with clear paint using the spray painter. Use two coats and allow them to dry overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use the sprayer in a well ventilated area.

References

• Sport Truck: How to Paint Your Custom Fiberglass Fender