Painting fenders, opinions, advice

[Aaron Coffee]

Got some of Grant's lil fenders, and think I going to attempt paint myself(thinking spray can). There are some cracks(?) in the gel coat. Based on advice from a supposed expert coworker, I am thinking scuff the gel coat, high build primer, block sand, another coat of primer, block sand, repeat as necessary until fenders are smooth, then color coat, scuff, another color coat. Does this sound right? Also there are a few spots that could use some body filler, at what point do I do the filler? I am planning on spray can bed liner or undercoat on the undersides. What grit sandpaper do I use at which points?
Fender

Close up showing cracks


Thanks
Aaron

[DMcCam]

Hi Aaron,

I'd contact Grant and get his take on finishing. He's a great guy and I'm sure will point you in the right direction. I'm looking at getting a couple of his 'Kit' fenders and will likely powder coat them if it's possible...(note to self, take your own advise, call Grant).

Cheers,

Dave

[grant whipp]

Aaron!

Those "cracks" are simply stress fractures in the mold that have "patterned" through (I'm gonna kill my brother, those should have never gone out looking like that !), and they'll sand right out ... start with some 400 grit wet-or-dry, then 600 grit ... no need to prime, as the gelcote is its own primer (call Primacote). If those spots you say might need filling don't sand out and you DO need to add filler, then you'll need to prime those spots (wonder how many lives my brother has ...?). Regarding sanding the paint between coats, consult the directions on the can, or ask the guy behind the counter at a reputable paint shop. Yep, rattle-can bedliner is a good way to go ... better would be to get the real thing (a little spendy, but you'll get the best results).

Dave!

Most powdercoating needs an oven cure at about 450º ... don't know that I've ever heard of fiberglass being powdercoated ... I wouldn't do it with typical polyester resin, but we're using vinylester ... I'll have to ask my brother (that is, if he's still talking to me after I beat the crap out of him ... ... ... ...!).

CHEERS!

[Martiangod]

Could check with a body shop, If your going a standard color like black, they may have a spray comming up and shoot them in the corner of the booth at same time for cheap.

But some of the rattle cans now with fan tips will give you great results.

And auto paint shop can make up rattle cans to your color with Automotive grade paint, more durable then rustoleum

[DMcCam]

Thanks Grant, I'll ask my buddy about powder coating fiberglass.

Cheers,

Dave

[CarlLaFong]

You can powder coat fiberglass, but it has to have an electrically conductive primer put on first. The powder sticks to the part through an electrostatic process, so it cannot be done on non metallic parts without some special prep.

[grant whipp]

That's good to know, Carl ... Thanks!

Do you have any brand names to suggest, or links to products, or directions to testimonials ...? Would really like to know more ...

CHEERS!