Fiberglass finish underneath body-Apply Resin?

[Anthony P.]

Hello,

I have finally removed most of the paint that the PO put on the entire bottom of the body and it is looking good. They used a good epoxy paint, so it was definitely a pain.

Now, in some areas, I have what I can describe as "Fuzzes" from strands of fiberglass that loosened in some areas from the paint removal.

Should I brush on some resin over these areas to flatten it down?

Something else I should/should not do?

Thanks,
Tony

[Chuck S.]

Re: Fiberglass finish underneath body-Apply Resin?

...I have finally removed most of the paint that the PO put on the entire bottom of the body and it is looking good. They used a good epoxy paint, so it was definitely a pain.

Now, in some areas, I have what I can describe as "Fuzzes" from strands of fiberglass that loosened in some areas from the paint removal.

Should I brush on some resin over these areas to flatten it down?...

Yes, I have used catalyzed clear resin over small repairs to restore uniform appearance and gloss successfully. To make it look original takes a little artistry.

In the middle of a large area like your floorboards, it will be difficult to conceal where a spotted new resin "overcoat" begins and ends. If you brush it out too much, it will be dull on the edges with brush marks, and if you don't, you'll probably have good gloss, but with an "edge".

Try it on a small area and analyze the result before moving to the entire floorboard. It will be difficult to brush the resin on uniformly enough for smooth flow out...one of those 4" foam paint rollers (if it survives the resin) might be just the ticket, but roll it lightly to avoid the side tracks, or roll them out.

Your advantage is it's under the car and harder to see, but reflected back llight will make uneven application look like ocean waves.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Fiberglass finish underneath body-Apply Resin?

Another good method is to spray a 2 part clear with a flatener to control the gloss.
It should be about the same as you took off and the fuzzies will all stick out so you will have to lightly sand them with 320 and recoat if you are not satisfied.
Don't run your hand over the area to see if the coating is cured because the fuzzies become very sharp.


DOM

[Anthony P.]

Re: Fiberglass finish underneath body-Apply Resin?

Thanks Chuck. What Resin did you use, and was it a good match to the original color?

Dom, when you sprayed the clear, did you just do spot areas, or the entire bottom.

Thanks,
Tony

[Chuck S.]

Re: Fiberglass finish underneath body-Apply Resin?

...What Resin did you use, and was it a good match to the original color?...

My objective was to smooth minor surface imperfections and bring up the gloss on small repairs I had made to a spare tub.

I used a known brand (I forget) from Home Depot. Generic resin is typically clear and almost colorless...this had a very slightly purple tinge. For this application, less color on the surface is better...you're trying to provide a transparent coating you can see through to the fiberglass.

For the actual resin/mat repairs, I used a black tinted resin.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Fiberglass finish underneath body-Apply Resin?

Anthony,
Actually I only sprayed the area over the tank but lI ike it so much I am going to do the rest.


DOM