Painting fiberglass?

Southtowns27

Seaman
Joined
Jun 16, 2013
Messages
73
I need a bit of advice, I attached a pic for reference. I'd like to paint the area between the windshield and the dashboard. The area is shiny gelcoat right now and is pretty cracked and crazed, presumably from the sun beating on it since 1986. The main issue is the glare I get off it, it's like a mirror and blinds me on a regular basis. I'm leaning towards flat black, but what type of primer and/or paint do I need to use that will stick to the gelcoat? Thanks in advance
 
Last edited:

Georgesalmon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 14, 2012
Messages
1,793
Most any paint will stick to properly prepared gelcoat. Mostly just sanded and clean is all you need to do. You will also have to grind out and fill in all those cracks. Bondo or any body filler will work in that area since its not underwater or even wet a lot. Most times primer isn't even needed. For cheap, get a rattle can of flat exterior dark color. Doesn't have to be black. I'm sure you will get all kinds of complicated ways to do this from others, but really its a simple job.
 

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
What color do you need? Maybe plasti-dip spray? Sticks well, but easy to remove if you don't like it. It is also thicker than paint so it fills in cracks.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,929
What George S Said!!! Use a dremel with a v groove bit to clean out the cracks and open em up then wash em out with acetone. Fill with some 3M Premium Filler. Sand with 180 grit Use some Rustoleum Metal Primer (Yup works on fiberglass too) then paint with Rustoleum Flat color of choice. 1 Hour Max job.
 
Top