Prepping Fiberglass Hood

[OptimizePrime]

For those of you who have experience painting the hood, I'd like to get your feedback on how you went about prepping the hood (with specifics - grits, wet sand and/or dry, steps taken, type of primer etc.)

How was the gelcoat?

Thanks in advance!

@Karter2026 , @AleX1/9 -- I see you guys painted your own, any help?

 

[Karter2026]

The gelcoat was not bad, I have seen a lot worse.

I went around and 220 grit any spots that looked high or extra resin drops Use a block so you do not get finger indentations from sanding. Finished the hood with 400 grit then Primer. I used Axlta (duPont) 2 part epoxy primer. Blocked it with 400 again then base coat and clear.

80% of the beautiful finish is in the prepwork. If you can find it Axlta generic brand is Nason Lots cheaper than Axlta with still a good finish product.

Paint is not cheap

 

[JBINTX]

I used a mouse sander with 120 grit first, then 220 grit. Just a very light sanding.
Wiped with alcohol to clean the dust off.
Rustoleum enamel primer - two coats
Rustoleum enamel satin for top coat
I sanded in between all the coats with 220 grit - except for the last top coat on the colors.
Rustoleum satin clear - three coats. Lightly sanded after the first two coats.

Since I chose satin, it gave me a little more room for imperfections. Gloss just shows everything.

My boys told me I would never make it look good doing it in our garage. Somehow, I was able to prove them wrong.

Jason in Texas - ext. track - 09 SS/TC

I would think so my viper started out that way catching then was like no power steering at all

dfkitcar.com