Painting Fiberglass
Preparation of fiberglass above the waterline
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Cleaning Start by cleaning the fiberglass surface with warm soapy water in order to remove all water-soluble dirt. After drying, degrease with Epifanes Fiberglass Prep Cleaner to remove all wax residues. Sanding After cleaning, sand with 320 dry sandpaper and degrease once more with Epifanes Fiberglass Prep Cleaner.
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Filling Fill small irregularities above the waterline with Epifanes Fiberglass Filler. Larger repairs can be filled with Epifanes Epoxy Filler. Sand inside cracks and scratches before filling to give the surface some “tooth” for better mechanical bonding. Immediately after the filler has dried, sand with 320 dry, degrease with Epifanes Fiberglass Prep Cleaner and apply a 15% thinned primer or topcoat. This thinned sealer coat will prevent absorption of moisture or topcoats into the filler. After drying of the sealer coat, sand the area(s) with 320 dry. Epifanes Mono-urethane and Poly-urethane Yacht Paint may be applied directly on well degreased and sanded fiberglass without the use of a primer. However if fiberglass is showing small cracks and irregularities or a filler has been used,it is recommended to first apply a primer coat before topcoating. A primer is required when using Epifanes Yacht Enamel as a topcoat. |
One-component paint system on fiberglass
| Step 1 | Step 2 | ||||
| Epifanes Multi Marine Primer | .png) |
Epifanes Mono-urethane Yacht Paint | .png) |
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| Number of coats | 1 | 3 | |||
| Thinner | 5-10% | 0-5% | |||
| Drying Time | 18 hours | 24 hours | |||
| Abrasive Papaer | 220 - dry | 400 - wet | |||
| Remarks | Not necessary if gelcoat is intact | Thin first coat by 5 - 10% | |||
Two-component paint system on fiberglass
| Step 1 | Step 2 | ||||
| Epifanes Poly-urethane Primer |  |
Epifanes Poly-urethane Yacht Coating |  |
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| Number of coats | 1 | 3 | |||
| Thinner | 5-10% | 0-5% | |||
| Drying Time | 6 hours | 24 hours | |||
| Abrasive paper | 220 - dry | 400 - wet | |||
| Remarks | Not necessary if gelcoat is intact | Thin first coat by 5-10%. Within 48 hours without sanding. After 48 hours always sand. |
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Maintenance of previously painted fiberglass |
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After degreasing and sanding, Epifanes onec-omponent topcoats can be applied on almost all existing paint systems regardless of brand. The one-component topcoat is also suited for topcoating two-component poly-urethane paint systems. After degreasing and sanding, Epifanes Polyurethane Yacht Coating may be applied on existing poly-urethane or epoxy based systems regardless of brand. |
In order to keep a paint system in good condition, the system needs to be maintained from time to time by applying one or more maintenance coats. If the existing paint work is still intact and only shows discoloration or loss of gloss, degrease the surface with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish, sand with 220 dry and apply one or more maintenance coats. Lifting or damaged paint must be removed completely and replaced by a new paint system including primer coats.
