Expert: William Forster - 6/3/2008

Question
I have done a little fiberglass work before and now im taking on a more serious task. Im purchasing blank fiberglass cycle fenders and will modify them to fit. After the glass modifications are complete, what are the best finishing steps? what primer and how many coats? should I use a skim coat like a light weight body filler? Is that nessasary? WHats the best paint you would recommend for fiberglass?? I am a do it yourselfer however its nice to get a good foundation of knowledge to make the project go a little smoother. Thanks with any suggesstions you can provide..

Answer
Sand them down with 320 untill all the shine is gone, then primer them with 3 coats of primer surfacer. Let dry overnight, then wet sand with 600 grit wet or dry paper. I wouldn't skim them, unless there are a bunch of obvious mold flaws- if you got quality parts, they will be fine- besides, it's hard to see waves in rounded panels- a fender is nothing but curved. Bill