Date:         Sat, 23 Jun 2007 10:50:02 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Painting Fiberglass bumpers
Comments: To: Jamie Auch <jamie@KOOKYMATHTEACHER.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <200706231334.l5NDYIV8001292@ms-smtp-02.southeast.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Jamie;

I first used a FLAPS fiberglass repair kit and bondo to repair damage
and dents. Then I went to a paint supply and used what they
recommended. It was a three-step process that began with a high-build
primer, then the Cloud Grey Metallic base coat, then a clear coat. I
used a cheap spray gun and a 2-hp compressor. It came out just about
perfect.

The stuff I used for painting was all in the Diamant brand system.
Let them supply you with everything, don't take a chance on using
anything incompatible. I had them remix (thin) the paint and mark the
ratios of the various mixtures on the tops of the cans. I bought a
pack of Mason jars at the grocery store to have graduated glass
containers for mixing.

The project turned out well enough that I was emboldened
(embiggened?) to move on to projects like my entire camper door and
then the entire top surface of my daughter's Volvo 740.

I read Ben's color change on his red van dreaming of the day I'll
take the spray gun to my Tornado Red 90. I have learned that I will
need a better spray gun and a higher-capacity compressor before that
day comes, though.

Bumpers are easy. Line 'em up on some boards over sawhorses and shoot
them with paint. Then take masking tape for the black trim parts and
hit that with semi-gloss krylon.

Jim


On Jun 23, 2007, at 8:34 AM, Jamie Auch wrote:

> Hi Volks,
> My '89 Westy has faded bumpers and mirrors.  Can anyone recommend
> and good paint to spruce them up?
> Thanks!
>
> Jamie
> The Kooky Math Teacher
>