Fiberglass is durable and weather-resistant, but it is not indestructible. It can crack or suffer punctures from impact or stress.
Repairing fiberglass auto body damage is not complex, but it does require a lot of patience and careful work. Using the right techniques, you can make your fiberglass repairs look great. Click the Fiberglass Auto Body Repair to learn more.
Fiberglass is a durable, lightweight material that can be molded into many shapes. It’s often used in vehicles, boats, and airplanes because of its high strength-to-weight ratio. It can also be made into complex shapes, which is helpful in creating aerodynamic body panels for cars. However, fiberglass can suffer damage from impact, stress, and environmental exposure like any other material. Cracks, holes, and delamination are common problems that can require repair. Fortunately, professional shops like Juanito’s Auto Body can repair fiberglass damage quickly and effectively.
The first step in fiberglass repair is identifying the extent of the damage. Our experienced team will thoroughly inspect your vehicle to identify any surface damage or deeper structural issues that may require more comprehensive repair. We recommend a course of action to get you back on the road safely and quickly.
Once the damaged area has been identified, it is cleaned with acetone or contact cleaner to remove any dirt or debris that could prevent proper adhesion. Then, the surface is roughed up using sandpaper (normally 280 grit). This will prepare the surface for bonding.
Next, pieces of fiberglass matt or repair cloth are cut to the size needed for the damaged area. Then, the resin is mixed per the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, it consists of a 2-part polyester base and MEKP hardener. The mixture is applied with a brush to the surface of the damaged area and allowed to dry. The repairman should use a respirator during this process to avoid breathing in the fumes.
Once the fiberglass is dried, it’s time to sand down the repaired surface. The goal is to make the repaired area as smooth as possible, so it’s almost invisible. Then, the area is primed and painted to protect it from the elements.
While fiberglass repairs are fairly simple, they must be done correctly to ensure a strong, long-lasting repair. If a fiberglass patch isn’t thick enough, it won’t be as sturdy as the surrounding metal and will likely flex or fall out over time. In addition, the surrounding metal must be clean and rust free for the patch to stick properly.
Repairing Holes
When fiberglass cracks or dents occur on your boat or car body, you’re likely to need repairs that are both structurally sound and cosmetically appealing. While professional restorers of classic cars may use welding and other methods, a little bit of DIY know how can get you back on the road or water quickly with a repair that looks like it never happened. Fiberglass is an extremely durable material but even it can be damaged by rust and corrosion, or by the rigours of time and the elements.
The first step in any fiberglass repair is to assess the extent of the damage. Juanito’s Auto Body technicians thoroughly inspect the vehicle to ensure that the repair will be strong enough to match, if not surpass, the original strength of the fiberglass structure.
After the damage has been assessed, the surface is cleaned with a mild solvent such as acetone to remove any wax, oil or grease that may inhibit a good bond between the new fiberglass and the old one. The area is then roughed up with sandpaper, typically a heavy grit, on both the interior and exterior of the fiberglass structure. This allows the new fiberglass to adhere properly to the old one and prevents the new fiberglass from pulling away from the edges of the hole or crack.
Once the surface is clean and dry, a layer of fiberglass cloth is cut to fit the hole and is taped in place around it. This can be a knit fabric, chopped strand mat or a mixture of both types of fibreglass materials. A layer of resin is then brushed over the fiberglass mat, and more resin is brushed over it until the entire area is completely saturated with fibreglass.
Once the fiberglass is thoroughly wet with resin, it’s sanded down and smoothed with various grits of sandpaper until it is perfectly smooth and ready for paint. The sanding process is very important as any speck of dust, fingerprint or lint that’s left behind can cause spots or fisheyes in the finished paint. A high quality paint job should be applied to the repaired section to complete the restoration.
Repairing Scratches
The body of your vehicle is exposed to many different things. The sun, heat and cold, and road debris can all take their toll on the fiberglass body panels. While it is not uncommon for your car to suffer from a little bit of dings or scratches, they can be very unsightly. Fiberglass is a great material to repair these types of scratches and will make your car look like it was never even damaged.
The first step in the process of repairing scratches is to prepare the damaged area. This usually involves sanding down the area to create a smooth surface that will adhere well with the new fiberglass. A light layer of acetone may also be used to clean the area and remove any dirt or grease.
Next, the surface is roughed up with sandpaper (normally 280 grit). This is done both inside and outside of the repair area. This process allows the new fiberglass material to bond properly with the old fiberglass and the painted surface of your car.
A layer of gelcoat is then applied to the area. The kit will typically include this gelcoat and it should be applied following the directions provided. The gelcoat will need to cure for 24 hours before the fiberglass is applied.
Before applying the fiberglass, the area is sanded again to ensure a smooth finish that will blend with the rest of your car’s body. Then, a layer of mixed and thickened epoxy is applied to the repaired area with a brush. This epoxy will fill any cracks or voids that may be present and help the fiberglass patch to adhere to the damaged area.
Once the epoxy has dried, a fiberglass cloth is cut to the size of the repair area and placed on top. The repair is then brushed with more resin to set the fiberglass cloth in place. A thin coat of resin is also applied to the back side of the fiberglass patch to help seal it to the existing surface.
After the fiberglass patch has cured, it is time to paint! It is important to remember that fiberglass is not a solid material, like metal, and it will show imperfections when it is painted. To hide these imperfections, you can apply multiple layers of paint.
Repairing Chips
Fiberglass is a durable, lightweight material known for its strength and flexibility. It’s used in a variety of automotive applications from the iconic Corvette to high-end sports cars and custom builds. Unfortunately, fiberglass can also be prone to damage from accidents or the elements. Whether your car has minor scratches or major dings, it’s important to repair them properly to keep the vehicle looking its best.
Using a rag and acetone, clean the damaged area to remove any oils or waxes. This will prepare the surface for the repair process. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated and follow all safety instructions for working with resin and fiberglass.
Apply a thin layer of resin to the affected area and lay the first layer of fiberglass cloth over it. Cut the cloth to size and overlap each layer slightly for a stronger, more seamless finish. Once the repairs are made, sand them with 80-grit sandpaper to shape and smooth them. Apply a primer to help the paint adhere and then paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions.