paintingahull

Fibreglass has an somewhat undeserved reputation as a difficult material to paint, but this really isn’t so. However, as with all work of this kind, thorough preparation is the key to success, and any short cuts taken at this stage will probably come back to haunt you at a later date. Prepare the outside of the hull for painting just as you would for any other model, first filling any depressions that can be found, perhaps along the centreline and around the prop shaft and rudder. Always sand the hull surface first wherever P-38 or Plastic Padding filler is to be applied, to provide a good key. Add filler to low spots, don’t sand away all around them and risk thinning the hull if too much material is removed, and always try to avoid sanding right through the coloured outer layer. If you do go too far, these areas will require some extra coats of primer to prevent them showing through the final coloured paint finish. Finally, rub down the entire surface with wet & dry paper used wet, finishing with 600 grade. This removes any traces of mould release agent and surface shine, as well as any remaining imperfections, but more importantly it also provides a good key for the paint. Wash the hull to remove grease and finger marks, rinse well and allow to dry. For normal use special paints for GRP are not necessary, and ordinary good quality enamels like Humbrol are fine when brushed or sprayed onto properly prepared and clean surfaces. Spray cans of the kind sold in car accessory shops are also very good with a huge range of available colours, but whatever paint you use, make sure that you use a compatible primer.

A more detailed information sheet covering painting and general construction details is supplied with every hull, but as you can see from these brief descriptions, no special materials or difficult techniques are involved.

Site Map

Bargain Buys

Useful Contacts

Customer Comments