It's a good idea to remove paint from the fiberglass of your auto.The best way to remove paint from fiberglass is to blast it.Baking soda is used to avoid damage to the fiberglass when soda blasting.You can use paint strippers to remove paint from fiberglass at home.The fiberglass could be damaged if both sanding and using paint strippers are used.
Step 1: Check your local regulations.
It is illegal in many areas to sand paint from the fiberglass components off your car in the open air, while other places allow it if you use special attachment on a vacuum as you sand to catch as much particulate as possible.You can find laws in your area on the website.The particulate from sanding can be bad for the environment.It is illegal to sand the paint off of a vehicle without a specialized facility.
Step 2: Sand can be found in a safe place.
You can sand your vehicle if you find an isolated area that is free of particulate.Sanding out in the open will allow the particulate to spread.The best place to sand your vehicle is a garage.Try to wait for a day that has no wind.
Step 3: Appropriate safety gear to wear.
Wear goggles and a mask when sanding because of the dangers of airborne particulate.If dust becomes caked on the mask, you will need to replace it periodically.The paint can get into your eyes if you don't wear safety glasses.Most hardware and auto parts stores have respirators for sale.
Step 4: The sand paper should be chosen.
If you want to leave a smooth surface in the fiberglass, you will need multiple grades of sandpaper.Start with 80 grit sandpaper and sand in a circular motion to remove the paint.Once you have removed most of the paint and re-sand the area, you should use a 220 grit sandpaper.A slightly abrasive surface will help the new paint stick, so don't worry about making the fiberglass completely smooth.Don't sand beyond the paint and fiberglass.If you choose to use a power sander, be careful not to sand too deep through the paint with the paper.
Step 5: You have to sand as much as you can.
You don't need to remove all of the paint from the fiberglass if you plan on painting the surface.If you want to score the rest of the surface, you should first remove any loose or bubbled paint, then lightly sand it.The scored paint on the fiberglass will stick to the new paint.Before the fiberglass is painted, make sure to wash and rinse the part.It will be covered in dust during the sanding process.
Step 6: You can choose a paste paint stripper.
There are many paint stripper products on the market.The paint stripper is supposed to be used on fiberglass on the package.If you want to remove paint from a component that is still on the vehicle, you should use a paint stripper paste.As it cures, paste paint stripper is less likely to leave marks on fiberglass.Paint strippers can be dangerous if used wrong.
Step 7: Painters tape can be used to cover edges.
Blue painters tape can be used to mark the edges of where you want to remove the paint from the vehicle.You will have a barrier to guide you as you apply the paint stripper.To strip, mark off the entire area.
Step 8: Drop clothes should be put down.
Drop clothes are necessary because you will need to leave the paint stripper on for an extended period of time.As it cures, this will catch any paint or stripper that falls from the vehicle.It is important to catch and dispose of paint stripper because it is bad for the environment.If you apply the paint stripper under a roof, the rain won't wash it away as it cures.
Step 9: Cure time can be determined using a patch.
Allow the paint stripper to cure before applying it to the fiberglass.Determine how long it will take for the paint stripper to cure by reading the instructions.The stripper should be checked periodically to see if the paint has been removed.Keep track of how long it takes to remove the paint.
Step 10: Put the paint stripper on the fiberglass.
To apply the paint stripper to the fiberglass, follow the directions.Most paste strippers come with an application.The stripper should be spread evenly on the painted fiberglass.Different types of paint strippers have different instructions.Paint strippers are applied with a brush.
Step 11: Allow it to cure for a period of time.
For the amount of time you determined it would take to cure, leave the paint stripper on.If you leave the stripper on too long it will eat away at the fiberglass, so make sure you don't.You will need to apply another coat to get the rest of the paint off if you remove the stripper too soon.
Step 12: The stripper and paint need to be removed.
After curing, some paint strippers need to be removed.If the stripper had a tool to use, remove it and paint it off.The paint and stripper should be removed with a plastic scraper.The fiberglass may be damaged by a metal scraper.If the fiberglass is curved, use a scraper with a smaller width so you can better control how you apply pressure.
Step 13: The paint and stripper need to be wiped off.
Use a hose to spray the paint stripper off if you are told to rinse it off.The paint strippers will not harm the environment.The paint stripper may splash into your eyes if you use a high pressure washer to rinse it off.A garden hose is enough to rinse this paint stripper off.
Step 14: When necessary, apply the stripper.
After removing the paint stripper, evaluate the fiberglass and see if you need to apply it again.Continue until you remove all of the paint.It may take multiple tries to remove the paint if there are small nooks or edges in the fiberglass.