If someone backed into your car, you likely want the cracks repaired as soon as possible. While steel panels can be repaired with body filler, fiberglass is more delicate and must be handled carefully.
Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to repair fiberglass auto body damage with the right materials and techniques. Here are a few tips to get you started. Contact Fiberglass Auto Body Repair now!
Different materials play an important role in the repair and restoration of damaged vehicles. The right materials ensure quality repairs and can also prevent further damage to the vehicle or parts. Some of the most common materials used in auto body repair include plastic, glass, adhesives, fasteners, carbon fiber, steel, aluminum, and magnesium. Each material offers unique challenges and requires specialized knowledge to properly use. Miracle Body & Paint is a trusted collision center that specializes in repairing advanced automotive materials and can help you determine which type of material is best for your specific repairs.
Fiberglass is a composite material made up of tiny strands of spun glass that are embedded in resin. It is a very lightweight and durable material that is able to withstand harsh conditions. It is also able to be shaped and molded to fit specific needs. This makes it an ideal choice for repairing damaged areas of a car’s body.
The first step in the process of repairing a fiberglass area is to clean the affected surface thoroughly. This includes removing any rust and dirt from the damaged area, and ensuring that it is free of moisture. Once the damaged area is cleaned, a body filler can be used to fill in any holes or cracks in the car body. Once dry, sand the area smooth and remove any excess filler.
Next, the fiberglass cloth and resin must be applied to the repaired area. A strong woven fiberglass cloth should be cut to size and soaked in mixed resin before being placed on the repaired surface. The mixture should be spread evenly over the area. If necessary, additional layers of cloth and resin can be added to the area to create a solid and durable repair.
Once the fiberglass has dried, it should be sanded down with sandpaper ranging from 60 to 80 grit. This will ensure that the surface is smooth and ready for paint. Once the sanding is complete, a primer can be applied to the fiberglass to protect it from the elements. Finally, a top coat of clear polyurethane can be applied to the fiberglass. This will seal and protect the finish and make it resistant to scratching, fading, and chipping.
Preparation
While fiberglass is very durable when compared to metal, it can suffer from damage that requires a lot of patience and skill to repair. This is why it’s so important for students who are enrolled in a trades program to learn the ropes in an auto body shop before taking on this challenge themselves.
The first step in this type of repair is to thoroughly clean the area to be repaired with acetone or contact cleaner. This gets rid of any oil and grease that may hinder the fiberglass from bonding properly to the surface. Then, the area is roughed up with sandpaper (normally 280 grit). The interior and exterior of the area are roughened so that the fiberglass can form a strong bond with the surface to which it will be applied.
Once the area has been prepared, the fiberglass is cut to the size required for the repair. Then, the resin is mixed with a catalyst and applied to the area in which the fiberglass is needed. The fiberglass is soaked in this mixture until it takes on the color of the resin mixture, with no white areas showing through. Once the resin has taken on this color, it is rolled out with a felt roller and allowed to dry completely.
During this process, students should take the time to pay close attention to the edges of the fiberglass so that it is smooth and even with the surrounding fiberglass. Then, the sanding can begin. This is a lengthy process, and it’s often helpful to use a palm sander for this task. Once the sanding is completed, the surface should be cleaned with a damp cloth and wiped down with acetone.
Once the sanding and cleaning are finished, the area can be primed and painted. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the entire repair process. The result will be a car that looks brand new!
Application
A staple of early car bodywork, fiberglass was used in hoods, spoilers and other areas of the vehicle. It’s a durable material that can be used for a variety of repair jobs, including patching holes and cracks in the bodywork and repairing rust. If you’re interested in an automotive service technician career, working with fiberglass will be something you’ll need to know. The process of repairing fiberglass isn’t difficult, but it does take some time and patience to get good at.
Before the filler can be applied, the area needs to be thoroughly cleaned using acetone or contact cleaner to remove any dirt or debris. Once it’s clean, the area should be roughed up with a coarse grit of sandpaper (typically 280-grit). This will help to ensure that the fiberglass will stick to the bodywork and won’t lift later on in the process.
After the surface has been roughed up, it’s time to apply a coat of resin. This will set the fiberglass cloth in place and give it a smoother appearance once it’s finished. Once the resin is applied, it’s important to let it dry completely before proceeding with any other work. Once it has dried, the area can be sanded down again with fine grit sandpaper to make sure that it is smooth and ready for paint.
Once the surface has been sanded down, it’s time to apply a layer of body filler. There are a few different types of auto body filler available, but premium-grade body filler is the best choice for high-quality repairs that need to be durable and long-lasting. It offers the highest stain resistance and is the easiest to sand down, making it the ideal option for a high-quality bodywork job. It also tends to cost the most, but it’s worth the investment for a quality finish that will last a long time. You can find premium body filler at many automotive stores or online.
Finishing
After the fiberglass is cured, polyester body filler is applied with a rubber spreader to blend the repaired area with the surrounding undamaged surface. Multiple thin coats are applied, then wet-sanded with 400 grit wet-dry sandpaper until the repair blends into the undamaged paint.
The final step is to apply a gelcoat or a top-coat of fiberglass resin for a smooth, durable finish. This step is often overlooked by do-it-yourselfers, but it’s an important part of the process for a professional-looking repair job that lasts.
A good quality urethane or epoxy gelcoat will provide a long-lasting seal that resists water penetration, UV radiation and chemicals. It’s also color stable, so it will keep its original finish for a long time. A good quality body filler is necessary to help the gelcoat adhere to the fiberglass.
Once the fiberglass is cured, it’s ready for a fresh coat of primer and paint to complete the repair and restore your car’s appearance. Be sure to properly prepare the area for painting by sanding, cleaning and priming. This will ensure a clean, uniform finish that is ready to be repainted.
It’s important to remember that fiberglass doesn’t expand and contract like metal, so you may need to reinforce high stress areas like body fastening points with wood or metal. Once the reinforcement is in place, it’s a good idea to cover it with a layer of fiberglass resin and cloth for extra strength.
Another thing to keep in mind is that fiberglass can be very slippery, so it’s important to use a reputable fiberglass adhesive. Also, it’s a good idea to prewet the fiberglass with resin before applying it, which will give it more grip and reduce slipping.
Fiberglass Auto Body Repair is a challenging, yet rewarding hobby or career choice. It can be done on your own or in a shop, but it’s always best to work with a professional. A trained technician will know the proper techniques to use and can save you a lot of time and frustration. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes that could cost you a lot of money in the long run.
