How to Paint Fiberglass Chairs: 10 Steps

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How to Paint Fiberglass Chairs: 10 Steps
How to Paint Fiberglass Chairs: 10 Steps
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Fiberglass is the material of excellence of the 60s. It is light, durable, and economical, which made it ideal for building everything from Corvettes to Eames chairs. It is, however, quite complicated to refine and repaint when it gets old and faded. This guide will teach you to do both on your precious Eames or other fiberglass chair.

Steps

Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 1
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 1

Step 1. Clean the surface with water and detergent

Make sure you wash off all dirt, no matter how small, especially oil and grease.

Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 2
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 2

Step 2. Fill the cracks and holes in the fiberglass with filler using the metal putty knife

Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 3
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 3

Step 3. Sand the surface, preferably with a random orbital

  • Fiberglass can release glass dust into the air when sandblasted, which is dangerous to inhale and can irritate the skin.
  • To prevent this, wet the areas of the chair you are going to sandblast as you go. The water will trap the dust and keep it out of the air.
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 4
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 4

Step 4. Dilute the acrylic primer with a small amount of solvent

Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 5
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 5

Step 5. Apply the primer all over the chair

Let it dry.

  • If you are using the recommended spray, fill the tank with your primer mixture and spray it on the chair with that.
  • If you have nothing but the brush, simply dip and pass.
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 6
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 6

Step 6. Sand the primer until smooth

Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 7
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 7

Step 7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to add a second layer of primer

You are now ready to paint!

Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 8
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 8

Step 8. Apply the paint of your choice to the chair using the spray or brush

Let the paint dry, then repeat the process.

  • Apply 2 to 3 coats.
  • If you are using the spray, wash off the primer before proceeding.
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 9
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 9

Step 9. The final step is to fix the paint with a layer of clear top coat

Use the spray if you have one or the brush if you don't.

  • Penetrol is an effective and widely available top coat in the US.
  • Be very careful if you use a brush for this step. The brushstroke marks will be painfully visible.
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 10
Paint Fiberglass Chairs Step 10

Step 10. Enjoy your beautifully remodeled vintage chair

Advice

The gel finish paint is designed to be used specifically on fiberglass. If you can find one of the color you want, take the opportunity

Warnings

  • If you have sensitive skin you should think twice before attempting this project. Fiberglass dust that will almost inevitably rise in the air will be particularly annoying for you.
  • Wear thick rubber gloves, a respirator mask, and eye protection, especially if you're working indoors.
  • Painting outdoors increases the risk of soil your project but is also much safer for your health.

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