Painting a scene on fiberglass - Fiberglass RV
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Old 03-29-2017, 08:57 AM   #1
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Name: Lois
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Painting a scene on fiberglass

New gal on the block here. We have a 2017 Springdale 5th wheel 286FWBH. I am an artist, painting lots of murals in cabins & homes. I have a vision to paint a MN scene on the back of the 5th wheel. It is a "blank canvas" waiting for some beautiful art work. It is smooth fiberglass and I am wondering what kind of paint to use. It would be brushed, not air brushed. Sure could use some help if anyone has some ideas.
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Old 03-29-2017, 09:04 AM   #2
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I am following this thread. We have a blank screen Silver Cloud. Maybe painting is a better route to go than stickers.

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Old 03-29-2017, 09:13 AM   #3
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I want to paint a MN scene with lake, loons (our state bird) etc. Stickers would not be the answer, unless I could design the sticker. It would be my art work. Hmm...something to think about.
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Old 03-29-2017, 10:15 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lois in MN View Post
I want to paint a MN scene with lake, loons (our state bird) etc. Stickers would not be the answer, unless I could design the sticker. It would be my art work. Hmm...something to think about.

A word of caution. No matter how lovely you think your 'personalization' is, the next owner may want to subtract its removal from his offering price.
Just sayin' .....
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Old 03-29-2017, 10:50 AM   #5
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When I worked for a truck leasing company (standard lease term 5 years) some customers wanted the whole side of the cargo box lettered and some with a photo or some other image. Some were quite elaborate and artful. We used a couple different sources to make and install decals. Depending on size, they were generally made in more than one piece. Of course these had to be removed when the lease was up and the trucks then were sold, so decals was the way to go. Maybe look also to some business that does the vehicle "wrap" procedure.
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Old 03-29-2017, 05:18 PM   #6
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I'm not sure about potential issues of adhesion to gelcoat, and what primer (or abrasion?) might be necessary. Surely some of the folks who've painted their Scamps and whatnot would know. Hopefully they will chime in soon.

Looking at your picture makes me want to drive the Gunflint Trail!
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Old 03-29-2017, 05:29 PM   #7
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When I built by kayak, I wanted fish decals. I found a sign shop (in Oregon) that made them for me. I strategically placed them over flaws then added an additional coat of fiberglass resin to protect them. It would require significant sanding to remove them because of the resin, but they have lasted 10 years.
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Originally Posted by Lois in MN View Post
I want to paint a MN scene with lake, loons (our state bird) etc. Stickers would not be the answer, unless I could design the sticker. It would be my art work. Hmm...something to think about.
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Old 04-02-2017, 09:19 PM   #8
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Sign painters one shot comes in small quantities and is designed for outdoor applications.
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Old 04-02-2017, 10:09 PM   #9
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it would look really sharp going down the road.
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Old 04-12-2017, 12:00 PM   #10
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Another alternative might be to paint a scene on whatever substrate you like, and then take a high-quality digital image of your painting to a sign place that does vinyl signage for business vans etc. Then you could apply it to your camper, enjoy your artwork, and have it be removable someday down the road.
...just my $.02/worth.............
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Old 04-12-2017, 03:28 PM   #11
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Hi Lois,
I just posted today to this thread:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ass-59330.html
You can easily take your artwork to a graphic designer with Boat/RV/Fiberglass experience to make it into a Wrap. They'll just scan it in. As other forum folks said, this is less permanent to committing the trailer to your forever, painted-on, art. With wraps, you have a fairly easier option to switch it up as you (or the next owner) desires.

By the time you sink money in the paint and your time to scale it to the trailer, a graphic artist can easily scan your personal work in and stick it to it!

Express yourself, but do it smartly. I look forward to seeing your work on your trailer.
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Old 04-12-2017, 04:36 PM   #12
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Painting ....

We have had two fiberglass trailers painted. What I can tell you is that it is a beautiful thing. That said, you must remove the gel coat surface, and prep the area that you will be painting. Using an automotive, marine, or airplane paint (that's what was used on ours) is the only way to go as it will be long-lasting and easy to maintain. Have fun. If you ever sell it, someone else can paint over what you have done if they want to...
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Old 04-13-2017, 06:12 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kkinna View Post
We have had two fiberglass trailers painted. What I can tell you is that it is a beautiful thing. That said, you must remove the gel coat surface, and prep the area that you will be painting. Using an automotive, marine, or airplane paint (that's what was used on ours) is the only way to go as it will be long-lasting and easy to maintain. Have fun. If you ever sell it, someone else can paint over what you have done if they want to...
Yep Automotive Paint
You could also call a auto body shop and ask them what they paint fiberglass with.
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Old 04-13-2017, 07:22 AM   #14
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Kim,
Could you explain why I'd need to "remove the gel-coat" before painting a fiberglass surface? I'd have thought a thorough cleaning [especially removing any traces of waxes & other sealant products with something made for the task], and then sanding/scuffing, and then proceeding with automotive-type primers & paints would be adequate.
But I have not done a lot of fiberglass work---if there's something uniquely problematic about gel-coat, I'd like to know/understand it.
Respectfully,
Gary
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Old 04-13-2017, 08:49 AM   #15
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I had a vinyl adhesive sign made from a photograph I use for my website. It has been on the back of the trailer for 5 years & still looks new. I cleaned the surface with alcohol prior to adhering the sign.
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Old 04-13-2017, 12:23 PM   #16
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Gel coat removal for painting

In regards to the gel coat, all I know is that it was removed in order for the paint to bond better to the fiberglass. I know there have been discussions about gel coat versus paint somewhere on this site. If you sand off the gel coat it sounds like you will be fine. However, I am not a painting expert - that's why I had it done professionally. I can't wait to see your final paint job!
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