Berger panel prep...

[EOD_JOE]

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction for a post that details the steps used to strip and prep a fiberglass Berger panel for paint. I'm sure it's fairly simple, but this is my first attempt at any kind of body work.

[Duffster]

1, scuff sand (220 grit is fine)
2, clean
3, prime
4, paint

[EOD_JOE]

Should I wet sand it or just dry sand it?

[Duffster]

dry is fine

[EOD_JOE]

Thanks I appreciate the info.

[white_camaro]

1.Prepping for primer
a.sand with 180
b.sand with 320
c.clean with a wax/grease remover
2.Primer Stage
1.spray 5 light coats of a good high build primer like duplicolor makes
2.let dry, preferably overnight
3.WETsand primer with 400 grit
4.wetsand primer with 600 grit
5.clean with wax/grease remover(the panel should be smooth)
3.Basecoat Stage
1.Spray 5 light coats of basecoat of your choice
2.Let dry overnight
4.Clearcoat Stage
1.If using a gloss basecoat use regular duplicolor clear, if using a semi-gloss or satin basecoat use a low-gloss clear.
2.Spray 5-7 light coats of clear
3.Let dry overnight
4.Wetsand with 1000 grit
5.Wetsand with 1500 grit
6.Wetsand with 2000 grit
7.Use rubbing compound preferably on a d/a like the portercable 7424 and polish, the panel should really start to look good at this stage. I use menzerna powergloss compound.
8.Use a polishing compound
9.Enjoy!!

Now this is not the only way and probably not the best but this is the best way that I know of for getting results. Ive done a berger panel according to the write-up on here and it came out looking like shit. Using the way described above I painted my slp grill below. It seems like a lot of work but the result is well worth it.

[camarox302]

If you are doing clear follow the instruction above especially if using spray paint. 3-4 coats of clear like the can suggests will not work. 5-7 is a good number, the stuff just stays too soft and with too few coats even 2000 grit could cut right through it.

[EOD_JOE]

Do I need to sand it all the way down to the fiberglass or can it be scuffed up pretty good and primered?

[white_camaro]

Scuff it up enough to remove all the gloss and ensure it is smooth.