Fibreglass Auto Repairs

Fibreglass is an increasingly popular material for use in repairing car body damage. While lightweight and strong, fibreglass can crack or break easily if exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations.

At Juanito's Auto Body, our experts utilize advanced techniques to perform fiberglass repairs that are as strong - or stronger in some instances - than the original section of a vehicle.

Identifying The Extent Of The Damage

Dents and dings in vehicles can often be fixed with minimal effort; however, working with fiberglass requires more time-intensive repairs. No matter if you're an apprentice in BC or looking to enter another profession - developing skills to repair fiberglass will make you an invaluable asset to future employers.

Establishing the extent of damage is the first step. This involves locating the area and noting any cracks or holes in the fibreglass surface. Furthermore, students must ensure that their material can withstand daily stresses like road vibrations and temperature changes.

One way of doing this is with the aid of a tape measure and by taking measurements from one side of the damaged area to the other. Furthermore, any oily and waxed surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned using acetone before beginning repair work on their area. Once this step is done, students can begin the repair process.

Applying New Fiberglass Layers

Once the damaged area has been identified, it must be adequately reinforced to ensure a strong and lasting repair. This may involve applying layers of fiberglass mat and cloth saturated with resin; to do this effectively requires mixing resin with hardener properly or else weak bonds may form due to improper adhesion between materials.

As it's essential for resin curing to take place properly, it's also vital that it follows manufacturer-recommended curing times and temperature restrictions - excessive heat could cause its degradation and failure prematurely.

When applying new fiberglass patches, it is recommended to start with larger pieces and gradually apply smaller plies over time to eliminate air bubbles and create a more uniform patch. Once all patches have been secured in their places, sand and shape the repaired area using multiple grits of sandpaper for smooth transitions and an even surface.

Preparing The Surface

After assessing the extent of damage and selecting an appropriate repair kit, it is critical to prepare the surface to be repaired. While simple soap and water cleaning might suffice for some repairs, proper preparation can greatly influence the quality of any repairs made.

At first, the area to be repaired should be thoroughly cleaned and abraded using either brush and water or more effectively with sandpaper of various grits. Once this step has been completed, rinse with clean water and allow the area to fully dry before any further steps.

After the surface is dry, it must be carefully examined for areas which leak water or may allow its ingress. In these instances, more extensive repairs will need to be completed; otherwise, it is time to begin applying new fiberglass layers by sanding down and wiping with acetone-soaked cloths to eliminate oils or grease on its surface.

composite boat repair Finishing The Repair

Once a repair area has set, it should be thoroughly cleaned and then sanded to smooth the surface. A catalyzed polyester primer such as Slick Sand by Evercoat should then be applied and block sanded using 150 grit sandpaper so as to blend into its surroundings and feather into the surrounding bodywork seamlessly.





Premixed fairing putty can also be used to fill any remaining cracks or holes on a repaired surface. Following sanding, it may be beneficial to apply a coat of gelcoat, paint or pigmented resin that matches its original color to act as a sealant against shrinkage and prevent future repairs from taking place.

As with any type of repair, taking your time and using quality products are key to achieving optimal results. When working with fiberglass it's vitally important that appropriate safety gear be worn and all instructions read prior to beginning any projects. For optimal results it is advised that repair areas be located in well ventilated environments.