Q&A for How to Sand Fiberglass

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What direction should I sand in?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

When you're sanding fiberglass, you're supposed to crosshatch your sanding. So you would essentially start from the top right corner and go to the bottom left corner, then go from the top left corner of the bottom right corner.

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Question

I am working on chairs that were painted. I have removed the paint and want to continue with sanding. There is no gel coat that I can detect. How can I sand these to ready them for paint?

Community Answer

My suggestion is to sand by hand (not a machine) because it takes away less material. Use an extremely fine sandpaper, making strokes in the same direction as to minimize the appearance of marks. Also, make sure you wear a mask so you're not breathing in any particles.

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Can I use Bondo on fiberglass?

Beth H.

Community Answer

No, you cannot. They are made up of different compounds and expand differently.

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What tool do I need to take down old fiberglass pieces?

Community Answer

Use a grinder to cut fiberglass. Harbor Freight has them for around $25.

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What can I use to repaint fiberglass that's cost-efficient?

Community Answer

Rust-Oleum is an inexpensive option.

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Can I use a random orbital sander to scrape paint from a fiberglass boat?

Community Answer

You can but be careful with health and safety, because the dust will be dangerous. Wear a full face mask with decent filters, long gloves and long sleeves––these would be a minimum.

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Can I use Bondo if it's fibreglass resin?

Community Answer

Yes, Bondo brand fiberglass resin will work just fine for most types of fiberglass.

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Do I need to wet sand one more time before I put my first clear coat on my fiberglass spoiler?

Community Answer

Plenty of people do not bother. Although, as with any paintwork, the more prep you do, the better the final product.

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