Paint Fiberglass Chairs

Fiberglass was the wonder material of the 1960s. It is light, durable, and cheap, which has led to it being used to build everything from Corvettes to Eames chairs. It is, however, somewhat complicated to resurface and paint when it gets old and faded. This guide will teach you how to do both of those things on your precious Eames or other model of fiberglass chair.

Steps

  1. Clean the surface of the chair with water and detergent. Be sure to wash off all debris no matter how small, especially oil grease.
  2. Fill up the dents and the holes in the fiberglass with body filler using the paint spreader.
  3. Sand down the surface, preferably with an orbital sander [1].
    • Fiberglass can release glass dust into the air when sanded, which is dangerous to inhale and can irritate skin.
    • To prevent this, wet the areas of the chair you're about to sand with water as you go. The water will trap the dust and keep it out of the air [2].
  4. Dilute the acrylic primer with a small amount of acrylic thinner.
  5. Apply the primer all over the chair. Let it dry.
    • If you're using the recommended paint sprayer, fill the sprayer's tank with your primer mixture and spray on the chair from there.
    • If you're stuck using a paint brush, just dip and prime.
  6. Sand down the primer until smooth.
  7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 to add a second layer of primer. Now you're ready to paint!
  8. Apply your chosen paint to the chair using the sprayer or the brush. Let the paint dry, then repeat the process.
    • Apply 2 to 3 coats.
    • If you're using the paint sprayer wash the primer out of it first.
  9. The final step is to seal the paint with a clear top coat. Use the sprayer if you have it or the brush if your don't.
    • Penetrol is an effective and widely available top coat option in the US [3].
    • Be especially careful if using a brush for this step. Brush marks made here will be painfully visible.
  10. Enjoy your beautifully restored vintage chair!!

Tips

  • Gel-coat paint is designed specifically to be used on fiberglass. If you can find one in the color your want, go for it [1].

Warnings

  • Wear thick rubber gloves, a respirator mask, and protective eye wear during this project, especially if you are working inside.
  • If you have sensitive skin you should think carefully before attempting this project. The fiberglass dust that will almost inevitably wind up in the air will be particularly bothersome for you.
  • Painting outside increases the risk of getting dirt on your project but is also tremendously safer.

Things You'll Need

Required

  • Acrylic primer
  • Acrylic thinner
  • Paint (acrylic or gel-coat)
  • Metal paint spreader
  • Water
  • Detergent
  • #500 or similar grit sandpaper block
  • Soft bristle paint brush

Recommended

  • Paint sprayer
  • Respirator mask
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Goggles or other protective eyewear
  • Orbital sander

Related Articles

  • Paint a Cane Chair

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/how-to-paint-fiberglass-8845.html
  2. Jump up ↑ http://mid-century-modern.net/eames-fiberglass-shell-chair-restoration-project/
  3. Jump up ↑ http://chairfag.com/?p=3
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