A question for those who've had their GRP sprayed.

I'm considering spraying (or rather getting it sprayed!) my GRP bits. What I'm concerned about is the durability of it. If I get it done will it get stone chipped to death very quickly and look awful/need redoing.

Also, any idea of approximate cost.

Cheers,

James

Well, so far, so good, but its early days!
My bonnet is ali (sprayed) and its all blended in very nicely!
I have clear stone-guard stuff on my rear wings, and thats also working well.
Cost, can't say, coz number 4 off-spring sprayed it for me (practice piece). The paint cost is variable, I had mine made up (changes colour slightly in the sun).
Only done 260 miles so far, so it is early days James.
As we meet once a month, you will be able to see how it 'wears'

Number 4 offspring is having it back in the winter, coz, although its good, (he is a sprayer), it could be better (his words).

HTH fozzie

could be better???????? how he work that one out,looks perfect to moi

I sprayed all panels on mine (They were green). Used two pack epoxy (dangerous stuff) which was recommended for fibre glass. Cost around 150 quid for the paint, thinners, hardner, laquer. Colour is MG Trophy yellow (code FAR).
No chips or cracking yet, looks good (I think)

Epoxy paint is tougher than gel coat, closely followed by 2K

Yep, used 2K. Preference being, it has more movement to allow for the flexability of the grp. I thought epoxy might just be too hard. IMHO of course.

Fozzie

Well, I've painted my entire car in celulose, and although it's not on the road yet, I've dinged it several times with spanners and so on, and have been amazed at how durable it's proven - I could just have very low expectations though !

On this subject, what preparation is recommended for painting GRP and Ally? Can I just use etch primer on the ally followed by any topcoat which is compatible with the etch primer or do I need a specific ally isolator and on the GRP, do you need to use a plasticiser?

Cheers,
Craig.