Dumb question, and probably already answered somewhere but I'll ask... my buggy's got a combination of old crusty painted fibreglass and previously unpainted aluminium panels - given that it'll all be topcoated with enamel (of some form), can the same primer be used over both base materials ?, and what type of primer would you suggest to use ?

You best bet is to speak to your paint supplier as there are many different answers based on final finish required, cost, surface condition, brand of top paint, type of top paint etc.

Firstly you'll have to getrid of any flaking paint by giving it a good sanding.Then depending on the paint you'll be using start with a etch primer that suits the paint system.Then primer, rub smooth then shoot topcoat.

Thanks guys - I'd read somewhere that aluminium needed a different type of primer to fibreglass, which is what I was more interested in, rather than the prep of the surfaces. However, if you reckon etch primer's OK for both materials, then I've not got a problem, as I've got loads of that sitting around in the garage.

Cheers ... Kimbo

Check that the etch primer you have is suitable for aluminium. You have to check it or you may end up with all your paint off.

If in doubt speak to the supplier of the brand of etch primer you have. They will have the technical info. Alternativley do a Google search for the manufacturer/ brand and see if they have specs on their website.

Ah - see what you mean. No probs - I'll check it out. Thanks

DO NOT!!!! DO NOT!!! STRESS AND REPEAT. DO NOT!!! use an etch primer on fibreglass. It will ruin it. Use a good quality primer that does not etch.

I have recently done some painting of fibreglass panels that I want to be satin black. I used a product called Motospray Bumper Prime. Over the top I used Motospray Bumper Black. It can be sprayed, brushed or rolled on. You need to thin it with acrylic thinners (about 1/3rd) which will evaporate away quickly while you paint. It sets hard but it has a flex agent in it. Plastics sometimes have oils in them and ordinary primers won't stick to them. Bumper Prime will stick to oily plastics. Make sure that you get the original fibreglass surface very clean as fibreglass (not gellcoat) has an oily surface.

Thanks Shai - sort of thought that might be the case with etch primer, but didn't know for sure. Thanks for the tip with the other bumper primer - looks like I need to check the tech sheets on the paint before I go any further.

Cheers .. Kimbo