How to Paint a Fiberglass Camper Shell

by Jenny Carver

Painting a fiberglass camper shell is unlike painting the surface of a car. Fiberglass does not react as metal does, but the preparation before painting is just as important. Fiberglass camper shells are light and durable and can last years, if proper care is taken to keep them in good shape. They fade over time, but can be repainted every few years. Learn how to paint a fiberglass camper shell, so your camper shell will look like new.

Step 1

Wash the camper shell with car wash soap to remove any dirt or build up. After the camper shell dries completely, use a lint freel towel and wax and grease remover to wipe down the entire surface of the camper. This removes all oils from the surface.

Step 2

Use 120 grit sandpaper on a long sanding block to sand the entire surface of the camper shell. In hard to get to places, a small rubber sanding block can be used. Sand the entire camper shell until the fiberglass is dull.

Step 3

Wipe the entire camper shell with the wax and grease remover again to remove dust and any oil left behind from your skin. These small oil spots can cause fisheyes in the finished paint.

Step 4

Spray epoxy or eurathane primer on the surface of the camper shell, using three light, even coats. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly.

Step 5

Sand the primer lightly with 300 grit sand paper and a long sanding block. Sand light enough to get through the surface of the primer, but not all the way to the fiberglass. This leaves a smooth primered surface for the paint.

Step 6

Paint the fiberglass camper shell with four coats of automotive paint. Use light even coats, overlapping the coats as you spray. Spray lightly so the paint doesn't build up and run. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying a new coat.