How to Paint a Truck Canopy
by Breann Kanobi
Truck canopies, sometimes called truck caps, are typically made of fiberglass. Weather and transporting goods often causes wear and tear on truck canopies. Trucks are often exposed to difficult conditions such as snow, sleet, rain and mud. Protective measures are required as a result. New truck caps and canopies range in cost from $500 to $1,500 so painting an old canopy serves as a much more affordable option than purchasing a new canopy.
Step 1
Remove any rack attachments from the canopy and set them aside. Every rack set has specific installation and removal instructions so check the instructions manual.
Step 2
Sand the truck canopy using 400-grit sandpaper. Run the sandpaper in a circular motion across the entire canopy.
Step 3
Rinse the canopy with warm, soapy water and dry with a clean towel.
Step 4
Spray a fiberglass primer onto the canopy of your truck. Hold the primer about 8 inches from the canopy and spray in long rows. Allow the primer to dry for three to four hours.
Step 5
Sand the primer with 400-grit sandpaper. Wash with warm, soapy water and dry with a clean towel.
Step 6
Apply fiberglass paint to the canopy. Use the same color of paint as the rest of the truck for a streamlined look. Spray the paint across the entire canopy and let the paint dry for several hours. Apply a second coat of paint. Allow this coat of paint to dry for at least 24 hours before subjecting the truck to severe weather conditions.
References
Things You'll Need
- Warm, soapy water
- Clean towel
- Fiberglass paint
- Fiberglass primer
- 400-grit sandpaper
Writer Bio
Breann Kanobi has worked as freelance writer since 2010. Kanobi regularly submits content online to Gamer DNA. Kanobi received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film and television from New York University in 2010.
