Fiberglass Surface Preparation for Awlgrip Paint
Before applying Awlgrip mer or topcoat systems, fiberglass surfaces must be properly cleaned, sanded, and prepared. Contamination such as wax, mold release agents, oil, or oxidation will prevent pricoatings from bonding correctly.
Need help with a project? Call our coatings team: 321-639-3046
Quick Answer: How Do You Prep Fiberglass for Awlgrip?
- Clean the surface to remove wax, oil, grease, and contamination
- Use the two-cloth solvent wipe method
- Sand the surface to create mechanical adhesion
- Remove sanding dust and residue
- Apply epoxy primer such as Awlgrip 545 Primer
Skipping these steps is the most common cause of adhesion failure, fisheyes, or peeling coatings.
Step-by-Step Fiberglass Preparation
Initial Cleaning
Remove wax, grease, mold release agents, and salt contamination before sanding. These contaminants are extremely common on fiberglass surfaces.
Use a dedicated marine surface cleaner such as Awlprep.
Two-Cloth Solvent Wipe
Always wipe with two cloths to prevent spreading contamination.
- Cloth #1 dissolves contamination
- Cloth #2 wipes surface dry
Replace cloths often to avoid re-depositing oils.
Sanding Fiberglass
Sanding creates the mechanical bond for epoxy primer systems.
- 80-120 grit — repairs or heavy oxidation
- 120-180 grit — standard preparation
- 180-220 grit — light prep on sound fiberglass
Remove Dust
Dust contamination causes primer defects.
Use vacuum, compressed air, or tack cloths before priming.
Final Solvent Wipe
Perform one last solvent wipe using the two-cloth method to remove sanding residue before primer application.
Recommended Primers for Fiberglass
- Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer
- Awlgrip High Build Epoxy Primer
- Awlgrip Ultra Build Primer
These primers provide adhesion, corrosion resistance, and a stable base for Awlgrip topcoat systems.
Need Help Choosing the Right Awlgrip System?
Our marine coatings team can help you select the correct primers, reducers, and application equipment.
Call 321-639-3046 or browse our full Awlgrip product line.
Validate your login