I have been in a big debate for while now...I have done some dash pieces for friends where we just sanded down the dash and painted it to make it look fiberglass, and I have done actual fiberglass pieces for people...I was just wanting to get opinions from you guys on what would be the best route...either way I go, I will be raddle canning it, but I have done pieces from an HVLP gun from people, and really, I can not notice a difference, other than more clear is needed for the same look from raddle can...

I guess my question is....really, which is more durable? They both seem to be pretty durable so far, but the pieces ive done have not been in the cars very long...also, are there any issues with fading??

I use duplicolor 2K high build primer, guide coat it, wet sand with 400 grit, then guide coat again and wet sand with 800 grit, then usually about 4-6 coats of base coat, then up to about 8-10 heavy coats of clear...some pieces I know will have to be fiberglassed, like the gauge/radio bezel I want the vents gone and 3 gauges put in, but other than that I really dont want anything put into the dash...so its not worth it too much to fiberglass unless its alot more durable in the long run?

Last thing would be fading....im not too sure on if raddle can VS HVLP would fade easier, any input on that??

Thanks in advance. Feel free to post pics of you guys dashes, glassed and just sanded and painted!


"Hondas are like tampons, every pussy has one!!!"

I think u will be happier with the outcome if you have it dont will a professional paint gun, much slicker.

its kinda been proven that if u do it properly, rattle can can come out the exact same, just more work , im guessing that if u can keep it plastic tho itll be overall more durable in the end

if your just painting stock pieces and they are hard plastic there is no need to waste your time fiberglassing because if you do it right the outcome will look exactly the same. i always suggest using a hvlp gun because i have only seen maybe 1 or two pieces done with a rattle can come out as good as a hvlp gun. not to mention using a rattle can usually involves more labor and time to look nice versus a hvlp and time is money. as far as durability of painted plastic, my dash and center console is going on 7 years without any issues whatsoever.


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7 years in my DD and 7 years in your show car are pretty much different amounts of time though. Hahaha.