Composition

• Fiberglass paints use resin as a binder, a liquid carrier and pigment that gives the paint its color. Because fiberglass is not porous, it resists letting things stick to it. Some fiberglass paint uses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as liquid carriers to suspend pigment throughout the paint and allows the paint to flow smoothly over the surface of the fiberglass. VOCs distribute pigment and the binding polymers evenly allowing the paint to self level. Then the VOCs evaporate quickly so that the polymer adheres to the surface. It would take days for fiberglass paints to dry without the action of VOCs. Heat is used in powder coatings to do what VOCs do in resin based coatings.
  
  

Epoxy

• Epoxy based paints are considered by many professionals to be the best coating for fiberglass surfaces. Epoxy resin paint is generally more expensive, but adheres particularly well and the pigments in the paint will provide an ultraviolet barrier that protects the fiberglass from deterioration and delamination. Epoxy based fiberglass coatings are particularly good on surfaces that will be exposed to water, high and low temperature extremes and rough handling.
  
  

Powder Coatings

• Powder coatings work well, but require that the painted surface be treated at 300 to 500 degrees in order to set the paint. Many fiberglass objects like pillars, fixtures or furniture contains plastic resins that melt under high heat. Powder coatings should only be attempted by professional shops with proper equipment.
  
  

Application - Spraying

• Spray painting provides the smoothest, most even coat when painting fiberglass, but there are hazards you should be aware of. VOC's penetrate ordinary masks, so use professional grade protective breathing gear when using a sprayer with VOC paints. Read manufacturer's labels careful for special instructions, Make sure to stay within recommended temperature ranges. You may have to thin paint at higher temperatures to keep if from setting too quickly. At high temperatures, VOC based paints can set as you use them making a smooth application impossible. A coat of high quality fiberglass paint sets up as a single long chain molecule covering the entire surface of the painted object. Spraying gives you a beautiful finish with quick drying times, but be careful. Getting the spray pattern right can be difficult. You have to thin the paint and use more coats to make it work. The stuff is hard to clean up, overspray is a problem and it can damage your lungs if you breathe the spray.
  
  

Application -- Rolling

• When applying fiberglass paint with a roller, you'll have to immediately follow up with a fine bristle or foam brush. You can get excellent, professional looking results, you need less skill and the risk from fumes is reduced. It's also easier to cleanup afterward because you eliminate the problem of overspray. Hand application does take longer and is easier with two people -- one on the roller and one with the brush. Drying times are longer too and you have to work closely with a partner working section by section. The sprayer moves to the next section and the brusher moves in directly behind. It's easier than it sounds.