Process

Final Prep Checklist (Before Priming)

1. Clean thoroughly

   • Vacuum all dust

   • Wipe with clean, lint-free rags + acetone or Interlux 202

   • Change rags often to avoid re-spreading oil

2. Mask everything

   • Use 3M blue or green painter’s tape

   • Cover windows, trim, lights, etc.

   • Consider drop cloths or plastic sheeting for overspray or drips

3. Stir and mix properly

   • Interlux Primekote is 2-part: mix 404 base with 414 converter (1:1 ratio by volume)

   • Let it induct for 20 minutes before use

   • Stir, don’t shake (avoids bubbles)

Application Tips: Primekote

Apply 2 thin coats:

• You can brush/roll and tip, or spray if you're set up

• Use high-density foam rollers + a good-quality brush for tipping

• Allow 5–6 hours between coats at ~70°F

• Lightly sand with 220–320 grit between coats

🧠 “Tipping” = brushing behind the roller while the paint is still wet to smooth out bubbles/lines

After Primer Cures

1. Sand smooth (220–320 grit)

2. Clean surface again (wipe with solvent)

3. You're ready for topcoat!

Topcoat Tips (Perfection or Brightside)

Interlux Perfection (2-part)

• Mix resin + curing agent (2:1 ratio by volume)

• Let it induct for 20 mins

• Apply 2–3 coats, sand lightly between coats

• Can be rolled and tipped, or sprayed

• Takes 24–48 hours to fully cure

Interlux Brightside (1-part)

• Easier to work with

• Just stir and roll/tip — no mixing

• Also 2–3 coats recommended

• Still sand lightly between coats

Best Conditions for Application 🌦

• Temp: 60–85°F (avoid full sun)

• Humidity: Under 85%

• Avoid wind or dust — work early morning if needed

Fiberglass Camper Painting Checklist & Cheat Sheet

Project: Painting a 13-ft Boler camper using Interlux Primekote + Perfection or Brightside
Prep Level: Sanded to gelcoat
Goal: Smooth, glossy, long-lasting finish

Supply Checklist

Prep Tools

• Sandpaper (220–320 grit)

• Tack cloths or microfiber cloths

• Acetone or Interlux 202 Solvent Wash

• Nitrile gloves

• Lint-free rags

• Masking tape (3M blue/green)

• Plastic sheeting or drop cloths

Primer Supplies

• Interlux Primekote (404 base + 414 converter)

• Measuring cups

• Mixing sticks

• Mixing bucket

• Foam rollers (4–6" high-density)

• Foam or natural-bristle brushes (for tipping)

• Roller tray

• Stopwatch or timer

Topcoat Supplies

• Interlux Perfection (2-part) OR Brightside (1-part)

• Clean roller tray & tools (as above)

• Separate mixing bucket (for Perfection)

• Respirator (for Perfection)

• Stir sticks (for Brightside)

Prep Day Before Painting

• Final sanding with 220–320 grit

• Vacuum + tack cloth

• Wipe with acetone or solvent wash

• Mask off everything (windows, trim, lights)

• Set up clean, shaded area or temporary paint booth

Prime Day – Interlux Primekote

1. Mix 404 base + 414 converter (1:1)

2. Let stand for 20 minutes

3. Apply first coat (roll & tip)

4. Wait 5–6 hours to recoat

5. Light sand (220–320 grit)

6. Clean again

7. Apply second coat

Topcoat Day – Perfection or Brightside

If using Perfection:

1. Mix base + converter (2:1)

2. Let stand 20 minutes

3. Apply 1st coat (roll/tip)

4. Wait 16–24 hours

5. Sand lightly (320 grit) + clean

6. Apply 2nd coat

7. Optional: Apply 3rd coat for extra gloss

If using Brightside:

1. Stir thoroughly (do not shake)

2. Apply 1st coat (roll/tip)

3. Wait 16–24 hours

4. Sand lightly (320 grit) + clean

5. Apply 2nd coat

6. Optional: 3rd coat

Aftercare

• Let cure for 3–7 days

• Avoid taping anything to surface for 2+ weeks

• Don’t wax or polish until after full cure (at least 30 days for 2-part paint)

Recommendations 

Going to be repainting my trillium with interlux brightside as per recommended on fiberglassrv.com but I'm wondering what to do about a rock guard? Is there something I can "paint-on" for this as well? Pic in comment

From Ian:

For DIY paint jobs I recommend using the Roll & Tip method (again used on boats) using marine topside paint.  I personally like Interlux Perfection, this is a premium quality 2 part top coat and it is available in Calgary at Industrial Paint and Plastics http://goindustrial.ca/index.php/en/   they can tint the paint to almost any color.

Painting the Cabinets

Recommendations

Removed, dug out voids and larger problems, filled with FG, sanded down, used filler primer, sand again, top coat with tremclad gloss (white), 3 coats 300 grit sand between coats..:using roll and tip method.

I used brightside marine fiberglass paint for the fiberglass stuff. Takes a bit longer to dry but looks nice and will last.

Fiberglass primer then fiberglass paint.

https://robeye.ca/1973-boler-trailer-4-painting/

Brightside has been replaced by Toplac Plus. 

Suppliers

The Chanlery

367 Poulin Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 5V2, Canada

https://www.thechandleryonline.com/index.php?cPath=15