Options for badly micro blistered fibreglass

[DangerousDerek]

My TVR has had a hard life and is now suffering from microblisters all over the fibreglass bodywork.
I know that i cant take care of it to have a lovely paint job so looking for other options.

Does it need to go back to the gel coat whatever i do?

Would a rub down be ok to accept a wrap?

Any other ideas to tidy it up?

[somouk]

If you are wrapping over the top then a proper sand back will help but ultimately will ruin the finish if the wrap ever comes off.

[Panamax]

DangerousDerek said:

Does it need to go back to the gel coat whatever I do?

IMO the answer is "yes". Do it properly or don't do it at all. Unless you get below the problem layer and re-surface/repaint from there the problem will never go away.

Particularly if the problem area is a crash damaged panel then part of the question is whether the back of the fibreglass is letting in moisture. Boats can have similar issues if the inside of a fibreglass hull is allowed to say wet.

[steveo3002]

theres no short cuts or cheap ways to fix blistered paint

[DangerousDerek]

I knew the answer but just wanted it confirmed.
Next winter i will take it all down to gel coat.
I need to do some repairs and also modify the rear tubs to squeeze in 275 drag radials.

Then i will let a body shop put a decent seal coat over it and decide then if to top coat or wrap it.