I am going to fix the iconic fiberglass glass ball chair. What paint should I use for it ? Should I also only spot paint where needed or paint it fully.
Hello @H3nna
Thank you for sharing your question about how to repair your fibreglass ball chair.
That iconic ball chair is well worth restoring, and because the finish needs to look smooth and consistent, I would repaint the entire fiberglass shell rather than only spot painting. Spot repairs can often leave slight differences in colour and gloss, whereas a full repaint will give the chair a fresh, factory-style appearance.
Start by giving the shell a thorough clean with sugar soap, then lightly sand the entire surface with 180-grit sandpaper to remove the shine and provide a good key for the new coating. If there are any deeper scratches or chips, fill them with an automotive body filler https://www.bunnings.com.au/uccc-369ml-builders-filler-369ml_p0344918 , sand those areas smooth with 240-grit, then finish the whole chair with 320-grit for a nice, even surface.
Next, apply a bonding primer such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/zinsser-extreme-adhesion-primer-white-3-78l_p0214556 or https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-precision-white-maximum-strength-adhesion-primer_p1400848 , both available from Bunnings. Once the primer has fully dried, lightly sand with 400-grit paper for a beautifully smooth finish.
For the topcoat, a quality enamel such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-aquanamel-high-gloss-white-enamel-paint-4l_p1400044 from Bunnings is an excellent choice. Apply two to three light coats, allowing each coat to dry as directed. This will give the chair a durable, glossy finish that really suits its classic design and will beautifully showcase this timeless piece for many years to come. My best advice is to consider using a spray gun such as the https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-400w-power-paint-spray-gun_p1661264 for nice uniform finish.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and paint rated mask when working on your project.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Thank you Eric for all the information.
