Painting the Fiberglass Sousaphone

[Tim Jackson]

RE: Fiberglass Conn 36K sousaphone

I see some restored fiberglass sousaphones on the web. They have been recoated. Just what am I painting over... fiberglass or some kind of enamel finish. The bell is plastic right? I just want to make sure my binder/primer coat is compatible. Can't wait to turn this thing into an art project!
Thanks for any info.
Tim

[Tim Jackson]

wiki how says:
recoating a fiberglass chair:
first coat- Dilute the acrylic primer with a small amount of acrylic thinner.
Sounds like a safe start...

[NCSUSousa]

Aerosol paint (I think it was Rustoleum, Gloss White) was how we kept the backside and bottom bow of the fibreglass sousas looking right during my first years at NCSU.
We also used red latex paint for the logo in the bell. It wasn't the best adherance, the paint would peel if it was old, but it didn't damage the plastic/fiberglass.

[Tuba Guy]

I used a spray paint specifically for fiberglass about 7 or 8 years ago and it still looks fresh (minus the spots where I've had run ins with trees/signs). I believe it was rustoleum, but all I had to do was wash the fiberglass off (and remove the valve section/cover the brass bits with painters' tape). When in doubt, ask the workers at the store what will be best for fiberglass
(sorry for the bad picture, but anything with my sousa is bound to have me in it too)