Hey folks! I'm working on a DIY project to fabricate a front splitter for my car. It's purely for looks and I've decided to go with Marine Grade Plywood for the job. I'm planning to cut the shape using a CNC machine. I've read that I should clean the wood with acetone, sand it thoroughly from rough to fine grit, and then apply some sealant or epoxy. However, I'm a bit stuck on a couple of points: 1) I need to paint it black, and I found Seal Once, but their FAQs say you can't paint over it. What sealant should I use that allows for painting? 2) Do I really need to seal it, or can I just use acrylic latex paint with primer directly? Also, I've heard that sealing might make it tough to screw into the wood, so should I pre-drill holes for screws before sealing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Don’t forget that paint itself acts as a sealant. Just be sure to prime it first so the paint sticks well. I'd suggest pre-drilling your holes, and putting a bit of caulk in those holes can help too. It also wouldn’t hurt to paint over the screws after you install them, just to seal everything up nicely!
Honestly, wood isn't the best choice for a splitter. It can absorb moisture and can break easily, which poses a risk if it gets damaged. I'd suggest using foam and fiberglass instead. You can still use wood to shape a mold if you want, but try to make the final piece out of a sturdier material. I once knew someone who made a wooden steering wheel, and it ended badly. Just be careful!
Thanks for the insight! When you say make a shape, do you mean I should create a mold? How would I go about using foam and fiberglass?
Is there a specific type of paint you'd recommend for this?