Painting a ARE MX Canopy

We are taking a 3000 mile road trip over the holiday and I recently picked up a used Topper for my taco so we can keep every thing covered. I bought it for 1/3 of the cost of a new one but... it's Silver Sky metallic and my truck is Magnetic gray.

Has anyone had a used canopy painted, if so what did you pay to have it done, how did it turn out?

Depending on results I may just sell after the trip and wait to see if I can pick up a used one in the right color.

 

Best paint for fiberglass is epoxy-based, but for longevity on a shell, get one that is UV stablized. I’m speaking from boating experience, so my take on it may not be as good as that from a pro automotive paint shop or perhaps contacting ARE about it? I love my MX shell!

Here you go- read the first paragraph for base paint type to use: http://www.4are.com/mobile/product/care.xhtml

 

get it coated with line x, they make a new product that does not have as much texture to match the fender flares. Similar to the OTR option on A.R.E. camper shells http://www.4are.com/product/otr_option/

here is what it looks like on magnetic grey metallic tundra



Duplicator has a spray can product that would work also, a little sanding, prepping and taping and voila


here is a 2nd pic on a tacoma

 

O man, that's my exact top and color I'm looking for please hit me up if u want to sell.

 

I'd probably go the Line-X route unless you have the ability to lay paint. I think the Line-X stuff looks good on a shell.

Nice score BTW.

 

how does the black hold up to the uv? Still have at least a semi gloss finish or is it totally flat now?

 

It looks good like it is.

 

I used rustoleum rattle can and probably 3 solid coats and used 10-12 cans... Sanded and cleaned with acetone. Warmed up each can prior to use in a warm bucket of water. Used a sawzaw attachment paint can shaker to save time and my shoulders. Meticulously clean the spray can tip every 10 seconds haha... If it didn't get windy at the end of the process spraying it the sheen would be perfect. The shell is a LEER and was Barcelona red. It's been on there going on 3 years sitting in socal in the sun... and multiple high sierra trips, looks as good as day 1. I was super impressed.

 

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@TacoZmtn looks great!!