Pop Top Refinishing

[mattg]

Anyone paint their pop top? I would like to paint the pop top and am curious what others used for paint. Also, where is the wind coming from that is inflating my canvas while driving in the front corners of the pop top just behind the front seats? Time for a new seal?

[hambone]

Rustoleum oil based seems to be the word on th street.

[steve74baywin]

We did, but I can't recall.
We went to Home Depot and got a real good primer, and paint.
First we cleaned it good.
We painted it blue. Seven years later and it is still on there, haven't noticed any problems whatsoever.

[mattg]

Thanks - I will check out the rustoleum.

[Hippie]

Remember the Rustoleum will be tacky for a week or so. Prolly don't want to load anything on top for awhile.

[Ritter]

I used a paint called Interlux Brightside available at WestMarine. It's specifically a fiberglass boat paint. Your top is made of the same stuff as a boat. I'm entirely happy with the product but wish I'd taken the time for a third coat for a smoother finish. It's been three years now and holding up just great. I washed the winter grime off in late spring and no staining to be had.

[bretski]

Don't know if you've already done the painting or not, but I will vouch for Rustoleum (Gloss White). I used it on my poptop restoration project in April of 2008, and it still looks bright and shiny, even after at least 3 years or daily exposure to harsh Colorado sunshine. Dirt comes right off when washing, no problems with stains.

Prep is key...I did a lot of sanding to get the surface ready for paint, and did 2 coats with a foam roller. Some pics here:

http://bret.radom.org/v/vw/poptop/

[airkooledchris]

I used a paint called Interlux Brightside available at WestMarine. It's specifically a fiberglass boat paint. Your top is made of the same stuff as a boat. I'm entirely happy with the product but wish I'd taken the time for a third coat for a smoother finish. It's been three years now and holding up just great. I washed the winter grime off in late spring and no staining to be had.

This is what I used on my previous poptops as well and it worked REALLY well. It's a really high gloss finish, so as long as your OK with that, it seemed to hold up to any weather. I did my luggage rack with it to of course and it seemed fairly resistant to scratching.

[mattg]

I have not painted yet but it is definitely on my to do list before school starts in late August. Thanks for the suggestions. Does anyone know how to stop the pop top from inflating while driving or is that standard?

[poptop tom]

I used the Rustoleum Top Side semi-gloss marine paint. And the same primer before hand.
Purchased at Lowe's. Seemed to roll on really nice, and has held up well.