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spydee Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2008 Posts: 20 Location: Calgary, Canada
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject: Anyone use PENETROL on their poptop? |
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FRICKIN AMAZING PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
god i love this forum, read about someone using penetrol on their fiberglass top to enhance the paint color, and does it ever. the best $12 i spent this month for sure. i applied right over top the stickers too, hope that does not ruin them. highly recommended. any paint shop will have it, first place i called was general paint here in calgary and they had 8 cans in stock $12 each.CHEAP. THOUGHT I WOULD PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE NEWBIES LIKE ME. |
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RCWesty Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2007 Posts: 182 Location: Reno NV
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject: yup |
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I've used it this spring. It works great. Didn't hold up too well on the grayish front grills. There is simply no reason to drive around with the discolored faded look again.. Will use the forever black on the grills next..
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riosclass Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2008 Posts: 75 Location: cali
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:35 pm Post subject: |
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wow, and I've been using rubbing compound and wax for nothing near that... is that the same as that color back product? _________________ 1986 vanagon poptop wolfsburg edition |
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ChesterKV Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2005 Posts: 1725 Location: El Cerrito, CA
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Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:39 pm Post subject: |
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Just use the Krylon FUSION plastic paint, black satin finish. Makes your mirrors, grill, corner bumper covers, etc., look like new. The Penetrol renews fiberglass, not plain plastic.
- Chester _________________ 1984 Wolfsburg 7-passenger stock sunroof
1992 Subaru Legacy EJ22 boxer motor installed.... van is now sold.... currently playing with a 1987 Toyota MR2 with 1.6 liter twin-cam motor. Better than the Subaru boxers....... I'm impressed. Well, okay, in an "apples and oranges" kind of way. |
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Zero419 Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2008 Posts: 2160 Location: PA
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 4:11 am Post subject: |
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I got amazing results as well thanks to this forum.
picked up a can and went to work.
Even freinds that could care less about somthing like this took notice....
I had the exact same results as the other pics of the maroon van _________________ 1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec |
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cheekoman Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2006 Posts: 346 Location: Burlington, VT
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 6:48 am Post subject: |
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me too. I used penetrol on my top and it was like new in about 15min. YOu just have to be careful with the rubber seal around your top. It will bleed if it comes into contact with the penetrol. Mask it off then go to town! |
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erdonline Samba Member
Joined: September 26, 2004 Posts: 943 Location: CT
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 6:50 am Post subject: Penetrol |
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I just Googled it to see where I might find it, and this manufacturer's website identifies it as a paint conditioner to be added to paint. I wonder how long-lasting its effects will be when it is just used like a wax? Let us know after it has been through some sun and rain.
Ed in CT |
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ChesterKV Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2005 Posts: 1725 Location: El Cerrito, CA
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Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:11 am Post subject: Re: Penetrol |
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erdonline wrote: |
I just Googled it to see where I might find it, and this manufacturer's website identifies it as a paint conditioner to be added to paint. I wonder how long-lasting its effects will be when it is just used like a wax? Let us know after it has been through some sun and rain.
Ed in CT |
Ed Dude,
On the Penetrol container itself it lists, " RENEWS FIBERGLASS " as well as being a paint conditioner.
- Chester _________________ 1984 Wolfsburg 7-passenger stock sunroof
1992 Subaru Legacy EJ22 boxer motor installed.... van is now sold.... currently playing with a 1987 Toyota MR2 with 1.6 liter twin-cam motor. Better than the Subaru boxers....... I'm impressed. Well, okay, in an "apples and oranges" kind of way. |
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j_dirge Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 4641 Location: Twain Harte, CA
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Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:15 am Post subject: Re: Penetrol |
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ChesterKV wrote: |
erdonline wrote: |
I just Googled it to see where I might find it, and this manufacturer's website identifies it as a paint conditioner to be added to paint. I wonder how long-lasting its effects will be when it is just used like a wax? Let us know after it has been through some sun and rain.
Ed in CT |
Ed Dude,
On the Penetrol container itself it lists, " RENEWS FIBERGLASS " as well as being a paint conditioner.
- Chester |
I always wondered what exactly the technical definition of "renews" was.
I have used Penetrol on chalky degraded "fiberglass".. or more accurately, the "gelcoat" finish on sailboats (marine environment). Penetrol, does indeed, provide a "new" look to UV degraded polyester resin finishes. It is a similar result to "oiling" teak.. or using Thompsons Water Sealer on a freshly powerwashed redwood deck.
It fillsls up the porous surface and provides a "sheen" or a newer looking "luster" to the surface.
But it will yellow somewhat in the UV over a years time.
I figured I'd try it on my painted Westy top.. Initially the appearance was quite decent, as it results in a semi "wet look". But the Penetrol yellows and fades pretty quickly... after a year, and a washing or two, the top looks like it did before treatment.
The yellowing is more noticeable on my 89 as the top was painted to match the van's blue paint..
My preferred treatment tody is to just keep the top clean, and park inside a garage whenever I can. |
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larrytrk Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2007 Posts: 377 Location: Central NJ & MA
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Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:21 am Post subject: |
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It turned my oxidized white top back into the Blue it was.
Still good through the winter. I put on several coats.
Excellent product!! _________________ It's all in your mind.
I Hate BAMBI!
87 Westy full camper "Bluie" aka-"busturd"
JUST SOLD HER, WESTYLESS!
Good by cruel world! |
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iceracer Samba Member
Joined: February 28, 2006 Posts: 949 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:32 am Post subject: |
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I concur, Thanks to Terry on the samba I used Penetrol and was amazed. When I saw the pic of the red top I thought it was mine. Worked Great. _________________ 86 Syncro Wolfsburg edition
63 Beetle (The Iceracer) |
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climberjohn Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2005 Posts: 1840 Location: Portland Orygun
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Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 9:44 am Post subject: |
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Penetrol is used mostly as a paint conditioner, in my experience. It's available in every big paint store I've ever been in in CA and OR. _________________ '86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often. |
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torocreek Samba Member
Joined: June 20, 2007 Posts: 95 Location: Long Beach, Ca.
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Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 4:24 pm Post subject: |
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I been putting off doing this to to my top.
What did you use to clean your top before application?
I have some sap I will scrape off but I also have areas that just look grimy with leaf mold and crap.
I was thinking about using simple green or does someone know of a stronger cleaner that is safe to use? |
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sc-surfer Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2005 Posts: 865 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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I've been happy with the 303 series of products. Took a little elbow grease but made my top look great. They also have a UV protectant built in, sunscreen for the fiberglass. _________________ '89 Syncro Westy
Catalog of Vans at SDM 2010
Westfalia, Syncro & Tristar Reproduction decals here.
* * * Coming Soon: Washable seat covers for westy bench seat...keep the pets off the upholstery! * * * |
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Phil G Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2005 Posts: 331
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Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject: |
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Funny, I hadn’t heard of Penetrol in years. Didn't know it still exists
All the old boat guys know the stuff. It prolongs the 'tongue' of old oil-based paints on the end of a brush when applied in sunlight. In other words, material slips off the edge of the brush rather than wanting to stick to the brush while keeping the brush-edge wet. This helps smooth the end of the brush stroke. The stuff was the 'secret weapon' for a nice finish when it painting had to be done on a warm & sunny day. But like buggy whips . . . so many new coatings are not compatible.
I'm surprised more folks don't paint their Westy tops with a brush.
No fooling. I painted the top of a HumVee that was too big to practically spray at home. I used DuPont 2.4HG polyurethane with brushing catalyst and a retarder for the weather the day I did the deed. I gave it two coats over a catalyzed poly primer - all brushed, with only light wet sanding of the primer. It looked the same as if sprayed and needs no waxing or maintenance beyond washing. Gloss retention over 10 years in the sun is incredible. The big issue with these kinds of coatings is accurate measurement, mixing and having the right accelerator or retarder to tailor the paint's handling properties to the environment. But cool, dry, still, cloudy or shady environments are best for brushwork. I did my work in the driveway early one spring morning. I got great stares from the early morning joggers and dog servants. |
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Terry Kay Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 7:52 am Post subject: |
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Penetrol is the best & fastest way to brighten up chaulked fiberglass, if it isn't too far gone.
Painting is the way to restore really dried up and checked pop top,and you can roll and brush it if you'd like.
Penetrol added to the paint makes it flow flat, and you won't see the end of the brush strokes with it in the paint.
The only down side to refinishig the top is your going to have to sand the whole thing down to give the paint some biter's--or it will blow off is sheets somewhere down the road.
I've used the penetrol staright up --wipe it on--stand back and enjoy the results for years , on boat hulls & decks, fiberglass hoods of trucks, air foil fairings, all with great results.
I have found that one coat of it in the spring, and one in mid summer is all you'll need.
It may cause a pure white top to have a bit of a yellow cast--but not much.
The last time I wiped a coat on my 87 Westy was 2 years ago, and it still is bright and glossy.
I'd have to say it's it's the best bang for your buck, and the easiest way to get your pop top looking like new, in shortest amount of time. _________________ T.K. |
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hiram6 Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2006 Posts: 1880 Location: Beautiful South
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Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:04 am Post subject: |
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Rather than start a new Penetrol thread, I'll just bump this one up with a question.
Has anyone had to use more than one Penetrol "coat" on their top? I wiped on a first coat this morning, waited about 10 minutes to buff it off, as the can instructs, and it just seems the top soaked it up. I don't have a gloss yet (white top), but it's maybe not as faded/chalky looking as it was before, but no GLOSS like some of the above pics show.
Would another coat help? Should I buff between coats?? _________________ 1985 Westy, 1.9L automatic (Daisy)
1996 Mazda Miata
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
You can't lie around on the beach and drink rum all day.................unless you start first thing in the morning. |
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Terry Kay Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:09 am Post subject: |
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Depending on how sun beat your top is make a big difference how one coat will work.
No buffing required.
Let the first coat suck into he glass, let it set up, and lay another coat on the top. _________________ T.K. |
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hiram6 Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2006 Posts: 1880 Location: Beautiful South
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Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject: |
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Okay, so I did a second wipe-on coat of Penetrol after the first one soaked in, that was about 3 hours ago. Looks much better, gloss-wise, BUT I have a problem/concern.
How long does it take this stuff to dry?? It's ben almost three hours sionce I completed wiping on the second application, and the top still feels very sticky!! I mean like sap consistency sticky!!
Anyone else have it take forever to dry? Or did I do something wrong in the application?
All I did was clean the top with a Citrus based general cleaner, dry completely with a towel, let the sun shine on it for an hour or so to completely dry it, and then wiped on two coats of Penetrol.
Any advice?? Or do I just need to be patient? _________________ 1985 Westy, 1.9L automatic (Daisy)
1996 Mazda Miata
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
You can't lie around on the beach and drink rum all day.................unless you start first thing in the morning. |
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Corn1849 Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2006 Posts: 116 Location: Wood River Valley, Idaho
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Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 6:33 am Post subject: |
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hiram6 wrote: |
Anyone else have it take forever to dry? Or did I do something wrong in the application?
All I did was clean the top with a Citrus based general cleaner, dry completely with a towel, let the sun shine on it for an hour or so to completely dry it, and then wiped on two coats of Penetrol.
Any advice?? Or do I just need to be patient? |
For what it's worth... Flood, the makers of Penetrol, sold a product called "Glasworks", a fiberglass Restorer (AFAIK.. it's Penetrol in a new can and higher price) also sold as "Marine penetrol"
You'll find the application instructions here:
http://www.flood.com/flood/Products/Discontinued/Glasworks+Marine+Product+Pg.htm _________________ Now: '89 Westy
Then: '99 EVC
Before then: '84 Westy
Way before then: '64 Bus |
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