How To Paint A Golf Cart Roof? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you looking for easy and exciting ideas to paint a golf cart roof? Golf cart roofs can be made of metal, wood, fiberglass, or plastic. Painting the golf roof improves its aesthetic appeal and protects it from environmental factors. A paint layer slows down the weathering process and increases the service life of the cart’s roof. If you learn how to paint a golf cart roof, take a look at this step-by-step guide.

What Do You Need To Paint A Golf Cart Roof?

Spray Paint

How to paint plastic golf cart roof? Most golf cart roofs are made of plastic. I prefer Rust Ileum Truck Bed Coating. If the roof is made of fiberglass or plastic, you need to look for specific spray paint that is formulated to stick to such surfaces. All famous brands like Krylon, Rust-Oleum, and Herculiner have introduced their specific paint formulas for different materials.

Drop Cloth and Cardboard

You need a drop cloth, Tarp, and cardboard bigger than the cart roof size to prepare a setup.

• A toolkit with screwdrivers of different sizes, drills, and all the necessary tools to remove the rooftop from the cart.
• Personal protection equipment (gloves, face mask, safety goggles, etc.).
• Sandpaper (220 or 120 grit), wire brush, putty knife.
• Primer

Preparation Work. How To Paint Your Golf Cart Roof?

The first step is preparation. You need to prepare an area where you can work safely. You can’t apply spray paint in an open area as the wind can hinder your performance. A garage with adequate ventilation is the best place. If you don’t have a garage, look for an area in your lawn and backyard close to the house walls. Cover the area with Tarp or drop cloth. Then place cardboard over the drop cloth.

Related Post: How To Reset Golf Cart Battery Meter

Remove The Golf Cart Roof

Some golf cart roofs are easier to mask off than others. You can easily remove the paint of golf cart roof with a screwdriver. However, in some cases, you need a drill. Generally, the roof is attached to the body with 4 big screws. Depending upon the screw size, you need a specific tool. Once you have removed all the screws, apply upward pressure to detach it from the cart’s body.

Preparing The Golf Cart Roof For Painting

• To apply a smooth and long-lasting paint coat, you must be spotless the rooftop. It should be free of old paint, dust, grease, or imperfections.
• Wash the roof with mild soaps and pressure water to remove the dust and grease.
• Then, to scrape off the old and loose paint, you can use a putty knife or wire brush. You may need to use high-grit sandpaper if there are multiple layers of pain.
• If you have removed all the paint with a wire brush or putty knife, you need 120-grit sandpaper to smoothen the surface.
• Start sanding from one side and focus on the area that will get the most wear. For instance, you need to handle the handles really well.
• Extra roughness will let the paint stick properly, and it will not come off too quickly. Proper sanding will enhance the paint adhesion and let you get a well-textured and long-lasting finish.
• Once you are done with sanding, wipe the whole surface with a microfiber cloth to remove the sanding dust.

Pro Tip

The sandpaper often clogs up as you sand. I recommend you wet the sandpaper before sanding.

Primer Application

Once you are done with sanding, it’s time to prime the surface. Many people often skip this step. However, it is a crucial step for outdoor applications like paint of golf cart roofs. It improves the adhesion properties of the surface and lets you get a durable and long-lasting finish.

Also, primer fills all the pores and imperfections and lets you get a smooth finish. Apply a smooth layer of primer on the cart roof surface. A primer takes around 3 to 4 hours to get fully cured. Leave it for at least 3 to 4 hours before it fully dries. If it is humid, it may take even longer.

Related Post:How To Paint A Golf Driver Head 2023

Spray Painting

• It’s time to spray-paint the roof of the cart.
• You need at least 5 cans of heavy-duty outdoor spray paint.
• Before you apply paint, wear your safety goggles, face masks, and gloves.
• If you are doing it indoors, make sure it is well-ventilated.
• It is advised to read the manufacturer’s recommendations before using a paint of a specific brand.
• Shake the can well before applying the first coat.
• You need to shake the can for at least one minute before application.
• The distance between the can and the roof should be 6 to 8 inches. This is an ideal distance to get a smooth finish and avoid drips and runs.
• Remember, you need to apply paint in multiple coats. Therefore, there is no need to apply overlapping coats.
• Apply smooth, barely overlapping strokes in long sweeping motions.
• Once you are done with the first coat, leave the cart roof to dry. Outdoor spray paints take at least 24 hours to get fully dried. Leave it for 1 to 2 until the paint fully cures to the surface.
• After 24 hours, you can apply the second coat of paint in the same manner.
• Once the second coat is cured, screw back the cart roof, and you are all done.

FAQS

Wrapping Up

I hope this guide will help you paint your golf cart roof in the best possible way. You must look for high-quality outdoor paint to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Also, you must look for a high-quality primer that is fully compatible with the paint you are using for your cart.