Here is a conversation between Roger at EmblemPros and myself about hydrocoating.
Jim: One other thing I’m doing that you might be able to help with is a wood grain dash. I’m also making a fiberglass center console and custom door panels inserts. I see you do hydrocoating. When size pieces can you do? Would it be possible to coat these four pieces with a wood grain look so they all match? What’s the coat like on this process? I know very little about it.
Roger: I can do them. Do you have pictures so I can see the size?
Jim: No, they haven’t been made yet. The dash is going to be about 5 x 48, console insert 7 x 36, doors 8 x 16.
Roger: I will need to see the pictures to get an accurate price together. These sizes you have listed we can handle easily. These are large. Based upon the sizes maybe $500.00?
Jim: Awesome, I was just curious on a ballpark price, as I know nothing of hydrocoating with the exception of liking the results. I’m sure I’ll be doing something along these lines when the time comes.
Jim: Are there any surfaces that take the process better than others. For example, once I make these fiberglass pieces, what would be the optimal finish for you to work with?
Roger: As smooth as possible. That’s all I need.
Jim: So, 600 grit sanded, ready to paint primer?
Roger: That’s good. We still may need to apply our chemicals, and adhesive promoters to it. Then we primer, sand, and paint. The smoother it is, the better the results will be.
Jim: Should I go higher than 600 then?
Roger: No that’s fine.
EP does good work. They have made the custom badging on the Camaro and I’ll probably have them make the badging for the Ghia.