Can you paint a jeep hardtop?
The short answer is yes, you can paint a jeep hardtop. If you are looking for an easy way to camouflage the jeep, simply paint it the same color as the body of your jeep.
Alternatively, if you want to really make your Jeep stand out and give it an exciting new look, opt for painting it in a contrasting color or with stripes and other designs that are similar to what one would find on any car.
This article will help you decide what route is best for you when it comes to painting your Jeep hardtop.
Can I paint my Jeep hardtop without harming the body?
If you are looking for an easy way to camouflage your jeep, simply follow this simple tip: get a different color for your Jeep’s frame and body. This will make it so the paint job will match only the exterior of your jeep, which is better than it is permanently attached.
Need to hide something on your jeep? If you are more interested in hiding what is under the hardtop of your jeep, then one option is to paint it black. This will hide any kind of object, from a winch to a roll bar to some other accessory that is not originally installed.
If you have an older model Jeep CJ, then painting its hardtop in the same color as the frame can help make it look like it has a new paint job while staying close to the original color.
This will also make it look like that part has been repainted, which can be an excellent way to hide dents or scratches from previous accidents or wear and tear.
Why paint the hardtop of your Jeep?
The main reason you would want to paint the hardtop on your jeep is to change the look of it. If you are looking for a unique jeep, then consider painting it, especially if you own a CJ, JL, or Jk.
This will not only make it look different but also keep it in good condition for longer. The next reason why you should paint your Jeep hardtop is if you want to camouflage or hide something on your jeep.
This can be used to hide certain accessories that are not factory installed or simply if you want to make sure that no one can see what kind of body modifications are installed on your jeep.
The last reason to consider painting the hardtop on your jeep is that it is a good idea if you want to change the color of the vehicle. Whether you need to go with something that matches a new paint job, or simply want to do something different and stand out from others, your jeep hardtop would be the perfect place to start.
How do I paint my Jeep hardtop?
There are two ways that you can paint your Jeep hardtop: with spray paint or with a roller.
Spray paints
Spray paints are easier to use because they give a much more even coating than the coats that a roller provides. However, spray paints are slightly weaker than a roller, which makes them less sturdy and harder to apply evenly.
They also tend to leave behind white streaks unless you shake the can well before each application. With this method, if you find that the paint is not sticking properly or is leaving streaks on your hardtop, it’s best to clean off whatever part of the vehicle you are painting with water and an oil-based wax or polish.
Roller
The other option is to use a roller. This method is what most people tend to use because it is easier and faster. However, if you are not experienced in painting, then this can result in uneven coats that will leave you with streaks and spots of uneven paint. This can be solved by making sure that the vehicle is clean and by using primer first.
What kind of paint should you use?
The best paint to use would be latex base paint. Oil-based paints are less expensive, tend to dry slower, and are more resistant to chipping than latex-based paints.
However, they also take longer to dry and it takes more work to clean up afterward. Latex paints also do not contain any harmful fumes.
If you decide to go with oil-based paint, which is usually the cheapest option, it is still recommended to apply a coat of primer first in order to help the paint stick better and last longer. You should also consider applying at least two coats of paint for any color other than black.
How Long does it take for a Hardtop Paint to Dry
After you have decided what kind of paint you are going to use and learned how to apply it properly and evenly, you now need to know how long it will take for the paint job on your jeep’s hardtop to dry.
Both latex and oil-based paints should dry in around 30 minutes to one hour. After that time, you can already put the top back on your jeep if desired.
However, it’s recommended that you let it dry for 24 hours so it can cure completely before using your vehicle again. Once your paint job is complete, it is important to store the hardtop correctly in order for the paint job to last longer and look good.
It’s best to keep your top for future painting projects inside a fabric storage bag or a canvas tarp in order to make sure that it’s protected from the elements and scratches and other damage.
How much does it cost to have a Jeep Hardtop repainted?
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to make sure that you have some of the right tools and supplies on hand in order to keep the cost of your Jeep repainting low.
If you do not already have these items, then you can always purchase them at a local auto parts store or a paint supply store.
If you are going to go with latex paint, then expect to pay around $10-25 per gallon for it depending on where you buy it from. If you find that there is lackluster coverage when using spray paint, then consider purchasing cans of the stuff in different colors instead of wasting time trying to match your jeep’s existing color.
Photo by Brady Cook on Unsplash
