Prepping High density polyethylene (HDPE) panels for epoxy and bedliner?

[jlwdvm]

I am going to fabricate a set of door panels for my 66 GT350R clone out of a sheet of High density polyethylene (HDPE) panel that I boought from Menards. The plan is to cut and fit, then prep for a coat of Raptor Liner to add some texture and to match the rear seat delete panels in the back. Do I need to coat with adhesion promoter prior to SPI epoxy, or just scuff and spray with epoxy?

 

[Worn Out Welder]

I think Barry wrote in the TDS to cut a small piece off and place it in water…if it floats then it promotes.
Hopefully you’ll get some expert advice

 

[jlwdvm]

I have a sheet of 1/8" aluminum sitting in the garage...it might be easier to just use that!

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

AFAIK polyethylene requires adhesion promoter. To be sure cut a sliver off the backside, get a glass full of water and drop it in there. It should float which will tell you it needs promoter.

 

[Jim C]

hdpe is extremely difficult to get paint to stick to even with adpro. this plastic is not going to be the best thing to use and a very poor choice if your trying to paint or put a coating on it. you would be much better off with abs or a styrene sheet. cheaper, easy to work with and takes coatings very well

 

[jlwdvm]

I'm actually thinking about switching to 1/8" hardboard and coating it with epoxy and then bed liner to seal it and give it the texture I want.

 

[RayH]

Why not just make them out of fiberglass. Use chopped strand fiberglass sheets and do 2 to 3 layers. Cut to fit your template and sand to get the desired texture. Then paint them .

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Expanded PVC foam sheets is what custom interior/upholstery shops are using now for door panels and other panels on the interior.