At some point, your golf cart won’t look as good as it used to. Then, you probably look for ways to give your golf cart a fresh and appealing look. For that, we will learn how to paint a golf cart roof today.
Repainting your golf cart roof is a straightforward process. It involves prepping your painting area, removing the golf cart’s roof, preparing it for painting, applying the paint, and finally, reattaching the roof. Your cart will achieve a professional and vibrant finish with these steps.
In this guide, we will walk you through each step of painting your golf cart roof. In the end, you will have the key to enhancing the overall appearance of your golf cart.
Let’s get started on this exciting transformation!
Things You Need to Paint a Golf Cart Roof
Table of Contents
If you want to know how to paint a golf cart roof, you must gather some items first. Here is a list of things you will need to paint your golf cart roof:
- Spray paint (Herculiner, Rust-Oleum, Krylon Fusion, or other plastic-friendly paint)
- A big piece of cardboard or drop cloth
- Tack cloth or a microfiber towel
- Screwdriver and necessary tools for roof removal
- 120 Grit sandpaper (optional 220 Grit sandpaper)
- Personal protective gear (optional)
- Mix of water and degreaser (or dish soap)
- Garden hose or water source
How To Paint A Golf Cart Roof: The Easiest Way You May Not Know
If you have managed to acquire all the tools listed above, you are good to go. Carefully follow these 5 steps to learn how to paint a golf cart roof.
Step 1: Prepare Your Painting Area
You will need to paint in a spot that is wind-free and well-ventilated. So, choose an open garage or a sheltered area. Cover the ground with cardboard or a drop cloth to avoid messy spills. Also, have a dry area ready to let the paint dry without interference from rain, dust, or debris.
Step 2: Remove the Golf Cart’s Roof
Use a screwdriver or preferred tool to take off the golf cart’s roof. This will simplify the painting process. Most roofs can be removed by unscrewing and gently popping them off. This saves time and effort.
Step 3: Prepare the Golf Cart Roof for Painting
Scrub the roof with a mixture of water and degreaser. Instead of degreaser, you can also use dish soap. After that, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand the roof surfaces you will be painting. For a smoother finish, consider using 220-grit sandpaper.
Pay extra attention to areas that get a lot of touches, like roof handles. You don’t need to use power tools; manual sanding works fine.
After cleaning and sanding, rinse the roof with a hose. Next, wipe it dry with a microfiber towel. A leaf blower or compressed air can speed up the drying, though natural drying is preferred. Lastly, use a tack cloth to remove any remaining debris or dust.
Step 4: Paint the Roof
Choose a spray paint that is good for plastic surfaces. Some suggested paints are already mentioned above, but you can always use your preferred one.
Remember, you must have enough paint for the job. Typically, it takes about four cans for each side of the roof. Therefore, you should have at least eight cans to complete the job. Always shake the can well for about a minute before spraying.
While painting, you should maintain a distance of 6″ to 8″ from the roof. This will prevent drips and runs. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each to dry for about 5 minutes. The final step is to let the project dry and cure for 24 to 48 hours before handling.
Step 5: Reinstall the Golf Cart Roof
After the paint fully cures, reattach the roof to the golf cart. Congrats! Now you have a freshly painted golf cart roof. If your cart has a roof rack, you can reattach it at this point.
Enjoy your newly painted golf cart roof and showcase your hard work to your neighbors! For a visual demonstration of how to paint a golf cart roof, the following video is worth watching.
Why Do You Need to Paint a Golf Cart Roof?
There are plenty of reasons to paint a golf cart roof. Over time, almost everything needs a little touch of refurbishment to redefine its looks. This is the same for the golf cart roofs as well. The following are the prime reasons to repaint a golf cart rooftop. However, don’t cut corners with regular spray paint, as it won’t last.
● Restoring Deterioration and Stains
Over time, a golf cart roof may deteriorate due to exposure to the natural elements. Also, it can accumulate unsightly stains. This can happen, especially if a golf cart cover has been used for an extended period.
So, you need to repaint the roof to rejuvenate its appearance and protect it from further damage. A fresh coat of paint can make the golf cart look new again.
● Adding or Replacing the Roof
Some golf carts do not come with standard roofs. If you decide to add a roof to your golf cart or replace an existing one, it is essential to paint it to match the cart’s aesthetics. Painting the roof ensures that it blends seamlessly with the rest of the cart.
For instance, if your golf cart is predominantly black, installing a tan-colored roof can result in an unattractive contrast. This won’t provide a cohesive and appealing appearance.
● Aesthetic Enhancement
Beyond repairing or replacing, painting the golf cart roof can enhance its aesthetic. It allows you to customize the cart’s appearance to your liking.
You should choose a color that complements the cart’s overall design. It is a great way to make it visually appealing and unique. As a result, your golf cart will stand out and reflect your personal style.
● Environmental Blending
Some golf cart owners color their roofs to match their surroundings. Particularly, this is relevant for activities like hunting or off-roading. In such cases, you might not want a bright white roof to stand out conspicuously.
Therefore, they select a color that harmonizes with the environment, such as earth tones for a wooded area. This is how they can achieve a more inconspicuous and camouflaged look.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Golf Cart Roof?
When painting a golf cart roof, you should use acrylic spray paint. It is the right choice because other paints won’t adhere well to the cart. Acrylic spray paints are easy to find in various colors and types at local hardware stores.
In addition, it is a good idea to pick a thicker acrylic paint designed for outdoor use. Such colors won’t run off in the rain. Even if it leaves a slight texture, it provides better weather resistance without being too noticeable.
FAQ
What is the best way to paint a golf cart?
The best way to paint a golf cart is by spraying it with several light coats of paint. You should shake and prepare your spray paint before painting. Apply multiple light coats and allow them to dry. It is better than using one heavy coat to prevent drips and running paint.
How much paint does it take to paint a golf cart?
Normally, you should use about half of a quart of primer and color when painting a golf cart. As for three clear coats, you may use around 3/4 quart. That is usually sufficient for the job.
Can you wrap a golf cart roof?
It entirely depends on the roof’s material. If the cart has a smooth fiberglass roof, it might be possible to wrap it. For roofs made of other materials, it is recommended to use plastic paint for painting instead of wrapping.
Wrapping Up
So far, so good! With the aforementioned 5 steps, you have learned how to paint a golf cart roof. Now, you know that achieving a professional-looking finish on your golf cart is well within your reach.
With a few hours of your time and a bit of preparation, you can transform your golf cart and make it stand out. As a final tip, it is a good idea to clean golf cart seats after repainting your cart’s roof.
