canopy painting

Before, but let it set for a day or two before masking.

You should do the Future bath before painting and let it cure for at least 24 hours before painting. If your canopy is dirty after masking & painting it is very likely adhesive residue from your masks & has nothing to do with the Future.

Thanks. That's pretty much what I have been doing.

ditto on the above replies.
Depending on what finish I desire, I have also dipped canopies after I have painted as well. This seems to give an extra layer of protection and clears up any flaws aqcuired during painting.

Dipping in Future after painting is OK if your working with a gloss finish, but would look kinda wierd on a Flat finish AC unless you went back over the frames with a flat.

I like before best. Before the Future dip, clean the canopy with Windex and then buff it with a paper towel to remove all traces of the Windex. After dipping the canopy, inspect it for flaws. If it is ok then wick off the excess Future and set it aside for at least 48 hours. It is also best to cover the canopy with a glass or cup to keep dust off.

Mike McShea

thanks for all the great recommendations.

I have to say though when I've dipped before, and then had bleed through on paint, it is much more difficult to remove the paint from where you don't want it....