How To Paint A Fiberglass Door On Your Own
Is your fiberglass door screaming for a makeover? Worry not. You can paint your fiberglass door without having to call in the professionals.
It’s a fun way to let your creative juices flow. This project is simple and easy. Plus, it can save you a few more bucks. I used to have the same dilemma whether or not I should do the makeover myself or hire a professional painter to do it for me. After researching online, I chose to do it myself and it turned out to be a successful renovation project.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you the steps on how to paint a fiberglass door effectively.
Types Of Fiberglass Door
Before starting your renovation project, check the type of your fiberglass door. There are generally two kinds of fiberglass doors, smooth and textured. A smooth finish fiberglass door can be painted. If you love colors then a smooth fiberglass door is what you need to work with.
A texture finish, on the other hand, features a natural wood grain. For home owners who like to maintain the natural look of wood in their home, a stain will help enhance the beauty and characteristics of the wood. You can still paint colors on it but most prefer using a stain.
How To Paint And Stain
Whether you prefer to paint or stain your fiberglass door, you can easily follow these steps. But first, here’s what you‘ll need.
Materials:
- A can of paint or stain
- Primer (latex, epoxy or urethane)
- Sandpaper
- Chemical solution stripper
- Soap and water (dish detergent or liquid soap)
- Brush
- Putty knife
- Clean cloth
- Plastic cover
- Masking or painter’s tape
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Cover the surrounding area
Most professional painters remove the fiberglass door before painting on it. If you are doing it by yourself, you can leave it as it is. Just make sure that you cover the surrounding area including the glass with plastic to avoid accidental paint drips.
Don’t forget to cover your hardware with a masking or painter’s tape to protect it. Open the windows before you start your project to allow the paint smell to circulate.
2. Strip off the existing paint and prime the surface
If your door has paint on it, strip it off using a chemical solution stripper. When applying the stripper, don’t allow it to stay on the surface too long because it may damage your fiberglass. After applying the solution, strip off the paint using a putty knife.
Just like other types of surfaces, a fiberglass also requires priming and sanding. Look for a primer that is compatible with the type of fiberglass you have such as latex, urethane or epoxy. Sand the surface evenly.
3. Clean the surface
Use soap and water or any type of liquid soap or dish detergent to scrub the top of the fiberglass door. Rinse the surface well with clean water and allow it to dry. In some cases, you can use mineral spirits to clean some fiberglass doors. Just make sure the surface is dry before you start painting or staining it.
4. Stain the surface
If you have a textured fiberglass door, a great way to enhance its features is to stain it. This will highlight the natural wood grain for an elegant and simple look.
Check your stain kit. Some have samples of fiberglass. Use this to test the stain color. The color of the stain depends on how long you allow it to be absorbed before you start brushing it or the amount of pressure applied when painting it.
If you want to achieve a light stain, allow the stain to be absorbed for some time then brush off the surface to reduce the stain. For a darker stain, do the opposite approach.
Use a clean cloth to apply the stain. Rub it in a circular movement. Start with the center and work your way outwards. Start with small areas and work in portions.
Leave the stain to dry for at least 48 hours. To check if the surface is fully dry, apply a small portion of masking tape then put pressure on it. Then remove the tape. A clean tape indicates that the stain is already dry.
5. Apply the top coating
A top coat may appear milky but once you paint it on the surface, it will appear clear. Just dip the tips of the brush in the can to smoothen out the surface. Avoid over brushing because instead of adding layers, brushing too hard will actually reduce the stain itself.
Some fiberglass doors require at least two thin coatings. Other people tend to apply thick coats for more protection. However, it doesn’t dry out properly.
Apply a second coating. Check the instructions on the paint can. Most top coats have a drying time less than four hours. Make sure you evenly apply the coating.
6. Use a good quality paint
If you have a creative idea and prefer to paint your fiberglass door with a splash of color, make sure you buy a good quality paint. An inexpensive paint may just ruin your beautiful fiberglass door. Make sure you buy a can of paint that specifically states that it is formulated for fiberglass. Just follow the same procedure and replace the stain with paint.
An additional tip is to check the weather condition. Be wary of sun exposure. Direct sunlight can affect your painting job and cause lumps or blisters. A high humidity affects the drying time and the sheen of your paint.
Doing It On Your Own
Your doorway serves as a focal point in your home. This article will teach you how to paint or stain your fiberglass door effectively without hiring any professional help. Working on your own project will help you save money.
It’s fun and simple. Just let your creativity take over.
Did you find this tutorial useful? If you have questions, feel free to send us a message and we’ll be happy to answer you back. If you’ve successfully painted your fiberglass door, we’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends.