How to Repaint a Fiberglass Door
Painting a fiberglass door is not as simple as painting wood doors. However, this isn’t the case! Various steps must be taken to ensure the paint will adhere and not peel off. The following article provides an overview of these steps and discusses tips for how to repaint a fiberglass door project.
The following blog post includes information about how to prep the surface, including masking, sanding, priming, painting, and sealing, a list of tools required, and suggestions on which paints can be used based on the type of door you have (exterior door vs. interior door), painting tips such as using a foam roller or paintbrush and more!
What Kind of Paint to Use on Fiberglass Door?
1) Acrylic Paint:
Acrylic paints are good for fiberglass doors because they dry quickly. You can use a foam roller instead of a brush. The downside is that they will peel more easily than oil-based paints.
2) Oil Paint:
Oil paint provides great coverage and doesn’t blister when applied correctly. It can be a little expensive, but it’s worth it if you want longevity.
3) Enamel Paint:
Enamel paints are durable but can be more difficult to clean up than other kinds of paint. Also, enamel paint doesn’t adhere as well as acrylic or oil and may peel over time. If you are planning to use enamel paint, be sure to prime your door first.
4) Epoxy Paint:
Epoxy paints are a great option for fiberglass doors! It is durable and holds up well even in heat or cold. However, epoxy can be more expensive than other types of fiberglass paints, so it should only be used on exterior finishes fiberglass doors or ones that will be exposed to the elements.
5) Alkyd Paint:
Alkyd paints are the most durable of all fiberglass paint options. However, it can be not easy to find and may not adhere as well as other types of paint. In addition, alkyds tend to blister after they have been applied. If you decide to use alkyd door paint, it is best to apply two coats for the best results.
6) Latex Paint:
Latex paint is a good option for interior fiberglass doors, but it won’t hold up as well as other kinds of paints. There is acrylic latex house paint which also you can try.
7) Stain & Varnish:
Stain and varnish are good options for fiberglass doors, but they tend to be more expensive. Be sure to stain the door first before applying varnish.
Things You’ll Need to Paint a Fiberglass Door.
You will need various paints, tools, and supplies to paint your fiberglass door. It is important to read the instructions on whatever paint you buy! Listed below are the basic supplies you’ll need for this painting project:
- Fiberglass Door Paint (Acrylic, Oil, or Enamel)
- Foam/Foam Roller
- Plastic Scraper
- Steel Wool (Wet or Dry)
- Denatured Alcohol
Recommended Tool: Paintbrush, Flathead & Philips Screwdrivers.
Step to Follow: How to Repaint a Fiberglass Door
Step 1: Find a Well-Ventilated Work Space
If your fiberglass door project is taking place inside, make sure to find a well-ventilated area. It is important to ensure that you have proper ventilation to avoid inhaling paint fumes.
Step 2: Mask Off the Surrounding Areas
Use painter’s tape or blue painters’ construction paper to cover off any areas surrounding your fiberglass door project. This includes the walls and frames surrounding the fiberglass resin door and any windows or doors given your work area.
Step 3: Remove the Door From Its Hinges
If your fiberglass door is attached to the hinges, it will be easier to paint if you remove it. Take off the screws holding the hinge on and place them in a safe place so that you don’t lose them.
Step 4: Remove All components from the Door
There are some parts of the door that you will want to remove before painting. These include any window panes and any glass inserts. Labeling these items to know where they go when you re-assemble the door after it has been painted is a good idea.
Step 5: Scrape off Paint from Edges in the Joints
Before you can start painting, you need to scrape off any remaining paint from the edges of the contact joint. This will help ensure that your fiberglass door project is a success. It is important to scrape out the old paint before applying any new coats.
Step 6: Sand Surface of Fiberglass Door
Use 150-grit paper to sand the entire surface of your fiberglass door gently. You must not sand too hard to break through the fiberglass.
Step 7: Remove Dust with Vacuum
It’s important to remove any dust and debris from the fiberglass before you start painting. Use a vacuum to ensure your workspace is free of any extra dirt or paint flakes.
Step 8: Prime the Fiberglass Door
Priming fiberglass door surfaces will help the paint adhere to the surface better. Brush on primer, and be sure to apply it evenly.
Step 9: Apply First Coat of Paint
Brush on the first coat of your fiberglass door paint. Make sure your last stroke goes in the same direction as you started. Otherwise, you may first layer fiberglass door paint in a smooth, even coat.
Step 10: Stain or Paint the Door
After the first coat of fiberglass door paint, you can choose to stain the fiberglass door with polyurethane or oil-based stain. It is important to let it dry before coating on any additional coats.
Step 11: Apply the Second Coat of Paint
Brush on the second coat of fiberglass door paint. Be sure to apply even strokes and avoid back-and-forth motion, as this will cause unnecessary brushstrokes and ridges in the fiberglass door.
Step 12: Apply the Third Coat of Paint or Varnish
Apply at least two coats of varnish for extra protection. Let it dry for at least one day before touching the door so that it can finish curing.
Step 13: Re-Install Components of the Door
When you are painting fiberglass or installing a new glass insert, be sure to remove all fixtures from the old glass and place them into your new fiberglass door while they are still fresh. This will make it easier for you to re-install these items when the fiberglass door is finished curing.
Step 14: Re-Install Fiberglass Door and Fixtures
Once your new fiberglass door paint or glass insert has fully cured, re-install all of the fixtures on the fiberglass door and remove any painter’s tape or construction paper that you used for masking off.
Step 15: Check Painted Door to Ensure All is Well
For added protection, it’s important to seal your fiberglass door finish paint or glass insert with several coats of a high-quality clear coat varnish. This will help protect your fiberglass door paint job from wear and tear over time.
Some Tips for Painting a Fiberglass Door:
1) Mask Everything Off:
Everything must be masked! The more you mask off, the cleaner your fiberglass door will look. This also helps to protect your fiberglass professional class entry door from being damaged by water or paint.
2) Use Primer:
Primer is important because it helps the fiberglass door paint adhere to the surface more effectively, especially if working with a very smooth surface. Without primer, the paint may not adhere well.
3) Mask Inside Joints:
When painting fiberglass doors, it is important to mask off all the joints. If you don’t do this, the paint will spill into the joint and get stuck. This can lead to unwanted drips on your door or, even worse – peel-ups around the corners.
4) Lay the Paint On in Thin Layers:
Always start with a thin layer of fiberglass door paint, allowing the paint to dry evenly instead of running or cracking. Be sure to wait at least 24 hours before applying another coat.
Things To Consider Before You Paint Your Fiberglass Door
- Fiberglass door paint is not suitable for all fiberglass doors. You will need to ensure that your fiberglass door’s surface can be painted before you begin painting. You probably cannot paint if it contains any metal, vinyl, or latex.
- It’s important to know whether or not your glass insert can also be painted. You must recover your glass insert with a plaster if it has metal, vinyl, or latex.
- Fiberglass door paint is a great product for preserving and protecting fiberglass doors from damage. However, the paint cannot provide any significant protection against impacts. It can only protect your fiberglass door paint job from being scratched. It also cannot provide sufficient protection against water damage.
- Fiberglass door paint is a great product, but it is not an appropriate coating anywhere that the fiberglass may need to be impacted or touched. This includes corners and joints, especially where two separate fiberglass pieces are joined together to form a corner joint.
- Fiberglass door paint cannot be used in places where people will touch the fiberglass often. It also won’t protect against chemicals and many other things, so you must make sure your door is safe for use before you start painting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Paint Over a Painted Fiberglass Door?
Paint is not recommended to be used on fiberglass doors because it can damage the door and cause it to crack. If you need to paint over a painted fiberglass door, use a primer first and then a good quality paint.
What Paint Can I Use on Fiberglass?
Many types of paint can be used on fiberglass. The most common type of paint is latex paint, which is a water-based paint. Other types of paints that can be used include oil-based paints, acrylics, and enamels.
Paint should be applied in a very thin layer so that it does not build up on the surface and cause damage. It is also important to avoid using too much paint, or it will be difficult to remove later.
Can You Strip a Fiberglass Door?
There is no easy answer to this question as it depends on the type of fiberglass door you try to strip. However, stripping a fiberglass door can generally be done by using a chemical stripper or an electric stripper.
Chemical strippers are usually less expensive and work well on most types of fiberglass doors. However, they can also cause damage to the door if not used correctly. Electric strippers are more expensive but are easier to use and don’t require any special skills.
Can You Paint Over Gel Stain on Fiberglass Door?
Yes, you can paint over gel stain on fiberglass doors. However, it is important to first test the color on a small door area to ensure that the color will be acceptable before painting the entire door.
Can You Sand a Stained Fiberglass Door?
Yes, you can sand a stained fiberglass door. The best way to do this is to use a belt sander with medium-grit sandpaper. Start by removing most dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner or duster. Once the surface is clean, apply the sandpaper to the door in a circular motion. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection to avoid getting any particles in your eyes. Allow the door to dry before painting or finishing it.
Conclusion
The process of repainting a fiberglass door is more involved than you might think. For the best results, it’s important to have patience and take your time with each step mentioned in how to repaint a fiberglass door. If you’re looking for a new look or feel in your home, this blog post has some great tips on getting started! Don’t forget to share with us after you have created a new look for your fiberglass door!
You may also read: How to Rescreen a Sliding Door
