How to Paint or Stain Fiberglass Stairs

Painting or staining fiberglass stairs is fairly easy to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• white rags
• painters tape
• paintbrush
• oil based gel stain; some places sell stain and finishing kits for fiberglass

1. 

   Preparation: Wash any surface that you intend to paint or stain with denatured alcohol or mineral spirits. Make sure you remove all dirt and oils from the fiberglass. Allow your stairs to dry.

2. 

   If your intention is to stain fiberglass special stain will be needed. Rub off stain does not work as well on fiberglass. You must use an oil based gel stain

3. 

   Apply the stain or paint using your paintbrush. Apply in quick short strokes blending each section with the previous section.
   OR
   Dip a rag in the stain then rub over the surface. You can use the paint brush to remove excess stain or for blending one section into the other.
   OR
   You can use a paint sprayer. Some people prefer this method because it is easier to get an even coat on your project. Just spray brushing out any

4. 

   With any method you use you must allow the paint or stain to dry for 24 hours. After the first coat has dried apply a second coat.

5. 

   After your stain is dry you can start your topcoat or finish. Two methods work for applying the top coat, brush or sprayer.
   
   The easier method is the sprayer; you can quickly and evenly apply your topcoat. Allow to dry for 10 to 15 minutes then add second coat.
   
   If you are brushing the topcoat on lightly brush the topcoat on in a very thin coat. Allow to dry for 10 to 15 minutes then add second coat. Do not over brush or press down in the stain, it will lift the stain and cause streaking or a balling of the stain under the topcoat.
   
   It is best to apply 3 to 5 thin coats, you will be walking on this surface so if you want to add a coat or two more that would be wise

6. 

   Allow 24 to 48 hours to dry. Test a small section before you try to walk on the stairs. GENTLY press your fingernail into a corner if it leaves an impression you should wait a few more hours before using the stairs

Tips & Warnings

• It is easier to start at the top and work your way down.
• If you over brush with your top coat. Wait until the finish is dry then gently wipe the area with a tack cloth to remove any balls of stain and finish. Carefully repair any damaged stain with a small brush. Reapply finish on the area.
• If there are scratches on the stairs those spots will absorb more stain and may stand out.
• Never sand fiberglass it will be ruined

[RENorton]

on 10/29/2008 Very interesting and informative. Great article. Thanks!

[acole]

on 10/22/2008 Interesting. Thanks!