How to Paint a Fiberglass Door With Exterior Oil Based Paint
The smooth texture of fiberglass doors can make them difficult to paint. However, even an amateur can effectively paint a fiberglass door if he knows the correct application procedure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Metal putty knife
- Regular plane screwdriver
- Mineral spirits
- Rags
- Blue painter's tape
- Five-gallon bucket
- Paint roller cover
- Paint roller screen
- Roller frame
- 4-inch brush
- Oil-based paint
- Two sawhorses
Instructions
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1
Use the metal putty knife or a regular plane screwdriver to remove the bolt from the hinges on the fiberglass door. Remove the fiberglass door and place it atop two sawhorses. Open the container of mineral spirits. Apply a small amount to a rag. Wipe down the surface of the fiberglass door to thoroughly clean off any dirt and dust and to condition the surface for better adhesion. Allow the surface to dry.
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2
Use blue painter's tape to cover doorknobs, locks and any other areas you don't want painted. Use the metal putty knife to open the container of paint. Pour the oil-based paint into the five-gallon bucket, filling it no more than half-way. Slide the paint roller cover onto the roller frame. Remove the cover from your 4-inch brush.
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3
Dip the roller into the five-gallon bucket of paint. Rub the paint roller cover against the paint roller screen to remove excess paint. Roll a coat of paint onto the surface of the door, moving from left to right. Leave the roller in the five-gallon bucket and pick up your paintbrush. (Do not let the paint dry!) Dip the paintbrush into the five-gallon bucket of paint. Touch the paintbrush to the top of the door on the left-hand side. Bring the brush down carefully and gently in one long stroke, smoothing the wet paint until you reach the bottom of the door. Proceed back up from left to right until you've smoothed all the paint you applied with the roller. Dip your brush again. Finish painting any unpainted areas, being careful to use light strokes to promote a smooth appearance.
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4
Allow the door to dry. Flip the door over and repeat Step 3. Allow this side to dry. Flip the door over and apply another coat if necessary. Clean the paint roller cover, roller frame, paint roller screen and the paintbrush with mineral spirits.
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Tips & Warnings
Most amateurs find it easier to paint a fiberglass door when it has been removed. However, you can paint one without removing it. If you do choose to paint a fiberglass door without removing it, be sure to take extra care in covering floors and other areas you don't want painted.
There's no need to apply primer first when painting a fiberglass door with oil-based paint. However, if you use latex paint, you will need to apply a coat of primer first.
Paint roller covers, roller frames, paint roller screens and paintbrushes used to apply oil-based paint should only be cleaned with mineral spirits. Never use water as this will ruin them.
