How To Paint or Stain a Fiberglass Door
Fiberglass doors are made from finely woven glass fibers mixed with adhesive or resin. This mixture is then pressed to from a solid door slab, or rolled into thin sheets that are wrapped around a foam core. These doors often look similar to wood units, but are are much more durable and long-lasting. They are resistant to moisture, humidity and temperature changes, and require less maintenance than wood doors over time. Fiberglass can even be stained or painted like wood to create the desired finish. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Center punch
- Painters tape (masking tape)
- Acetone or mineral spirits
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Sawhorses
- Rags
- Mineral spirits
- Stain
- Sealers
- Stirring sticks
- Foam paintbrush
- Bristle paintbrush
- Latex primer
- Latex acrylic paint
Instructions
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1
Remove the door from the frame by using a center punch to push out the hinge pins. Set the door on a pair of sawhorses, then remove all the hardware so it isn't damaged or stained as you work. Cover windows or glass with painter's (masking) tape to keep paint or stain from dripping onto it.
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2
Clean the door using acetone or mineral spirits applied to a clean, dry rag. Wipe away all dirt, oils and grease, then dry the door with another clean rag before proceeding.
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3
Choose your paint or stain. Both of these materials are applied using similar techniques. If you want to paint the door, you'll need an acrylic latex paint and a latex primer. When staining, use oil-based products for best results.
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4
Prime the door one section at a time before painting. Use a bristle paintbrush to apply primer to the panels, then the molding around each panel. Allow these sections to dry for about an hour, then prime the vertical stiles and horizontal rails. Wait for the primer to dry completely before painting. Skip this step if you plan to stain the door rather than paint it.
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5
Stir your paint or stain well with a stirring stick. Apply it to the door using a foam paintbrush, then distribute it with a bristle paintbrush. Work on one section at a time to maintain a look of separation between the various parts of the door. For example, paint or stain the panels, then allow them to dry before proceeding with the molding, then the stiles and rails.
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6
Spread or thin stain using a clean rag. Wipe the stain into the grain, then remove any excess. Skip this step when applying paint.
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7
Apply another coat of paint or stain to create the desired finish. There is no need to sand a fiberglass door between coats of paint or stain as you would with a metal door.
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8
Use a clear polyurethane sealer to protect the door's finish. Wait until all paint or stain has dried before applying these seal coats. Brush each coat on with a bristle paintbrush, and wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second.
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9
Reinstall hardware and rehang the door. Remove all tape from the windows and glass to complete the project.
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