How to Antique a Fiberglass Front Door
Fiberglass doors take and hold paint well, therefore, if you would like something more interesting than a standard painted door, you can add character by antiquing your fiberglass door with layers of paint. Don't be afraid to experiment a bit. Because it's paint, if you don't like the result, all you have to do is re-paint it. Add an antique-style lock-set, and you'll have a wholly new and pleasing look. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Acrylic water-based latex exterior paint, 2 to 3 colors
- Painter's tape
- Tarp
- Liquid household cleaner
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Paint brush
- Primer paint
- Lint-free rags
- Plastic bucket
- Clear top coat (acrylic, polyurethane, varnish)
Instructions
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Choose two or three colors, which you will be applying in paint layers, to antique the door. The final effect will look better if two of the colors are in the same color family; for example, you might choose sage green and moss green in addition to one color from a different color family. Three different color families will produce a kaleidoscope effect.
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Leave the door in place and tape off the hardware. Spread a tarp onto the floor in the swing area beneath the door.
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Remove any weatherstripping and wash the door with water and liquid dish detergent or another liquid household cleaner, removing any loose flakes of previously applied paint. Because fiberglass doors hold paint well, you may not have any peeling paint. Allow it to dry completely after washing.
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4
Use a fine grit sandpaper to sand the old paint, if there is any. Sand lightly. You do not want to penetrate the fiberglass. Rinse and let dry.
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Prime the door if it has never been painted or primed.
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Paint the door with a base-coat color. Allow it to dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you are painting over another color other than the original prime, you may need two base coats. Paint all the way to the edges.
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Apply the second color in a thin layer and immediately use lint-free rags to wipe off as much or as little of it as you want. Use long vertical strokes. Experiment with using the paint rag to softly mottle some of it back on. If you don't like the result, re-wipe it vertically. When you are pleased with the result, stop and allow it to dry completely.
If one rag collects too much paint, switch rags. Toss used ones into a bucket to avoid getting paint on any surface other than the door.
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Apply the third coat in the same manner as the second and allow it to dry.
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Add two thin coats of non-yellowing, clear top coat. Allow the first to dry completely before adding the second coat, and make sure to paint in thin layers to avoid clouding.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also create a faux wood finish on a door, then paint faux dings and scratches as an alternate method of antiquing. Be careful not to actually chip or dent the fiberglass.
If you do not allow each coat of paint to dry completely, you will get a muddy effect.
