How to Paint Fiberglass Awnings
Before you paint fiberglass awnings, there are some factors to consider in planning your project. Unlike wood, which is a relatively rough, porous surface, fiberglass is slick and nonporous, making it unsuitable for paint adhesion. You will need to abrade the fiberglass to promote adhesion, or the finish will chip away. In addition, because awnings tend to dip vertically, you will need to use a specific application strategy to prevent drips, runs and sagging. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Blue painter's tape
- Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
- Palm sander
- 300-grit sandpaper
- 2-gallon painter's pale
- Wooden stir stick
- Latex primer
- Measuring cup
- Latex bonding primer
- Acrylic latex paint
- 3- to 4-inch latex paintbrush
Instructions
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Cover any areas on or adjacent to the fiberglass awning you want left unpainted with painter's tape. Cover the areas below the awning with drop cloths.
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Abrade the fiberglass awning to promote adhesion by sanding it with a palm sander stocked with 300-grit sandpaper. Sand lightly. Stop sanding when the fiberglass feels slightly rough to the touch.
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Apply a thin coat of bonding primer to the fiberglass awnings using the paintbrush. Apply only a thin coat. Do not over-apply as this may lead to sagging in the final finish. Allow the primer to dry and cure for four hours.
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Wash the paintbrush with water.
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Dilute the acrylic latex paint by stirring in 1 ounce of water to every gallon of paint. Stir for five minutes using a wooden stir stick.
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Apply three thin coats of diluted paint to the awning using the paintbrush. Allow three hours of dry time between coats. Do not over-apply. Apply only light coats.
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Tips & Warnings
Over-applying paint may lead to drips, runs and sagging.
Avoid using plastic drop cloths when painting awnings as they tend to blow free in the wind.
The best way to prevent unattractive brush strokes in the final finish is to apply several light coats of diluted paint rather than one or two coats of undiluted thick latex paint.
If you need to use a ladder to access the fiberglass awnings, read the safety information printed on the side of the ladder to prevent accidents.
Resources
- Photo Credit sandpapier image by Thomas Aumann from Fotolia.com
