Fiberglass doors are weatherproof, durable, and long-lasting, which means you can expect to keep them for a long time. What happens when you’re ready to revamp your home’s exterior though? Can you paint a fiberglass door? The answer is yes — if you choose the right paint, you can give your doorway a new lease of life.
Painting vinyl isn’t always necessary. The material is so popular for doors and window frames because it already has good moisture resistance. Paint can help protect the door from weather damage, however, and make an old door look fresh and new once more.
Fiberglass doors are already energy-efficient and can be expected to last longer than a wooden door, making them a popular choice among homeowners. They’re unlikely to pit, split, or rot in the way wooden doors might.
To paint a fiberglass door, you’ll need:
- Primer
- A soft-bristled paintbrush
- A synthetic paintbrush
- Masking tape
- A paint tray
- Cloth and sponges
- Newspaper or plastic sheeting
- Paint
What Kind of Paint to Use On Fiberglass Doors
Use acrylic, polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy resin paint on your fiberglass door. Try to pick a paint that matches the type of fiberglass for the best results. Do not use oil-based paints because these can damage the door.
Fiberglass-friendly paints are often available in matte, neutral, and gloss finishes. Which of these you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Painting a Fiberglass Door: Step By Step
Choose a pleasant day to start work on the door. You’ll need to remove the door from the hinges, so it’s best to do so when the weather is mild and you don’t feel rushed.
- Take the door off the hinges and lay it flat on a work surface
- Remove the weather stripping from the door
- Clean the door with a solution of mild, soapy water
- Use a sponge dipped in clean water to remove all traces of soapy residue
- Wipe dry with a cloth, then leave the door for two to three hours to fully air dry
- Use masking tape to cover all hardware and the edges of any panes of glass
- Stir the primer and pour it into your paint tray
- Apply the primer to the four edges of the door and one face side
- Leave the door to dry
- Once the primer has dried, apply your chosen paint to the primed face and edges of the door
- Leave the door to dry
- Flip the door, and repeat the process of priming and painting the other face
To achieve a smooth finish when painting the door, dip the paintbrush into the paint and wipe any excess paint off on the lip of the tray. Paint in smooth strokes, always moving the paintbrush in the same direction.
Once the door has dried, remove any masking tape and refit the door into the opening.
Thompson Creek Replacement Doors
Painting a fiberglass door can help it to stay great-looking and prolong the overall life of the door. But if you’re looking for a new fiberglass door, perhaps one with greater energy efficiency or sound-insulating properties, check out our durable doors at Thompson Creek. We have a variety of doors that will perfectly suit your home.
Call us today for a free estimate for new energy-efficient vinyl, French, or sliding glass doors for your home.