Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Be it for their weatherproof nature, durability, or long-lasting characteristics, fiberglass doors are growing increasingly popular among homeowners. Unlike solid wood doors, they don’t succumb to shrinking, swelling, rotting, or splitting - making them a high-quality option for any household.
Painting a fiberglass door is a simple, transformative process that can breathe a new life into your door without having to replace it completely. The tools needed for this project include primer, paintbrushes, masking tape, a paint tray, cloth, sponges, and newspaper or plastic sheeting for protection. Not to mention, of course, your paint of choice.
While any latex-based paint can be used on fiberglass doors, exterior paint is highly recommended for the exterior side of the door. Acrylic, polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy resin paints are ideal and evade the use of oil-based paints. Sherwin Williams Pro Classic is a professionally recommended brand and for a final product with a fitting finish, semi-gloss or satin paints are often chosen.
Sanding isn't always an absolute requirement in painting fiberglass doors, particularly for new ones, but personal project plans may persuade you. For instance, if you are using a product like Behr Marquee semi-gloss paint & primer, light sanding can promote better adhesion and a smoother finish.
Good preparation guarantees a project well carried out. Start by removing the door and all hardware from it. Protect the door frame and floor, next fill any holes, tape off windows and hardware. Cleaning the door is as vital as the painting process. It is crucial to ensure the door is clean and free from dust or debris before progressing. Zinsser 123 Primer is a recommended primer for this process.
An often-overlooked step in door painting guides is whether to paint the edges of the door that come into contact with the frame. Painting these edges not only provides a seamless look, but it may also contribute to preserving the door's overall finish and ensure the paint job ages well. Hence, it is ideal to paint these edges for a well-rounded job.
With all your preparations complete, next step includes using your choice paint. The application of multiple thin coats of paint with consistency is key to achieving a polished look. Apply your primer, followed by your paint of choice, and allow sufficient drying time before applying a second coat or sealant. Consider two coats of primer and two coats of finishing paint for added durability.
Revamping your home with a freshly painted fiberglass door can be an enjoyable and rewarding process. Whether it is enhancing the front door or taking on a home improvement project in the basement, the seemingly terrifying task of painting a fiberglass door is a manageable feat that will yield massive rewards. Don’t forget, seeking expert assistance is always a worthy investment for attaining a professional finish.
