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Fiberglass entry doors require refinishing periodically to maintain their beauty and charm. The process is not difficult, but it can be tedious. Often, you must not only refinish the door, you must also refinish the door framing, and any panels attached to the door framing. To properly refinish an entry door you must remove all of the old paint or old varnish, smoothly sand and clean the refinishing surfaces, and properly apply new paint or stain and varnish.
Preparation
While it is possible to refinish a fiberglass entry door while it is still hanging in place, this practice is not recommended. It is much easier to remove the door from its hinges before proceeding with the refinishing work. Place the door on a pair of padded sawhorses with the exterior of the door facing up, and remove all of the hardware from the door. If you are refinishing the doorframe, remove any hardware from it as well. If you are working inside make sure to place a drop cloth under the sawhorses and door before you proceed any further.
Stripping and Sanding
Whether the door you are refinishing is painted or stained, completely remove the old finish to produce a quality new finish. Begin by applying a liquid stripping agent to the surface of the door. Carefully read the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting the stripping agent, many are not suited for use on fiberglass. Remove the old finish from the door by gently rubbing it with steel or copper wool. Use a stiff wire brush or a paint scraping crevice tool to remove the finish from any recessed scroll work. Sand the entire door with coarse, medium, and fine sandpaper. Completely wipe down the door with a damp cloth to remove any dust, and allow the door to completely dry before continuing.
Priming vs. Staining
Fiberglass entry doors typically have a wood-grain finish that looks attractive when it is stained and lacquered. Apply the stain with a clean dry cloth. Gently rub and blot the surface of the door with the rag to ensure total stain coverage, and then remove any excess stain with the rag as well. Allow the stain to dry for 24 hours before applying the lacquer. If you decide to paint the door, then apply an oil-based primer to the surface of the door. Oil-based primers are excellent for exterior wood and fiberglass projects. Always apply paint to the door surfaces by moving the paintbrush in the same direction as the grain of the wood, or simulated wood finish. Ensure complete coverage and allow the primer to completely dry. Never apply paint in direct sunlight if possible. Depending on the temperature, paint can begin to harden too quickly, and make a mess of the new finish.
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Finishing Coats
If you chose to stain the door, then apply three coats of clear spar lacquer to the door with a lacquer brush. Allow the lacquer to completely dry before applying further coats. Spar lacquer is designed specifically to stand up in harsh elements, and it is the best choice for fiberglass entry door refinishing. If you have chosen to paint the door, then apply two color coats to the door. Make sure to use a latex enamel exterior grade paint, and allow the paint to fully dry before applying the second coat. It is customary to paint or stain the door’s side edges with the same finish as that which is applied to the exterior of the door. When the door is completely dry, reattach all of the hardware to the door and doorframe, and reinstall the door. The best way to reattach hinge screws into the door and doorframe is to insert a wooden matchstick or several toothpicks into each old screw hole. Break them off flush with their respective surfaces, and install the screws. The added material in the screw holes ensure the hinge mounts do not become loose.
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About the Author
Fred Howe, a writer since 2009, holds a B.S. in sociology from George Fox University. A retired correctional officer from Pelican Bay State Prison in California, Howe has also worked as a sous chef and catering manager.
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Howe, Fred. 'Fiberglass Entry Door Refinishing.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/fiberglass-entry-door-refinishing-26454.html. Accessed 05 July 2019.
Howe, Fred. (n.d.). Fiberglass Entry Door Refinishing. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/fiberglass-entry-door-refinishing-26454.html
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Howe, Fred. 'Fiberglass Entry Door Refinishing' accessed July 05, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/fiberglass-entry-door-refinishing-26454.html
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What You'll Need
What You'll Need
Fiberglass doors are often preferred for their mold and rust resistance. Unlike wood, they will not deteriorate or swell. They can also be less expensive than wood and metal doors. While fiberglass doors can be painted, there is a bit more effort involved to ensure the finish lasts.
Painting fiberglass doors require some planning. As there are different types of fiberglass, there are different types of paint and knowing what to use for a proper bond is especially important. Types of fiberglass include epoxy resin and polyester-based resin. They require epoxy-based paint and polyester-based paint, respectively.
Details of Resin Types
Epoxy resin is the most expensive of the resin types, but it is also the strongest. Epoxy has a slight amber hue, so you might see a bit of yellow tint, not to be confused with yellowing from age. There are clear epoxies as well, so there may be no coloration to observe. Epoxy resin is also more waterproof than polyester-based resin.
Polyester resin is lower-cost, less water proof, and more brittle. These distinctive features should hopefully allow you to determine which type of resin your door has.
Primers
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Fiberglass, as with other materials, needs to primed first and then painted. Once you have determined the type of fiberglass on your door, you will need a primer that is compatible. Urethane, epoxy, and latex primers will work with most types of fiberglass and fiberglass paints. Always check the primer's label for recommended topcoat paints as well. Etching primers are not recommended because the etching chemistry isn't compatible with fiberglass.
Types of Paint
Fiberglass paints can be found with varying degrees of shine or gloss just like any other paint. There are high gloss, regular gloss, and flat finishes. As water and sunlight can weaken fiberglass over time, it is important to consider a paint that will endure these elements. Any paint you choose should be classed as an exterior paint, as exterior paints are made to resist weathering. When choosing a fiberglass paint, do not use oil-based or melamine; instead consider acrylic (100%), polyurethane, polyester, and epoxy paints. Many manufacturers and painters will recommend that you do not mix primers and paints among various companies. For best results, they say to stick with one manufacturer for both applications. And, as mentioned earlier, you should also keep a consistent base between the fiberglass resin and paint; if the fiberglass is an epoxy resin, use an epoxy-based paint. Use a polyester-based paint for polyester-resin fiberglass.
Selecting the right primer and paint for your fiberglass door will provide the necessary bond. This will prevent peeling, bubbling, and flaking. It will also ensure your door's finish lasts a long time and that the fiberglass underneath is well protected.
Selecting the right primer and paint for your fiberglass door will provide the necessary bond. This will prevent peeling, bubbling, and flaking. It will also ensure your door's finish lasts a long time and that the fiberglass underneath is well protected.