How To Paint A Fiberglass Exterior Door
If you re painting an exterior door then you ll need to leave the door open somewhat to dry out.
How to paint a fiberglass exterior door. Paint the wooden trim around glass insets following the grain of the wood. Once the primer is dry apply the first coat of sherwin williams snapdry door and trim paint. Look for a bonding primer and make sure it s specified for exterior use unless your fiberglass door is inside. If there are any recesses you will have more brush work to do.
Rolling or brush application with care also will yield good results. Also paint the vertical centerpiece of the fiberglass door which is known as a stile in the smooth up and down motion. Paint the recessed door. Brush the remaining vertical stiles.
If your fiberglass door is older and worn or if it has a very shiny slick or varnished surface it should be primed. An inexpensive paint may just ruin your beautiful fiberglass door. Apply light coats of paint for the most attractive finish. Using the smooth up and down strokes paint the remaining vertical stiles.
But you must be careful of the sunlight because the uv rays can fade the paint. A clear coat of paint is not necessary for your fiberglass entry door. Bonding primers come in several formulas. Alkyd paint has an oil ingredient inside of it.
Fiberglass surfaces can get quite smooth as you will have realized if you sanded the door so if you want that super clean finish you can apply the primer with a spray. Wait until your paint has dried completely before touching the surface of your door or adding any decorative accents. Painting a fiberglass entry door is much like painting a wood door without a need for sanding before paint is applied. If the fiberglass door is completely flat you can use a paint brush to cut around the edges and a roller to paint the rest of the door.
Even though the paint takes a long time to dry it is a great paint to use on fiberglass doors. Use the type of primer and paint recommended by the door manufacturer. Start from the left and then to the right. Keep in mind paints dry faster in higher temperatures lower humidity and when exposed to direct sunlight.
Clean and sand the door first and remove any loose finish. When possible paint your door in early morning or late afternoon. Some doors don t need primer but typically a good quality primer helps the topcoats of paint adhere better and creates a longer lasting finish. Follow this order for best results when using snapdry paint on your doors.
Take your time and apply thin even. Make sure you buy a can of paint that specifically states that it is formulated for fiberglass. Apply the paint in a smooth side to side stroke. Allow the primer to dry completely before putting on the top coat.
Dip a narrow paintbrush into the paint and remove the excess by wiping it on the edge of the can.