Answer: Yes, you can, but the process is complicated and will vary depending on the brand and quality of the door. Some fiberglass doors cannot be re-stained because their wood-grain finish will be damaged by the stripping or sanding that you have to do first.
How do you smooth out a fiberglass door?
Apply stain, using a lint-free cloth or a foam brush, in a circular motion (like you apply shoe polish), working the stain into the embossed grain pattern. Next, use your staining cloth or foam brush to smooth the stain in the direction of the grain. Do not wipe off excess stain.
Can you strip a fiberglass door?
If the door is made of fiberglass, you can strip with a chemical stripper just as you would if the door were made of wood. The stripper should have a methylene chloride base, and you can’t let it sit for too long, or it may damage the fiberglass.
How do you Restain a fiberglass exterior door?
Once you’ve removed the layers, sand the door a bit with 120-grit paper. Clean the entire surface with a rag soaked in denatured alcohol. Apply a gel stain. Once it dries and you’re happy with the color, apply at least two layers of fiberglass topcoat, waiting for it to dry between applications.
Is it better to paint or stain a fiberglass door?
Fiberglass front doors exposed to strong sunlight should be finished with paint, not stain. Textured front fiberglass doors look better when stained, however, either finish can be used. If your preference is a look of wood rather than fiberglass, staining can be used to accomplish this.
Do you need to sand a fiberglass door before painting?
Do not sand fiberglass. Remove all hardware and mask off anything you don’t want finished, such as the glass insert. Wipe the door with mineral spirits or all-purpose cleaner to clean any dust or residue from surface. Allow it to dry before applying paint.
How hard is it to stain a fiberglass door?
Staining a fiberglass door using the brush method is easy.
With a small amount of stain on the brush apply an even coat in the direction of the grain. Always begin in an unstained area working toward a previously stained area.
What kind of paint do you use on a fiberglass door?
According to the experts, high-quality 100% acrylic paint is recommended for a semi-gloss or satin finish. You shouldn’t need more than a quart of paint for one fiberglass entry door.
Can you refinish a fiberglass entry door?
Fiberglass entry doors require refinishing periodically to maintain their beauty and charm. … 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.
Is paint stripper bad for fiberglass?
Removing paint from the fiberglass of your auto should be tackled with some care. … If you need to strip paint from fiberglass at home, you may try sanding it off or using paint strippers. Remember, both sanding and using paint strippers could result in damaging the fiberglass.
Will paint thinner damage fiberglass?
Remove paint stains with acetone or paint thinner.
Since these materials can harm the fiberglass, only use them to tackle especially bad stains. … Wear thick gloves when cleaning using acetone or paint thinner.
Can you paint over stained fiberglass door?
The basic procedure for painting over a stained fiberglass door is the same as for any other door. … After completing the preparation work, apply two coats of latex enamel paint for a nice change of scenery.
How do you restore a fiberglass door?
If the surface is uneven, lightly sand it with 120-grit sandpaper. Do not sand the door excessively to avoid releasing fiberglass particles into the air. Once you remove the finish, clean the entire surface with a rag soaked in denatured alcohol. Use a natural bristled paintbrush to apply a layer of gel stain.
How do you protect a fiberglass door from the sun?
To reduce the effects of sun exposure, apply spray-on marine wax — available at home improvement and automotive stores — to your fiberglass door at least once per year. In addition to applying this UV protection, keep your door clean throughout the year with a simple wipe down using furniture polish and a soft cloth.