02 Jun Refinishing Your Fiberglass Entry Door
A fiberglass entry door will last a very long time but it will still need refinishing from time to time.
It is exposed to all types of weather, from the heat of the summer sun to winter storms with heavy hail and rain. If you have kids and pets around the home, you know only too well how much damage they can do to a fiberglass door.
It is not a reflection on the quality of the fiberglass door. It just happens with age and a lot of use.
You will want to restore the fiberglass entry door to what it looked like when the installer put it in place. Refinishing a fiberglass entry door is not too big a job. If you know a bit about DIY, you could easily manage the work over a weekend. With this in mind we put together a post for helping with refinishing a fiberglass entry door.
When refinishing a fiberglass entry door, you should:
- Check the damage before refinishing the fiberglass door
- Have the correct tools and products
- Take the fiberglass door off the frame
- Remove the old finishing
- Wash the surface clean
- Apply the new finish to the door
- Do not forget the frame
- Install the door once more
Let’s take a closer look at each point
Check the damage, before refinishing the fiberglass door
Have a look at your entry door.
Does it need a full refurbishment or maybe just a good clean? We do not recommend you only fix a few patches here and there. If you do a partial refinish, you could end up with a patchwork quilt effect.
Always give the entry door a full clean before you assess the work to be done.
Have the correct tools and products
You need to have the correct tools and products for refinishing work. The correct tools may include some or all of the following items.
- A screwdriver or drill to remove the door from the frame
- A liquid stripping agent as recommended by the manufacturer
- Wire wool or possibly a stiff brush for getting into tight spots
- Appropriate primer, stain or paint as recommended by the manufacturer
Always consult with the door manufacturer before refinishing your fiberglass entry door. Many have entire kits you can purchase with all the necessary materials for refinishing.
Take the fiberglass door off the frame
Do not attempt to work on the door when it is in place. You will miss spots, and you will find the door is very difficult to work with when attached to the hinges.
Remove the door using your drill and work on it in a well-ventilated and secure place.
Remove the old finish
You need to get all of the old finish off the door. Usually a liquid stripping agent will get to work quickly, and the old surface will peel off with a scraper.
The wrong stripping agent can do lasting damage. Ask your door supply agent for advice and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the tin or bottle.
For difficult to remove finishes, you may need to sand away the paint or varnish, but be careful not to damage the fiberglass beneath the surface.
Wash the surface clean
A wash down with a cloth and warm water will get all the dust and residue off the door. You will see spots missed when removing the old finish, so get to work on them.
Leave the surface to dry thoroughly before continuing.
Apply the new finish to the door
Eventually, you get to refinish the door.
Make sure you are using the correct product for the surface. Do not paint the fiberglass if the manufacturer does not recommend it and only stain using the color you want to see on the door.
Prime where necessary. Use exterior paint or stain on the outside and interior product for the other side of the door.
Do not forget the frame
The frame is part of the door. If you do the door and forget the frame, it will stand out like a sore thumb. It is easier to do the frame when the door is off, so do both jobs at the same time.
Follow the same rules for removing and refinishing, and you will not go wrong.
Install the door once more
When finished, leave the door to dry fully. Inspect the finished work and apply any top-up where it may be needed.
If the door is to your liking, install it back in place. Stand back and admire your work.