Fiberglass doors have been popular since the era of traditional wood doors, and for good reasons, they will lead the trend to hold for a while.
However, fiberglass doors can fade and discolor over time because of exposure to sunlight and other elements. So, can you stain fiberglass doors to avoid these annoyances?
The straightforward answer is yes; it is possible to stain fiberglass doors. Due to its porous nature, fiberglass can absorb stains much like wood.
However, it is important to properly prepare the door’s surface and use the appropriate stain to ensure that the end result appears beautiful and lasts a long time. If you are having doubts about this staining or painting process, we have gathered all the important details you need. So, read along!
Why would you want to stain a fiberglass door?
Fiberglass is a composite material comprised of glass fibers and a resin binder. Its strength, durability, and ease of maintenance make it a preferred material for doors. But like all other materials on earth, fiberglass can also get damaged or discolored over time. The good news is the color and appearance of fiberglass doors can be hugely improved just by staining them!
However, it is important to use a high-quality, exterior-grade stain specifically formulated for fiberglass surfaces.
If you are still wondering if you should or shouldn’t stain your fiberglass door, here are several reasons why you should stain a fiberglass door:
- To restore the color of a faded or discolored door: Fiberglass doors can fade or turn discolored over time for a variety of causes. Painting the door can help restore its color and give it a fresh, new look.
- To customize the color of the door: Staining can be a fantastic option to change the color of the door if you don’t like the color of the fiberglass door or want to make it match the exterior of the rest of your home.
- To add a natural wood-like appearance: The exterior of your home can be made more inviting and distinctive by staining fiberglass doors to give them a genuine wood-like appearance.
- To protect the door: Staining fiberglass doors add a layer of protection that can shield the door from the weather and help prevent fading and discoloration.
- To increase the door’s value: Updating your fiberglass door’s appearance might actually increase your home’s overall apparent value!
I hope now you are totally convinced to make a move on your fiberglass door!
How to stain a fiberglass door?
Once you’ve decided to paint your fiberglass door, you should also learn how to do it properly for the finest outcomes. The following instruction is the best method for staining a fiberglass door:
- Use a deglosser or a solution of water and mild detergent to scrub the door thoroughly. Remove any dirt or grease with a scrub brush, followed by a clean water rinse and thorough drying.
- For better stain adhesion, lightly sand the door using fine-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface.
- Cleanly wipe the door with a dry, soft cloth to get rid of any dust or debris.
- Using a brush or a cloth, apply a thin, even application of wood stain in the direction of the grain.
- Allow the first coat of stain to dry completely, as directed by the manufacturer.
- If you feel more stain is needed, apply it in the same manner as the first layer.
- Apply a clear protective finish, such as polyurethane, to the door once it has completely dried to seal and shield the stain.
Always remember that it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the fiberglass paint and protective finish you use because different solutions may have varied application processes and drying durations.
The benefits of stained fiberglass doors for your house
Staining your fiberglass door will not only add some extra color to your home but also have some other important usability.
Here are several reasons why stained fiberglass doors can be a great addition to your home-
- Aesthetically pleasing: Fiberglass doors can be stained to give them a wood-like look, bringing warmth and personality to your house’s facade.
- Durable: Fiberglass is a very durable material, and when it is properly stained, it can withstand the elements and maintain its color for a long time.
- Low maintenance: Fiberglass doors are already minimal maintenance, but they become even more so after staining. You won’t need to worry about repainting or touch-ups as frequently because staining forms a protective layer that helps prevent fading and discoloration.
- Energy efficient: Many fiberglass doors are made with energy-efficient features, such as foam insulation, which can help reduce your energy costs. Staining gives the cherry on top as it adds another layer of heat preservation.
- Customizable: To discover the ideal match for the exterior of your home, you can select from many wood stain colors. This enables you to alter your doors to suit your taste and design.
How to pick the best stain for your fiberglass door?
Though almost all fiberglasses have the same consistency, choosing the perfect paint for them can still be confusing for you. To ensure you make the right choice, you will be picking the perfect stain for your door, consider the following factors-
Quality: Choose a high-quality, exterior-grade wood stain that is specifically made for applying on fiberglass surfaces. These stains are more durable and will provide better coverage and protection for your door.
Color: Consider the color of your house’s exterior design and choose a stain color that complements it. You can also choose a stain color that matches the color of your other exterior wood features, such as trim or shutters.
Finish: Decide on the type of finish you want for your door. There are several options, including satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are more popular for fiberglass doors because they provide a natural, wood-like appearance and are easier to maintain.
Brand: Look for a well-known company that has a solid track record of manufacturing high-quality wood stains. To select a product that has been shown to perform effectively on fiberglass doors, read reviews and seek advice from friends or experts.
Cost: Consider your budget when selecting a stain. Higher-quality stains may cost more, but they will likely be more durable and provide better coverage, so they will be totally worth the investment.
Conclusion
So, in easy words, fiberglass doors can be stained just like wood doors. But to guarantee a uniform and flawless finish, it’s essential to use the appropriate equipment and methods. To make sure you get the right color, I would advise testing the stain on a tiny, discrete area before using it over the entire door.
All things considered, staining fiberglass doors is an easy and efficient approach to give them a new, modern look!
This is Adam Sullivan, the author of tchardwaretools.com! I started my days as a mobile carpenter to become a full-time shop owner, and have been living my professional life for more than 8 years now.
Here I want to share my thoughts, experiences, and ideas through this platform. Stay Tuned!