How to Finish a Fiberglass Exterior Door and Frame
Fiberglass entry doors have come a long way. They are very effective in keeping out the elements, have many different styles and now you can finish the frame and door to your preferences of color and stains. They are also energy efficient and secure. It is not complicated to finish the door and the frame yourself.
Items needed:
- Mild detergent soap and water
- Painter protective tape
- Paint primer (alkyd or acrylic based primer)
- Acrylic latex house paint
- Hose or spray bottle and a soft brush
- Saw horses
- 16 D nail or small punch
- Hammer
- Helper
- Razor
- Remove the door from the hinges and place on the sawhorses.
- Clean the door thoroughly and rinse using the soap and water, brush and the hose to rinse. Let dry completely.
- Mask all of the hardware or remove it prior to painting. Using painters tape cover all glass and remove the weather-stripping. Gently holding and pulling it out will remove the stripping. It will go back in when the door is done so be careful with it.
- Prime the door with the primer at this time. Try to paint with the grain and do not over apply. The primer should be completely dry prior to putting on the paint.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for applying the paint. As with the primer, do not over apply. Two coats are better than one bad one. Make certain when you purchase both the primer and the paint that they are compatible with one another. Use an exterior paint on the outside surface of the door.
- Paint the edges, top and bottom of the door. If you are going to paint or finish the frame now is the time to do that.
- Take the door off the sawhorses when it is completely dry and re-install in the frame.