How to Paint a Fiberglass Garage Door

If you have decided to paint your fiberglass garage door, you will need to check the material stability first to make sure it is not irreparably damaged to any significant degree. Fiberglass is considerably more fragile than alternative materials like vinyl and it tends to degenerate over long periods of time.

Step 1 – Garage Door Stability

Before you begin, decide whether the garage door has to be removed. Fiberglass can weaken over the course of time and become flimsy or brittle, so be sure that the door is stable enough to remove or paint over. Remove the fixtures and handle, or mask them off.

Step 2 – Door Cleanliness

Clean the door with a gentle solution of soap and water and a lint free cloth. Leave it to dry totally before you begin priming it. You can wipe it dry with a large cloth or, if the weather is permitting just let it sun dry. Make sure it is clear of dust or grit before you prime.

Step 3 – Masking the Door

If you have chosen to leave the door attached, mask off areas that are not requiring primer or paint, to protect them from being coated. If the frame around the garage door is not made from the same material you may not want paint marks to accidentally get on it.

Step 4 – Sanding

Some types of fiberglass garage doors are not susceptible to being heavily sanded, so it is suggested that you use a brillo pad, wire wool or soft abrasive paper to just lightly rough up the surface. Wear a dust mask when you do this part of the project.

Step 5 – Using Primer

You must use a good bonding primer. Fiberglass has a somewhat paint resistant surface which can affect the longevity of the coat you put on it. That is not to say that you cannot paint fiberglass, but do take the correct precautions and choose a good primer to increase the staying power. Prime the garage door with the brush. There is no grain to follow like with wood, but do attempt to maintain steady and even brush strokes. The end result you are trying to achieve is to make the door appear new but not as if it has been painted.

Step 6 – Painting

You can also opt to use spray paint which will leave no brush strokes at all, but article concentrates on brush painting. Allow plenty drying time before you apply the paint. Outside conditions will naturally dry the paint quicker, especially if the weather is reasonably warm. Atmospheric conditions will also affect whether you should paint. Lower temperatures are not strongly recommended for painting, as are extremely high temperatures. Paint the garage door using the same method you used for priming. Be mindful of not leaving obvious brush strokes. It is important that you use a good oil based exterior paint. If you are not sure what type of paint to use, ask at your local DIY store for some advice.