Getting a smooth finish on a fiberglass door
#1
09-08-12, 03:19 AM
Getting a smooth finish on a fiberglass door
I am going to be painting a new smooth fiberglass entry door. The instructions call for an exterior latex. I have painted other doors using a combination of roller and brush. Any tips to getting a smooth finish? I have read about additives to keep the paint from drying too quickly. Good idea? Any other hints?
I have also read that dark colors are a bad idea. My door faces east and has a four foot overhang. I will be installing a storm door.
I have also read that dark colors are a bad idea. My door faces east and has a four foot overhang. I will be installing a storm door.
#2
09-08-12, 04:30 AM
Group Moderator
Are you able to spray? For a smooth finish I would remove the hardware and have the door horizontal and spray the paint. If the paint is a very thick, one coat style latex I would thin a bit so the paint can flatten out to form a smooth finish.
#3
09-08-12, 04:43 AM
Depending on what you are spraying with you may or may not need to thin the paint. For brush and roller work an additive like Flood's Floetrol will slow down the drying time to help the paint better flow together. Also painting the door in the shade will give better results than trying to paint it in the hot sun.
#4
09-08-12, 06:06 AM
Group Moderator
Also try to paint it as fast as possible, and don't go back through the paint you have already put on any more than you have to. Cool day in the shade (with little wind) does help tremendously.
#6
09-08-12, 06:13 PM
Group Moderator
I have never had any trouble with dark colors on fiberglass doors. The vinyl trim around the glass? Yes. The door itself, no.
#8
09-09-12, 05:47 AM
Depending on the location of the door [how much sun it sees] dark colors can drastically raise the temperature of the door and warping can be an issue. Most of my painting experience is in the S.E. and I don't know if this would be a big issue in your locale or not. Your 4' overhang should help a lot.
