Fiberglass doors are popular for homeowners because they are low maintenance, energy-efficient, and durable. However, to keep a fiberglass door looking its best, it must be painted with high-quality paint and primer. So which is best?
Water-based acrylic alkyd paint is the ideal choice for fiberglass doors since it is durable and easy to clean. It also provides an even coverage that won’t chip or fade over time. A water-based primer should be applied first to ensure the paint adheres properly and provides a smooth, even finish.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 4 factors to consider when choosing paint for fiberglass door
- What type of paint to use
- What finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for fiberglass door
The 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for a Fiberglass Door
1. Choose the Right Type of Paint
Selecting the right type of paint is crucial when painting a fiberglass door. Fiberglass doors are prone to expanding and contracting when exposed to temperature changes, so you must choose high-quality paint to withstand these changes. For the best results, choose paint specially formulated for fiberglass surfaces.
2. Sheen Level
The sheen level of the paint you choose will affect both its appearance and durability. Low-sheen paint provides a more subtle finish and can be hard to clean. It also won’t be as durable in areas prone to wear and tear. On the other hand, high-sheen paint has a more reflective appearance, is easy to clean, and is more durable.
3. Climate Considerations
When choosing paint for your fiberglass door, it’s important to consider the weather conditions in your area.
If you live in a location with extreme temperatures, such as hot summers or freezing winters, you need to ensure that the paint you select is designed to withstand these conditions. Choose a paint that resists fading and cracking, and that contains UV protection if you live in a sunny climate.
4. Quality of Paint
The quality of paint you use on your fiberglass door will determine how often you’ll need to repaint it. High-quality paints offer better protection and durability, which means you won’t have to repaint as often.
It may be tempting to choose less expensive paint, but you’ll likely end up spending more money in the long run if you need to repaint your door more frequently.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Water-based Acrylic-Alkyd Paint
Water-based acrylic-alkyd paint is a type of paint that combines the properties of both acrylic and alkyd paints. It offers the application and finish of an alkyd with the non-yellowing properties of acrylic while also having low VOC content.
Pros
- Excellent coverage with just one coat
- Harder than regular acrylic enamel
- Easy soap and water clean up
- Outstanding flow and leveling application
Cons
- More expensive than regular acrylic enamel
- It may require additional coats to get desired finish
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paint is a type of paint that uses oil as its primary binder. It is known for its durability and glossy finish, making it a viable option for painting fiberglass doors.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Provides a glossy finish
- Resists fading, cracking, and peeling
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Takes longer to dry than water-based paints
- Can be difficult to apply in cold temperatures
- More expensive than water-based paints
- Contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to the environment
What Paint Finish Is Best?
Choosing the right paint finish is crucial as it enhances the aesthetic appeal of your doors and adds protection and durability to the fiberglass material.
The two most popular paint finish options for fiberglass doors are gloss and semi-gloss. Both paint options offer a shiny finish and are easy to clean and maintain. However, the semi-gloss finish is less shiny and provides a smoother, more even finish.
When choosing a paint finish for your fiberglass doors, it is essential to consider the location and purpose of the door. If the door is located in an area with high traffic or exposure to external weather, such as an entrance or patio door, it is best to opt for a gloss finish. This finish will be more durable and withstand wear and tear better than a semi-gloss finish.
On the other hand, if the door is located in an area with less exposure to traffic and external elements, such as an interior door, a semi-gloss finish can enhance the door’s aesthetic appeal and create a more luxurious look.
The Best Paint and Primer for a Fiberglass Door
Best Paint
Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd Enamel is a unique blend of alkyd performance characteristics with superior acrylic properties that give it excellent adhesion, flow, leveling, and sag resistance, resulting in a flawless, durable finish on fiberglass surfaces.
ProClassic is specifically engineered to enhance the look of doors and trim, making it the perfect choice for painting fiberglass doors. Its non-yellowing formula resists UV damage, ensuring that your doors retain their original color and luster for years.
One of the standout features of ProClassic is its unique wet and dry hide. Wet hide refers to the paint’s ability to cover the surface during application, while dry hide is how well the paint covers the surface once it has dried. ProClassic excels in both areas, providing exceptional coverage and depth of color that doesn’t fade over time.
Furthermore, ProClassic’s water-based formula is easy to work with and has a low VOC content, making it environmentally friendly and safe for both users and the surrounding environment. It is also available in a wide range of colors and finishes, providing various options when painting your fiberglass doors.
Best Primer
When painting fiberglass doors, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer is undoubtedly the best primer to use. This water-based formula adheres effortlessly to all surfaces, including glossy and difficult ones, without sanding.
What’s more, this primer dries to the touch in just 35 minutes and is ready to be top-coated in as little as an hour, making it an excellent choice for those who want to complete their project quickly.
In terms of coverage, one quart (1L) of this primer can cover between 85-110 square feet (8-10m²), making it a cost-effective option for larger projects.
One key advantage of using the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer is its excellent stain-blocking resistance. This means that even if your fiberglass door has unsightly stains or marks, this primer will create a smooth surface for your topcoat to adhere to, ensuring a flawless finish.
Moreover, this primer is compatible with oil and latex topcoats, making it a versatile choice for all painting needs. And with its one-coat hide feature, not only will you save time, but you’ll also save money by reducing the amount of topcoat required.