If you kick a fiberglass door, it won't dent or ding. Plus, unlike a steel door it looks exactly like wood, and you can stain it (although it's a little more complex than staining a wood door). Even though fiberglass is a bit more expensive, it was actually more affordable than a new wood door with a storm door added.
Oil-based Stains
This type of stain is probably the best for fiberglass doors. In addition to the stain, you will always want to seal it with a layer of polyethylene.
Fiberglass front doors exposed to strong sunlight should be finished with paint, not stain. Textured front fiberglass doors look better when stained, however, either finish can be used. If your preference is a look of wood rather than fiberglass, staining can be used to accomplish this.
If you have a drab fiberglass door in your living room, give it a quick, inexpensive facelift. Clean the door to remove grease and dirt. Apply a base coat using either paint or stain. Then use a quality gel stain and a wood-graining tool to create faux wood grain in the door.
Once you've removed the layers, sand the door a bit with 120-grit paper. Clean the entire surface with a rag soaked in denatured alcohol. Apply a gel stain. Once it dries and you're happy with the color, apply at least two layers of fiberglass topcoat, waiting for it to dry between applications.
Minwax® Gel Stain
An oil-based, non-drip formula that's ideal for vertical application and can be applied to both wood and non-wood surfaces.
How do I stain my fiberglass entry door? If a stained wood appearance is desired on wood-grain fiberglass door panels, sidelights and glass frames, apply gel stain and clear finish according to the stain manufacturer's directions. For best results, always apply stain in the direction of the grain.
The first option would be using a penetrating finish, such as Watco exterior stains. (Exterior, semitransparent, penetrating, oil-based house stains that contain mildewcide and are water repellent would also work well.)
To refinish your door, you need to remove the old paint with a water-based stripper, apply a layer of gel stain, add at least two layers of fiberglass top coat, and allow to completely dry. You may use acrylic over your gel stain, as acrylics are known to have longer lifespan.
You do not ALWAYS have to strip off old stains when staining a previously stained deck if you are applying the same stain type, color, and brand as the old one. Since deck stains penetrate deep into the wood, they prevent moisture buildup and protect your deck from mold UV rays and rot.
What's the best way to apply Minwax® Gel Stain to a fiberglass door? Fiberglass is non-porous and won't absorb the stain the way a wood surface does. So, it's best to apply Gel Stain with a bristle brush. Excess stain should be evened out with the brush - not wiped away with a rag.
Kohltech recommends you use a high quality, UV stabilized, clear exterior polyurethane coating (satin or low gloss) used for exterior fiberglass applications. It is important that you apply sealant once a year to ensure maximum protection.
Old Masters Gel Stain is a highly pigmented, oil-based stain designed to achieve intense colors on interior and exterior wood, fiberglass, primed metal, and composition surfaces.
Yes, you can stain a door while it's hanging. But you have to be sure to use the right products. You also have to keep checking for drips that can happen when you use thick finishes on a door that is still hanging.
If your wood front door has seen better days and needs to be refinished, do not fear! It's so easy to restain a front door with gel stain, and the best part is that you can refinish it without removing it from the hinges!
Although gel stains work well for fiberglass doors, the drying time is critical. You will need to wait for at least 8 to 12 hours before the stain dries completely. The way you apply the gel stain and other conditions like temperature, humidity, and airflow, affect the drying time.
Does Minwax® Gel Stain need to be topcoated? For added beauty and protection, we recommend topcoating all interior projects with a clear protective finish such as Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane. For exterior applications, use Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane.
Why DIYers Choose Gel Stain
The primary difference between gel and a traditional stain is that gel stain sits on top of the wood while a traditional stain sinks in; as a result, it lets some of the wood's unique markings and texture shine through while delivering a crisp, consistent finish not dissimilar to paint.
Gel stain is usually oil-based with a thick consistency and high viscosity. The thickness means the stain doesn't splatter or run, which keeps your work area cleaner. It also covers porous and nonporous surfaces equally, making it easier for novices to apply.
The clear coat and stain of the fiberglass doors usually fade away over a certain time. Wind, rain and sun make the door look dull and dreary. Generally, a good fiberglass entry door comes with a warranty of five years or more. However, if the door is left unattended its finish becomes unsightly and blotchy.
Gel stain is thick and won't flow when applied to fiberglass. Like acrylic paint, it can be used to touch up faded areas. Apply the paint or gel stain using a small, natural bristled paintbrush. Use a color that matches your fiberglass as accurately as possible.