Fiberglass doors have a much higher resistance to weathering than wood and steel, but exposure to sunlight can fade them, as you have discovered. Depending on the fading, you may be able to patch the stain. Before you paint or stain the surface, clean your door properly.
Use acrylic as the exterior of your fiberglass doors because they are more resistant to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Acrylics are perfect for fiberglass doors because they are designed to withstand weathering.
The good news is that there is an option for homeowners who must contend with a hot climate: fiberglass doors. Fiberglass is a remarkably durable material that will hold strong even after years of facing the hot sun.
Use a natural bristled paintbrush to apply a layer of gel stain. This is the most important element of protecting the door from fading. Once the gel stain dries, apply at least two layers of fiberglass top coat, waiting for it to dry between coats.
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.
Use a hard topcoat.
Otherwise in hot environments the weatherstripping may stick to softened paint and damage the door. The door's topcoat should be reapplied often — every two years if not exposed to direct sunlight and up to every six months if there is no overhang and a lot of direct sunlight.
Fiberglass Exterior Doors
In a reasonably protected location, a fiberglass exterior door will never need painting or staining and can last 15 to 20 years. Although it feels lighter than wood or steel, it is extremely durable and features an extremely durable coating that is difficult to breach.
Fiberglass doors have a much higher resistance to weathering than wood and steel, but exposure to sunlight can fade them, as you have discovered. Depending on the fading, you may be able to patch the stain. Before you paint or stain the surface, clean your door properly.
The best exterior doors for cold weather are well-insulated ones. When choosing a door for the cold, look for fiberglass insulated doors, solid wood doors, metal insulated doors, and other heat-trapping materials.
And steel can get hot when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures, which makes it a little less efficient than fiberglass. Verdict: While both steel and fiberglass are energy-efficient options, fiberglass outperforms steel in this area, making it a favorite door replacement option for many homeowners.
The best and quickest solution to your front door dilemma is adding an awning or a canopy. This will let you block out the sun entirely, no matter the season, and keep your door safe from any sun damage.
Fiberglass doors can warp when installed incorrectly, when they have poorly structured internal frames, or when they get in direct contact with extreme heat. It's crucial to make sure you install each door properly, especially when your door's inner frame isn't sturdy enough.
Unlike steel doors in wet climates, they are not susceptible to rust. Unlike steel, fiberglass does not transfer heat, which makes it a better choice for areas with greater seasonal fluctuations in temperature. Both materials are significantly more resilient than wood over time.
Yes, fiberglass doors can dent or scratch if someone really tried. But compared to wooden doors or steel doors, they're much more resistant to things that make doors look old.
Fiberglass doors and sidelights can be smooth or textured with a wood-grain finish. This material usually does not need to be primed, but painting is required. Premium steel doors are factory-primed and should be painted but not stained.
Cracks: During the winter season, the rigid material of fiberglass door contracts which can lead to crack and sometimes falling apart of some inexpensive and low quality fiberglass entry doors. These cracks degrade the appearance of the doors and make a passage for the cold air to enter the house.
Large dog breeds might be able to scratch the fiberglass, so pet parents of these pups may want to consider a fiberglass door that mimics painted wood, as it can be patched and repainted without worrying about filling in exposed grain.
Durability — In addition to minimal maintenance requirements, fiberglass doors are exceptionally durable. They don't chip or dent like a wood or steel door might, which makes them a great option for your front door — your barrier between your home and the outside world.
Fiberglass front entry doors are flexible in style and durable in strength. You can get a modern, smooth look or a traditional, textured design. And as a material, fiberglass is exceptionally strong and resistant to wear.
The price range for a quality, pre-finished installed fiberglass door can range between $1,200 and $2,500. So they're less expensive than wood doors, but a bit more expensive compared with most steel doors.
If your fiberglass door's stain coat is flaking, chipping, or peeling off unevenly, you'll have to remove the layer before applying a fresh stain coat. Re-staining fiberglass doors is a good weekend project.
Answer: Yes, you can, but the process is complicated and will vary depending on the brand and quality of the door. Some fiberglass doors cannot be re-stained because their wood-grain finish will be damaged by the stripping or sanding that you have to do first.