The Best Paint for Fiberglass Doors (Exterior): A Complete Guide

Fiberglass doors are an excellent choice for the exterior of your home due to their durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. However, over time, exposure to the elements can cause the paint on these doors to fade, chip, or peel, affecting their appearance and protection. To keep your fiberglass door looking its best, choosing the right paint is crucial. We’ll explore the best paints for fiberglass doors, key considerations for choosing the right product, and a step-by-step process for painting your door to ensure a professional finish.

Why You Should Paint Your Fiberglass Door

Fiberglass doors are low-maintenance and resistant to warping, rotting, and swelling. However, they still require periodic care to maintain their aesthetic appeal and protective finish. Painting your fiberglass door offers several benefits:

1. Improved Curb Appeal: A fresh coat of paint can instantly elevate the look of your home’s exterior, giving it a new, polished look.
2. Protection from the Elements: The paint provides an extra layer of protection, shielding your door from UV rays, rain, and extreme temperatures.
3. Prevent Damage: Over time, unprotected fiberglass doors can become discolored, scratched, or damaged. A good paint job helps prevent these issues.
4. Customization: Painting allows you to customize the color of your door to match your home’s exterior design.

Key Considerations When Choosing Paint for Fiberglass Doors

Before diving into the best options for fiberglass door paint, it’s important to understand the key factors that should influence your choice:

1. Type of Paint

When painting fiberglass doors, the type of paint you select is the most important factor. Generally, you will want to use either acrylic latex paint or oil-based paint for fiberglass doors. Both types have their advantages, but here’s a breakdown:

• Acrylic Latex Paint: Water-based, dries faster, and is easier to clean up with soap and water. Acrylic latex is a good option for fiberglass doors as it’s flexible, allowing it to withstand the door’s natural expansion and contraction with temperature changes. It also provides a smooth finish and resists fading.
• Oil-Based Paint: Offers a longer-lasting, durable finish and excellent adhesion, making it a good choice for high-traffic or harsh environments. However, oil-based paints tend to take longer to dry and require mineral spirits for cleanup.

2. Durability and Weather Resistance

Since your fiberglass door will be exposed to the elements, it’s essential to choose a paint that is weather-resistant. Look for paint that is specifically designed for exterior use, as these products are formulated to withstand UV exposure, rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

3. Finish

The finish of your paint determines the final look and texture of your door. Common finishes include:

• Glossy: A shiny, reflective finish that gives the door a smooth, clean appearance.
• Satin or Eggshell: A low-sheen finish that provides a smooth, subtle look without too much shine.
• Matte: A flat finish with no shine, perfect for a more muted or rustic appearance.

4. Color

Fiberglass doors come in various colors, and if you’re repainting, you can opt for any color you desire. However, you should choose a paint color that complements the rest of your home’s exterior. Lighter colors are often more reflective, which can help with heat resistance, while darker colors give a more sophisticated or bold look.

5. Primer

While some paints are designed to be applied directly to fiberglass, using a high-quality primer can improve adhesion and longevity, especially if the door’s surface is old or has previously been painted. Primers also help create a smooth surface for better paint coverage.

The Best Paints for Fiberglass Doors (Exterior)

Here’s a list of some of the best exterior paints for fiberglass doors, based on durability, weather resistance, and finish quality.

1. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint

Best for: Long-lasting durability and UV resistance
Finish: Satin, Gloss
Why it’s great: Benjamin Moore Aura is a top-tier paint known for its rich pigmentation and high durability. It’s formulated to provide excellent coverage with just one coat and has superior resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling. This paint also offers excellent resistance to mold and mildew, making it a great option for doors exposed to moisture. It can be used on fiberglass doors and provides a smooth, beautiful finish that lasts for years.

Pros:

• Highly durable and resistant to fading.
• Excellent coverage (one coat is often enough).
• Mold and mildew resistant.
• Low-VOC, making it environmentally friendly.

Cons:

• More expensive compared to some other options.
• May require longer drying times in cooler temperatures.

2. Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint and Primer

Best for: Budget-friendly durability
Finish: Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
Why it’s great: Behr Premium Plus Ultra is an excellent paint for those looking for both quality and value. It offers great coverage, comes with a built-in primer, and provides excellent adhesion to fiberglass surfaces. This paint is resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading, and it is also mildew resistant. Behr’s paint provides a smooth finish with great color retention, ensuring your fiberglass door will look great for years to come.

Pros:

• Built-in primer saves time.
• Affordable without sacrificing quality.
• Mildew-resistant formula.
• Available in a wide range of colors and finishes.

Cons:

• Requires multiple coats for optimal coverage, depending on color.
• Not as high-end as some premium paints.

3. Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint

Best for: Excellent coverage and longevity
Finish: Satin, Gloss
Why it’s great: Sherwin-Williams Duration is a high-performance exterior paint that offers excellent durability and long-lasting color retention. It has a thicker consistency, which helps to cover imperfections and offers superior adhesion to fiberglass doors. Its advanced formula resists cracking, peeling, and fading, even in extreme weather conditions. Sherwin-Williams Duration is perfect for homeowners who want a low-maintenance paint that will look great for years.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and weather-resistant.
• Great coverage with fewer coats.
• Resists fading and discoloration from the sun.
• Mildew-resistant.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other paints.
• Requires longer drying times.

4. Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Exterior Paint

Best for: Quick application and coverage
Finish: Satin, Gloss, Matte
Why it’s great: Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X is an affordable spray paint that is perfect for quick applications. It provides excellent coverage with fewer coats and is ideal for smaller doors or touch-ups. This paint adheres well to fiberglass and other exterior materials and is resistant to fading, peeling, and cracking. It’s available in various finishes, allowing you to customize the appearance of your door.

Pros:

• Quick-drying formula.
• Great coverage with fewer coats.
• Easy to apply with a spray can.
• Available in multiple finishes and colors.

Cons:

• Spray can may not be ideal for larger doors.
• The finish may not be as smooth as brushed-on paints.

5. Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint

Best for: Superior UV and weather resistance
Finish: Satin, Gloss
Why it’s great: Valspar Duramax is an excellent choice for fiberglass doors that are exposed to the sun, rain, and other harsh elements. It’s designed to offer superior UV protection and is resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. The paint applies smoothly and dries quickly, providing a durable finish that lasts for years.

Pros:

• Superior UV and weather resistance.
• Quick drying and easy to apply.
• Durable, long-lasting finish.
• Available in a range of colors and finishes.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than some alternatives.
• May require multiple coats for deeper colors.

How to Paint a Fiberglass Door: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Remove Hardware

Before you begin painting, remove any hardware such as handles, locks, and hinges. This will make it easier to paint around these areas and give a more professional-looking finish.

2. Clean the Door

Clean the door thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, and old peeling paint. Use a mild soap and water solution, followed by a gentle scrub with a sponge or cloth. For tough stains, consider using a vinegar solution or a dedicated cleaner for fiberglass.

3. Sand the Surface

Lightly sand the door with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Be sure to wipe away any dust from sanding with a clean cloth.

4. Prime the Door (if needed)

If the door has never been painted or if the surface is particularly worn, apply a fiberglass-specific primer to help the paint adhere better. This step is especially important for oil-based paints.

5. Apply the Paint

Apply your chosen paint with a brush, roller, or spray can. Use long, even strokes, and apply thin coats to avoid drips. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying another coat.

6. Allow the Paint to Dry and Cure

Once you’ve applied the final coat, let the door dry completely before reattaching hardware. Depending on the type of paint, this may take several hours or up to a full day. Ensure the door is completely cured before exposing it to rain or harsh sunlight.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint for your fiberglass door is essential for achieving a durable, smooth, and long-lasting finish. High-quality paints such as Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Duration, and Behr Premium Plus Ultra are all excellent choices that offer superior weather resistance and coverage. By following the proper steps for preparation and application, you can refresh your fiberglass door with a beautiful new finish that enhances your home’s curb appeal.