To clean fiberglass, start by combining vinegar and a mild dish detergent to make a homemade cleaner. Getting informed regarding best methods of applications and ways to prevent common mistakes will put you ahead of the game. Staining a fiberglass entry door can be a frustrating job, even some professionals admit it can be troublesome at times. Fiberglass doors should be wiped clean with a solvent such as acetone or mineral spirits.

Stir the stain well. Use your sandpaper to lightly scuff the door (if there are any areas that are peeling if must all be removed).

Gel stains are very fickle and require great care to apply to fiberglass doors. You If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our

Spray the homemade cleaner directly onto the fiberglass doors, and wipe clean with a dry cleaning cloth… As you scrub, use a circular motion and a light touch so you don’t scratch the finish. By using our site, you agree to our Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.Unlike other materials, it's not typically necessary to sand fiberglass prior to applying stains and other finishes.Super fine steel wool (0000-grade) and a small amount of mineral spirits can be useful for correcting mistakes and thinning sections of the door that are stained too heavily.While staining is a relatively simple project, the slightest imperfection in the finish can be pretty noticeable. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Must Be Clean. The detergent will clean all residue and debris, while leaving behind a spot-free, streak-free shine.Add one-fourth cup of baking soda, which will add an extra cleaning element to the solution.

Then, use a soft cloth or nylon brush to rub the cleaner onto the surface of the fiberglass. will be amazed at what kind of finish can be achieved." "Easy to understand and put in practice, use quality safety gear and the method you need to get best results. Obtain a feel for the staining process by picking a small, flat area on the door to practice. A clear topcoat must be applied after staining a fiberglass door. Stains work because they have something to latch on to and bond to the door. Before starting, and occasionally throughout the project, stir the stain until the texture is creamy. Brush on a chemical stain or varnish stripper in a 6-inch area of the door and allow the remover to work on the existing finish for the manufacturer’s recommended time. I have two sets of Fiberglass outdoor steps at my double wide mobile home.

"Read a couple of articles on cleaning but really appreciated the safety advice in this one. Lift the door until it clears the hinges, then lower it to the floor carefully. Work safely, because fiberglass can be hazardous to your skin and lungs. When compared to the high price of retail cleaning products, a homemade solution is by far the best cleaning option.In a spray bottle, pour two cups of warm water followed by two tablespoons of liquid dish detergent (or about two squirts from the bottle). By using ingredients you have on hand in the home, each cleaning will cost just a few cents. Frank received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from a prestigious university in Pennsylvania. l didn't know about the If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Repeat until you have achieve the result desired.Mel Frank is a professional freelance writer with over 15 years of writing experience.

Start by removing the door from its hinges and stripping it of all knobs, locks, and other hardware. will be amazed at what kind of finish can be achieved." Gel stains can also be used.

Yes, but make sure to be careful to not use any scouring or hard wire brushes when cleaning, as it can damage the gel coating. Open the door enough to provide access to the hinges. "Great article, lots of new information for me. Stain the surface . In some cases, you can use mineral spirits to clean some fiberglass doors.

Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Otherwise, dust the door off with a clean rag.

"Read a couple of articles on cleaning but really appreciated the safety advice in this one. Once the stain is dry, brush on a protective clear coat to seal the new finish and keep it looking fresh for years to come.

Can all of these methods be used on gel-coated siding on RVs? Finally, rinse any cleaner off with water and dry the fiberglass with a soft cloth.