How can we prevent the need for yearly re-staining of fiberglass doors exposed to daily sun?
Asked by Carlos Sanz 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I’m wondering about oil-based staining on a fiberglass door. We stained our front doors last spring and were told by the company that we didn’t need to seal them with poly because it was oil-based. But after a year of being in full sun every day, they’re looking pretty worn. Any tips on how to avoid having to redo them every year?
The advice given was incorrect. It’s essential to seal an exterior door with at least 2 coats of poly after staining.
Polyurethane sometimes isn’t enough. For proper UV protection, consider using automotive grade clear coat. Two solid coats of that will provide lasting results. You can even wax it like your car for extra protection. I’ve worked on many and they still look great, even in hot Atlanta.
You should apply Spar varnish on top to protect it. It moves with the fiberglass and includes UV blockers. By the way, full sun exposure will always require high maintenance.
In my experience, the best stain for fiberglass is gel stain. I highly recommend using a spar with a UV blocker to finish. Dealing with full sun can be tricky, but using the right products can definitely help minimize the issue.
Just so you know, you actually should apply a clear sealer after using an oil-based stain. The information you were given earlier was incorrect. Personally, I used an exterior stain with a UV blocker, but I’ve started to notice some fading on my front door after 5 years because it’s in full sun.