Fiberglass doors are a popular choice for their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. However, even the toughest doors can fall victim to stains, which can be an eyesore and diminish the appearance of your home’s exterior.
Whether it’s from dirt, rust, oil stains or other substances, stains on fiberglass doors can be challenging to remove without damaging the material. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to remove stain from fiberglass doors with simple and effective methods.
From using everyday household items to commercial cleaners, we’ll cover everything you need to know to restore your fiberglass door’s beauty and keep it looking great for years to come.
Gather Supplies
After you’ve removed the door from its hinges, you’ll need to gather some supplies for removing the stain. Make sure you have acetone, white vinegar, a paintbrush, a clean cloth or shop towel, and a fiberglass stripper.
If you’re dealing with a masonite fiberglass door, then you’ll also need sandpaper and a pre-stain conditioner. You may also want to have a wood stain remover and scratch remover product on hand.
Remove Surface Stains
Removing surface stains from your fiberglass door can be done in a few simple steps. First, mix a gallon of hot water and a cup of white vinegar in a bucket. Then, dip a clean cloth into the solution and use it to wipe away the stain.
If the stain is too tough, you can use 2 tablespoons of acetone on a clean cloth or shop towel to help loosen it. Be sure not to rub too hard, as this could damage the surface of the door. Once you’ve removed the stain, rinse the area with water and allow it to completely dry, before applying the next step.
Use a Cleaning Solution
If the surface stains are still visible, it’s time to use a cleaning solution to remove them. Choose a cleaner that is specifically formulated for fiberglass or wood stains and is safe for the finish. Mix the solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then apply it to the stained area.
Use a soft cloth or sponge and work the solution into the stains, making sure to work in a circular motion. Allow the cleaner to sit for several minutes before rinsing it with clean water. For tougher stains, you may need to repeat this process several times before the stain is completely gone.
Apply a Baking Soda Paste
Once you have removed the surface stains, you can use a baking soda paste to help remove any deeper or more stubborn stains. To make the paste, mix together one part baking soda and one part water. Spread the paste over the stain and leave it to sit for around 30 minutes.
Once it has had time to work into gel stain, use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the paste into the stain. Rinse off the door with clean water and check to see if the stain has been removed. If not, you may need to use a wood stain remover or sand away the stain.
Scrub the Stain Away
Once you have let the baking soda paste sit for 10-15 minutes, it is time to scrub the stain away. To do this, you will need a scrubbing brush and some water. Dip your scrubbing brush into the water and then use it to scrub away the baking soda paste.
Be sure to use a light touch, as too much pressure can damage the fiberglass door. Once you have finished scrubbing the stain removal, use a clean cloth to wipe away any residue and then allow the door to dry completely.
Rinse the Door
After scrubbing the excess stain away, it is important to rinse the door thoroughly. Use warm water and a clean rag to wipe away any remaining residue. Make sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies of the door, as any residue left behind can cause discoloration and damage. After rinsing, allow the door to dry completely before proceeding with the next step in the process.
Use a Wood Stain Remover
Before using a wood stain remover, it’s important to determine what type of wood stain the fiberglass door contains. If the stain is from a water-based product, then a wood stain remover should be safe to use.
However, if the stain is from an oil-based product, then it is important to test a small area of the door to see if the wood stain remover will damage the surface. Once it has been determined that the wood stain coat remover will not cause any damage, you can proceed with using it on the entire door.
Sand Away the Stain
Once you have removed the surface stains, you may need to sand away any remaining stubborn stains. If the stains are deep-seated, use a medium-grit sandpaper and sand the area until the stain is gone. Be sure to wear a dust mask and safety glasses when sanding and to clean up any dust before moving the paint on to the next step.
Apply a Scratch Remover Product
Once you have removed the stain, you may want to use a scratch remover product to bring back the luster of your fiberglass door. There are a variety of products available that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Read the instructions on the product and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, polish the fiberglass door surface with a soft cloth to bring back its original shine.
Polish the Door
Once you have completed all of the cleaning stains the previous steps, it is time to finish off the job by polishing your fiberglass door. This can be done with a store-bought polish or with a homemade solution. For the latter, mix 2 parts olive oil to 1 part lemon juice in a spray bottle.
Then, spray the mixture on the door, and use a soft cloth to buff it until you have achieved a nice shine. This will help protect your door from future stains and keep it looking like new.