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Can I refinish a fiberglass door?

Can I refinish a fiberglass door?

You asked

Good day. I have a 10yr old stained craftsman door that has lost some stain in one lower area; the bottom half of door is getting cloudy, like a milky film. I would say the cloudiness has come from the finish. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Asked by Olindo R.

Our expert answers

Hi Olindo: It should be doable. Because fiberglass isn’t porous like wood, you should use a gel stain. Proper preparation is going to be crucial – clean the door with acetone, lightly sand it with 320-grit, apply the stain (let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes then remove any excess) and once it’s dry, seal with a high-quality UV-resistant exterior polyurethane (you probably want to apply 2 or 3 light coats). I suggest you remove the door and do the refinishing in your garage or basement.

Published April 3, 2026 | Last revised April 3, 2026

Published April 3, 2026 | Last revised April 3, 2026

Carl Duguay

Carl is a furniture maker based in Victoria, BC and the senior editor at Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement Magazine. More articles by Carl Duguay

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