A Complete Guide on How to Paint Fiberglass Porch Columns

To decorate your porch and protect it from harsh outdoor elements, it’s essential to paint fiberglass porch columns with high-quality paint and proper care. Exterior painting, especially on fiberglass columns, not only enhances curb appeal but also extends their lifespan.

To handle this on your own, follow three primary phases: preparing the columns, applying paint, and inspecting the columns after painting. Each of these phases involves steps that should be done carefully to ensure a durable, even finish and prevent paint from peeling sooner than expected.

Let’s delve into the details and provide you with comprehensive information on this topic.

Can You Paint Fiberglass Porch Columns?

Painting fiberglass porch columns is not only feasible but also essential to increase their longevity and add a layer of protection, especially if the columns are exposed to UV rays.

Painting also enhances curb appeal. A proper coating can elevate both the look and the lifespan of fiberglass columns installed on your porch.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

If you’re going to do this on your own, you’ll need a set of tools and materials to do the job properly:

• Soapy water and scrubbing tools such as soft brushes and sponges
• A pressure washer
• Fine-grit sandpapers
• Polyester fillers
• Exterior acrylic caulk
• Bonding primer
• Acrylic exterior paint
• Paintbrush, foam, synthetic roller, or airless sprayer (use only if you’re experienced with it)

Additionally, using protective equipment such as safety glasses, protective gloves, and dust masks is also necessary to prevent health issues during the painting project.

Please note that you won’t necessarily have to use all of the tools listed above. For example, if the columns already have a smooth or satin finish, sanding may not be required.

Step-by-Step: How to Paint Fiberglass Columns

To paint a fiberglass porch column, the columns must be inspected carefully first. Before starting, check the item carefully for damage, such as cracks or warping, and resolve any issues. Note that painting can’t fix problems like warping of the column.

Additionally, it’s best to read the manufacturer’s guide on painting the column to ensure you do not make a mistake that could cause future issues.

1. Wash the Column

First, remove dirt from the columns with warm, soapy water. You can also use pressure washers with the right pressure (ask the column manufacturer). After washing thoroughly, let the columns dry completely.

2. Degrease the Column

Since total cleanliness is crucial to ensure the painting project goes smoothly, wipe the column with a clean rag and special cleaners, or denatured alcohol, after washing it with water. The entire column, including the base, shaft, and top, must be thoroughly cleaned to prepare it for painting.

3. De-gloss the Column

Lightly sand the surface to remove gloss and prepare it for painting.

4. Fill Seams and Caulk Gaps on the Column

If you notice gaps and minor cracks on the column, fill them with automotive body filler and high-quality exterior acrylic caulk.

5. Mask and Protect Areas Around the Column

To prevent paint from affecting walls and trims near the columns, use painter’s tape. A drop cloth will help you protect the ground beneath the column.

If you’re spraying the paint on the column, use plastic sheets around the work area to stop the paint from flying and affecting other parts of the porch.

6. Prime the Column

Before applying the paint, you should prime the column with bonding primer specially made for fiberglass.

It’s essential to brush the primer evenly and let it dry completely before applying the first coating layer.

7. Apply First Color Coat on the Column

Start the job from the top to the bottom (base). Use only high-quality 100% acrylic exterior paint to ensure a satisfying result. Another important tip is to keep a wet edge by brushing smoothly.

If you’re a beginner, consider using a roller and then lightly brushing over it to smooth the finish.

8. Apply Second Color Coat on the Column

Most manufacturers require two layers of paint on primers. Therefore, when the first color coat dries, start painting with the same acrylic color used in the first phase to increase durability, enhance the finish’s strength, and ensure an even finish.

9. Recheck and Re-caulk Touchups

In the final step, examine the columns once the second layer of color has dried to identify any minor gaps. If necessary, add more caulk or consider repainting to address the issue.

In the next section, we’ll explore some extra tips to DIY this job professionally.

Tips for a Professional Finish

We asked our top contractors at Roll the Wall to offer some advice on painting porch columns like a pro. These are the most valuable tips we gathered and recommend you consider:

1. Avoid painting in extremely hot weather or high humidity to prevent the color from drying unevenly.
2. Always use high-quality brushes or rollers, since they leave fewer marks and deliver a smoother finish.
3. Don’t overload the brush or roller; use thin coats instead.
4. If possible, paint the column with light colors, as they tend to run cooler when exposed to sunlight.
5. Eliminate visible lines by keeping a wet edge and overlapping slightly.
6. Always work from top to bottom to prevent damage to finished areas from paint drips.
7. If the surface feels rough after the first coat, sand it lightly before applying the second color coat.

There are also mistakes that can waste your efforts, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Mistakes to Avoid

Neglecting the tips mentioned in the previous section is a mistake. For example, painting under direct sunlight will lead to streaks and bubbles on the column’s surface. Applying thick coats causes drips and also takes much more time to dry.

Additionally, skipping any primary step that we discussed earlier can result in future issues that you will need to fix, costing extra time and money.

Skipping priming and cleaning the column before applying the first color coat will weaken adhesion. As a result, the paint won’t stick, and it’s likely to peel quickly.

Using low-quality paint is another common mistake you must avoid. Oil-based or cheap paints can crack on fiberglass, forcing you to face extra costs.

If you don’t fill seams and ignore gaps on the column’s surface, water will penetrate in and cause damage in the future. This can compromise the protection of porch columns and shorten their lifespan.

Lastly, some skip the second coat of color. This is another mistake, as it makes the finish look uneven and reduces its durability.

Now, let’s talk about the maintenance needed after painting the fiberglass column.

Maintenance After Painting

It’s best to wash the fiberglass columns with mild soap and water, once or twice a year. Never use strong chemicals for dirt removal, as these cleaners can be harmful to the paint on the porch columns.

Experts recommend inspecting the columns regularly to identify minor chips, cracks, and peeling paint. Addressing such issues early will save you from serious problems later.

Shrinkage and cracking around the caulk at the base and capital are normal over time. If spotted, touch up the caulk to keep water out and extend the life of the paint. Touching up paint is also critical. Repaint small areas affected by cracks and chips after sanding and priming them correctly.

Ultimately, resting heavy objects such as ladders and bicycles against fiberglass columns is not recommended. High pressure can damage both the shape and color of the columns.

Make the Smart Choice and Paint Fiberglass Porch Columns

As discussed in this blog, painting fiberglass porch columns is a great way to protect them from harsh outdoor elements and give them an appealing look that matches your style.

Although it’s a relatively simple project that you can DIY, it’s best to hire professionals who are experienced in this field and can deliver a high-quality result in less time.

Painting fiberglass columns, whether on porches or elsewhere, has been one of our core services since Roll the Wall was founded. Therefore, if you need help in painting fiberglass columns installed on your porch, we’ve got you covered.

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