Stain or Paint? What is the best option for your front door

The first aspect of your home people notice is the front door. It can boost curb appeal and increase your home’s value. For these reasons, choosing the better finish, stain or paint, is essential. There are several factors to consider when dealing with a fiberglass front door and persuasive reasons to use either of these finishing methods.

When Paint is Better for Fiberglass Front Doors

If you are looking for a front door with a solid flat finish, painting is the better method for finishing. Many models of fiberglass doors are built with smooth exteriors making a painted finish the better option. Doors such as these, are created to be painted; with staining, not being an effective finish.

Many builders have a belief that fiberglass door surfaces become more durable when painted and not stained. In many instances, this is true, however, with so many variables it is difficult to accurately make an overall comparison. The durability of a door’s finished surface varies greatly on materials used, in which way the finish was placed on the door, the weather it is exposed to, and attention given to the door for required maintenance. Of most importance, is the strength and quantity of sunlight in which the door is subjected to. Fiberglass front doors exposed to strong sunlight should be finished with paint, not stain.

When Stain is a Better Finish for Fiberglass Front Doors

Textured front fiberglass doors look better when stained, however, either finish can be used. If your preference is a look of wood rather than fiberglass, staining can be used to accomplish this. This finishing method allows homeowners to appreciate the easy maintenance that is known with fiberglass as well as the look of an attractive wood grain.

If many wood details are included in the exterior of your home, textured fiberglass with an appearance of wood for a front door is a great choice. Exterior wood accents can be matched successfully when with this choice of finish. A fiberglass surface with a stained finish can match several different kinds of wood such as cedar, oak, walnut, cherry, and mahogany.

If you are considering a makeover for your existing fiberglass front door or installing a new one, this information can help you decide if stain or paint is the better finish for your needs. For more details, contact Jeff of All Trades today!