I’m kinda stuck here. I have a new fiberglass front door to install and finish. I know I need to use a gelstain but no one can give me a good answer on topcoats.
The manufcturer wants 80 bucks for their “proprietary” system. Couldnt bring myself to pay that much for a pint of stain, a pint of topcoat, and two foam brushes.
So, the question is, do I use an oil based urethane, an exterior spar, or an acrylic?
None of the painters I asked really knew. They all said the doors come in prefinished.
I’ve always been a diehard solvent guy. Never believed acrylics would hold up. Now after 20 some years, I’m thinking the water borne finishes might have some merit. They’ve been around long enough to work out the bugs.
Anyone done one of these doors? I don’t care which finish I use, I just need the best one for this application.
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I always use the manufacturers finish kit. Partly because I've heard of problems when using someone else's gell and finish on the doors.
But anyway, the topcoat's in the kits I've used have all been water based. Its got that weird blueish color when it goes on, but then dries completely clear. Be sure the stain is completely dry before applying the topcoat. IIRC, the directions suggest waiting 2 days drying time for the stain.
And FWIW, I've been spraying (HVLP) water base finishes for interior work for at least 15 years. I think they're much easier to deal with in a small shop setting.
Time to come into the 21st century <G>
What brand of water based do you use?
I've had good luck with Crystalac finishes. I used to be able to buy them locally, but now I get them thru http://www.mcfeelys.com.
Thanks.
Thanks for the input guys. I'll do some more research about these finishes. If I find anything interesting, I'll post it here.
This is why god made carpenters AND painters.
ok, I deserved that. I'm still stuck in the 80's I use water based finishes for interior finishes. Minwax for urethane and a water based laqcuer that I get from my plywood distributor, on my casework and furniture.
I'm concerned because of the exterior app, and because I've never finished a fiberglass door before. Is the fiberglass prone to movement? Do I need to be concerned about the flexibility of the finish?
Now it looks like the acrylics are winning out. I talked to a cabinetmaker friend today who won't use anything but.
Can anyone reccomend a good exterior clear? or should I stick with Minwax?
Thanks again
I really try not to get involved with finishing anything, so I'm not really up on exterior finishes. My take on Minwax is that its a middle of the line product- it'll do a decent job, especially for the price. But I know that there are better water base finishes for interior work.
Especially if you spray.