A fiberglass door is less appealing with visible holes and scratches from removing nails, screws, and other hardware. They could also cause insects to enter and moisture buildup, eventually leading to door damage. So it's a good idea to repair these holes. But how should you do it? We did the research to bring you the answer.
To fill holes on a fiberglass door, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the materials.
- Clean and sand the door.
- Fill in the door's holes.
- Add finishing touches.
While the process is similar to repairing holes on other kinds of doors, fiberglass requires different materials. To ensure the door repairs last longer, it's important to choose the appropriate filler.
Unlike wooden doors, not all types of fillers will work on fiberglass. Before choosing a filler, it's most helpful to know which option is best for these kinds of doors. Continue reading to get insight on available fiberglass fillers and how each of them works.
Steps To Fill Holes On A Fiberglass Door
As long as you use the right tools and materials and follow the necessary steps, repairing fiberglass yourself can yield good results. Here are details on how to carry out each step during the repair:
1. Prepare The Materials
Start by gathering the needed tools and materials:
- Protective equipment (goggles, latex gloves, nose-and-mouth mask)
- Clean cloth or rag
- 220-grit sandpaper or higher
- Plastic container
- Fiberglass filler
- Putty knife or spatula
- Phillips/flat screwdriver
Work in a well-ventilated area because fiberglass fillers tend to give off strong odors. Fiberglass dust is also dangerous to inhale and can cause skin irritation, so be sure to wear your protective gear.
For ease of application, remove the door from the frame by detaching the hinges using the right screwdriver. Carefully prop the door onto two boxes or stools to keep it up.
2. Clean And Sand The Door
Clean the fiberglass door by wiping around the holes and the door's surface with a cloth. Wearing gloves can help avoid oils on your hands from transferring onto the door.
If you need to use soap solutions to clean the door, get tips from this post on How to Clean Your Fiberglass Garage Doors.
Take sandpaper of at least 220-grit to smoothen any rough edges surrounding the holes. Use the cloth to wipe off any remaining dust from sanding.
Apply tape to the area around the hole if you do not want the filler to get on it. Sand it down to keep the surface flat, then wipe down any debris.
3. Fill In The Door's Holes
Some fiberglass fillers require you to mix a new mixture. If this is the case, pour the fiberglass filler into a plastic container with the resin or liquid hardener. Keep stirring until it forms a thick paste.
If the filler you purchase doesn't need mixing, you can proceed to the application.
Take a putty knife or plastic spatula and apply the filler in the hole. Continue adding filler as much as necessary to fill up the nail hole. Do not put over 1/4 inch of fiberglass filler at a time since multiple thinner layers tend to be stronger than a single thick layer.
Once the hole is filled, spread the filler evenly on the area surrounding the hole, removing any excess filler. Repeat these steps until you cover up all the holes.
What Is The Best Filler For Holes In A Fiberglass Door?
Fiberglass refers to a sturdy, lightweight material made from reinforced plastic and thin fibers of glass for insulation. These qualities make it less versatile when doing repairs, as common patching compounds usually don't go well with fiberglass.
Here are popular options used to fill holes in fiberglass doors:
Two-Part Epoxy Filler
Two-part epoxy is an adhesive that consists of resin combined with a hardener. Compared to regular epoxy fillers, this reduces the time it takes for the compound to cure.
This type of filler is a top solution when repairing materials like fiberglass because it requires less time to cure, making fixed objects available sooner. Another advantage is its resistance to water and temperature, which helps prevent corrosion and provides stronger bonds.
Click here to see this TotalBoat marine epoxy compound on Amazon.
Reinforced Filler
Some reinforced fillers come with variants specially made for fiberglass. These are formulated to provide double the strength of a standard fiberglass filler.
Although these are thicker than usual fillers, they tend to have a faster drying time. Other brands also offer these with waterproof features.
Click here to see this Bondo fiberglass reinforced filler on Amazon.
Polyester Resin Filler
When looking for a fiberglass filler, polyester resins are a common choice. These are usually easier to find compared to other available fillers for fiberglass.
It works as an excellent filler on fiberglass because it has high levels of saturation, thus making it possible to bond with glass fibers. Polyester resin repairs are weaker, so they are better for short-term or temporary fixes.
Click here to see this Evercoat polyester glazing putty on Amazon.
4. Add Finishing Touches
After letting it dry, lightly sand over the holes to smoothen the surface of the door. Wipe off the remaining dust, then paint or stain the door.
Read more on paint options for fiberglass doors through this post: What Kind Of Paint Should I Use On A Fiberglass Door?
Can You Use Wood Filler On A Fiberglass Door?
When used for fiberglass door repair, wood fillers are not the best choice. Unlike fiberglass fillers, wood fillers are meant for filling holes to make wooden doors appear better before painting or staining. Fiberglass needs a more structural adhesive, and wood fillers often don't offer this.
Compared to a fiberglass filler, a wood filler would cost less. But it cannot fulfill the requirements a fiberglass door should meet to avoid damage, including proper insulation and resistance.
Can You Fill A Scratch On A Fiberglass Door?
Filling severe scratches on a fiberglass door is one solution to consider. It follows the same process as you would when filling up a nail hole but requires less compound and time spent.
For lighter scratches, you can perform the steps below:
- Clean the damaged area with a soap mixture and a sponge or cloth. Doing this will allow you to determine the depth of the scratch.
- Dip a clean cloth in petroleum jelly and apply it to the scratch carefully, rubbing it in a circular motion. Repeat this step until you notice changes.
- If the jelly is not enough, put a small amount of polishing compound onto a cloth and rub it onto the scratch. Perform the same motion carefully. Reapply and repeat this step until the scratch disappears.
- Take a clean cloth to wipe away excess compounds on the surface. You can apply a coating of fiberglass wax to prevent the door from gaining more scratches.
In Closing
Choosing the appropriate filler plays an important role in mending a fiberglass door. The restoration process follows a few basic steps of cleaning and filling up the holes accordingly.
Using fiberglass fillers can work on scratches if they are deep enough to apply the filling. If not, you can remove these shallow scratches by using petroleum jelly or a polishing compound.