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How to paint Fiberglass Steps?

I have a set of fiberglass steps that are very difficult to keep clean. I would like to paint them a dark brown. Is there a paint suitable for this and if so what steps do I need to follow in order to get good adhesion.

Gerry Roy
homeowner - Winthrop, Maine, USA
July 29, 2008

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July 31, 2008

Hi, Gerry. Fiberglass is glass strands imbedded in a resin which may be epoxy, polyester, isophthalic, or something else. So it's hard to say what will be compatible and stick. Generally fiberglass is tinted rather than painted. But I'd start with trying some epoxy in an inconspicuous area and seeing how well it sticks. If it sticks well, the epoxy can be tinted and brushed on.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Ask for a brown "jell coat". I would try it on one step and if it worked, go back for a large can. There used to be 3 fiberglass resins and now there are about 100, so if you can not determine which one it is, you are going to have to go by trial and error.
I would contact the original Mfg of the treadway and ask them for a recommendation and a price of the stuff.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
August 1, 2008