Painting Fiberglass Columns

[mikeb27]

Our house was built 2+ years ago, we moved in end of January (snow on the ground in NW Indiana). I am starting to think the fiberglass (?) columns the builder installed on the front porch were never painted. They look dingy and faded yellow compared to the surrounding metals (gutter, downspouts, etc.). After cleaning, what would be the paint process required? Do they need to be sanded? Primer before paint? I typically buy Sherwin Williams products, but am open to anything. Want to get them done before it gets too cold outside.

 

[glentre]

I have round fiberglass columns. After some 20 years after installation, the paint on them started to crack and flake off. Some sanding was needed to smooth out the transition between where the paint chipped and where it didn't. After sanding, I coated it with a good S. Williams exterior water based white. It's been over a year now and they still look good. Priming first would have been better but I was lazy.....time will tell but I don't think I'll have any problems. I think you would know if yours are fiberglass since you can see that after sanding through the old paint. Mine came primed from the factory so I would assume yours had at least a coat of prime on them.

Glen