Good points all around. I found fiberglass pretty forgiving too, but one thing I'd add is that drilling pilot holes can save a lot of headache.
"you might need to be careful about measurements and alignment"
Definitely true—learned that the hard way myself...
Fiberglass is pretty forgiving, yeah, but I've seen some DIYers struggle a bit when it comes to finishing details—especially sanding and painting. Have you thought about how you're gonna prep the frames for paint? I've noticed that fiberglass can sometimes have a slightly uneven texture that shows through if you're not careful. One thing I've done in the past is using a high-build primer to smooth things out, but maybe someone else has found an easier trick?
Also curious if anyone's experimented with vinyl wraps or films as an alternative to painting fiberglass window frames. I've heard mixed things about durability, but seems like it could be a decent quick fix on a budget...
"Also curious if anyone's experimented with vinyl wraps or films as an alternative to painting fiberglass window frames."
I've thought about vinyl wraps too, but honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about how they'd hold up long-term, especially with temperature swings and UV exposure. Fiberglass expands and contracts slightly, so wouldn't that cause the wrap to bubble or peel eventually? On the other hand, paint prep can be tedious... Has anyone tried a textured paint or coating instead? Seems like it might hide imperfections better without needing endless sanding.
I had similar doubts about vinyl wraps holding up over time. A neighbor of mine tried wrapping fiberglass frames a couple years ago, and while it looked great initially, after just one summer of direct sun, the corners started lifting slightly. He ended up removing it altogether—said the adhesive residue was a pain to clean off. Personally, I'd lean toward a good quality textured paint; prep might be annoying, but at least it won't peel off in sheets later...
Interesting point about textured paint, though I wonder how much prep work would actually be involved to get it to stick properly to fiberglass frames? I've heard fiberglass can be tricky with adhesion if it's not sanded or primed correctly. Has anyone here tried a specific primer or prep method that worked well long-term? Curious if there's a reliable shortcut or if it's just one of those things you can't skimp on...
"Curious if there's a reliable shortcut or if it's just one of those things you can't skimp on..."
Honestly, fiberglass frames are one area where shortcuts usually come back to bite you. I learned this the hard way a few years back—tried skipping the primer and just went straight to paint after a quick sanding. Looked great at first, but within a year it started peeling in patches, especially around the edges.
If you're looking for something that'll last, I'd recommend giving them a thorough sanding with medium grit (around 120-150), then wiping down with acetone or denatured alcohol to remove any residue. After that, use a good bonding primer specifically labeled for fiberglass or slick surfaces—I’ve had solid results with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Kilz Adhesion. Takes a bit more effort upfront, but saves headaches later on...
Yeah, shortcuts with fiberglass are usually more trouble than they're worth. A buddy of mine tried skipping the sanding altogether—just wiped 'em down and spray-painted. Looked okay for a couple months, but soon enough it started flaking off in chunks. Not pretty. Honestly, a good sanding and primer combo is your best bet. A little extra elbow grease now saves you from redoing the whole thing later...trust me, learned that lesson the hard way too.