repainting/restoring fiberglass pool steps advice

[Braydon]

Hello all,

I will be doing a fairly major pool overhaul this summer. New concrete pool deck, new vinyl liner, and new pluming. I was debating on installing new steps as well since they look very old and are flaking but i feel like i could just sand and refinish and make it look new again.

Since i don't believe they are leaking but are just very unsightly i was thinking of just repainting them. I just don't know the first thing about the process and had a few questions:

Is this a good option?

What is the process for repainting or resurfacing faded and flaking fiberglass steps?

What products should I use for a nice white new look?

Do i apply a coat of some epoxy paint and call it a day? or is there some new gel coat i also apply?

I assume there will be tons and tons of sanding to get the flakes off. Any other tips and ideas would greatly help me as I try to pretty up this old pool

Thank you

 

[swimcmp]

I wouldn't recommend the painting of fiberglass steps. Regel coating is the better option. You might also look into ecoFinish. That is my 2 cents worth

 

[Braydon]

Darn,

I read a few posts that it was possible with epoxy paint and such. Unfortunately I dont have an EcoFinish dealer in my area....it sounded like its a service you pay for rather than a product I could buy of the shelf.

Any other ideas?

Seems like a waste to replace a perfectly functional fiberglass staircase just because its faded and flaking. Anyone else have any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks!

 

[pooldv]

Aquabright does need to be installed by a pro. There are diy gelcoat refinish products available in the boating industry.

 

[pabeader]

Maybe ask around at a local fiberglass repair place that works on cars?

 

[keithw]

It you do decide to paint, you can get decent results from marine underwater one part epoxy paint. But as an FYI you'll probably only get a season or two out of it. Like Interlux Bottomcoat.