Painting your new exterior columns

Column Guru offers column replacement services along with fiberglass column painting for the columns we have installed. We exclusively provide white-colored paint, as selecting and matching colors can become too costly and time-consuming. If you prefer a different color, we kindly ask that you supply the paint, and we will handle the painting of the columns for you.

If you're interested in painting the columns yourself, it's a straightforward task once you have the right tools and appropriate paint selected. Here are a few important points to consider before you begin.

Clean the columns with a wet rag before painting to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated. The columns do not require sanding before painting; they are ready to be painted out of the box, although you may sand them if you feel it is necessary. You can start painting the columns one hour after installation, as they will be ready for a coat of paint once the caulking has dried. Use the same paint on both the column shaft and the capital/base.

A small roller will work well for either square or round columns, while a small 3" paint brush is needed for the capitals and the base. The shaft is flatter and easier to finish with a roller, whereas the cap/base has edges, curves, and spots that can only be reached with a brush.

We recommend using a good quality primer, such as KILZ3, which adheres well to nearly any material and is readily available where paint is sold. For the paint, opt for any 100% acrylic exterior paint, as it will adhere best to non-porous materials like fiberglass and PVC column wraps. There is no specific brand we endorse, but investing in better paint will ensure it lasts longer (over 15 years). Once the columns are painted, the paint will not flake or peel off; it will only fade over time, at which point it will require another coat.

The paint type mentioned above may sometimes come with a primer already mixed in; however, you might need to purchase a separate primer with similar properties. This will allow the primer to adhere to the fiberglass/PVC, and the paint will adhere to the primer.

PVC column wraps require the same type of paint, but they can only be painted in lighter colors per manufacturer specifications. Darker colors can attract the sun and deteriorate the PVC (plastic) more quickly. Heat reflective paints are available in all colors if needed; these paints will not prematurely fade and will protect the PVC even under harsh sunny conditions.

Below are some manufacturer links to their painting specs.