Paint Peeling on the Base of Fiberglass Columns

Apply an organic gel paint remover to peel off the remaining paint. Use a paintbrush to apply the remover, and allow it to sit for up to 12 hours on the column. Test it every hour to see if the paint will peel off. Organic paint remover won't damage the fiberglass like a chemical paint remover.

Scrape off all the paint using a plastic putty knife, if necessary. Some gel paint removers allow the paint to be peeled off, making the process easier. Discard the paint, and wash the surface with water.

Sand the fiberglass column with 60-grit sandpaper to get a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Use a palm or disc sander to make the process go faster. Then, wash the surface with water to remove the sanding dust.

Apply 100-percent acrylic primer to the column. This acrylic is flexible and durable. Use a sponge roller or bristle paintbrush to apply the primer. Allow it to cure for at least fours hours or as recommended on the package.

Paint the column with 100-percent acrylic paint. Apply as you did the primer, using a paintbrush or sponge roller. Allow it to cure for 12 hours or according to the package. Apply a second coat.

Coat the column in a UV filter polyurethane using a brush. Allow it to dry according to the package instructions, and apply a second coat.