Nothing beats paint for practicality.
Best way to finish exterior wood door.
Pettit marine paint s captain s varnish and epifanes wood finish matte.
Don t sand too much.
An extra smooth surface will not absorb stain as well as a rough surface.
Clean the door and coat it with sikkens and a foam brush and wait for it to dry.
My go to finish system for exterior doors is a combination of two products.
A second choice would.
The other option is wood boat bright work and use spar varnish but realize boat coatings are made to be removed and renewed periodically so the same will happen to your door.
But a beautiful wood door with a clear finish will attract many more admiring glances as long as you maintain it with devotion.
Their popularity and effectiveness for finishing the bright work on boats makes them the best choice for protecting exterior wooden doors that are exposed to harsh weather elements year round.
Two coats of enamel paint over a primer will provide a wood door with the best and longest lasting protection against sun abrasion and weather about 8 to 10 years.
I went over the entire door with 150 grit sandpaper on all the flat parts and 0 grade steel wool over the trim slats and harder to reach areas.
Use varnish with compatible stain.
Penetrating finishes harden in the wood.
Pettit marine paint s captain s varnish and epifanes wood finish matte.
My go to finish system for exterior doors is a combination of two products.
Penetrating stains and marine varnish are a good start but clear finished doors will still need occasional maintenance.