From the original questioner.
Best exterior door finish.
They shed water for a year or so before requiring reapplication.
A storm door would also be a big help in protecting the door form the elements.
High quality formulations have finely ground pigments that block uv rays while allowing the grain to show.
Water repellents and water repellent preservatives.
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.
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.
My go to finish system for exterior doors is a combination of two products.
Water repellents wrs.
Exterior paints are sold in flat matte eggshell satin semi gloss and gloss sheens in order of the lowest to the highest.
Go for a semi gloss finish which is as durable as it is attractive.
An exterior oil finish is definitely the simplest quickest way to treat an outdoor project.
As soon as it begins to crack or peel it s only going to get worse.
In my opinion spar varnish will give you the best clear coat protection against water.
The same goes for exterior trim.
Previous varnish only finishes only lasted 2 3 years.
The best protection for an exterior door is opaque paint all clear finishes will need constant maintenance.
My go to finish system for exterior doors is a combination of two products.
Prior to applying new finish scrub the surface with a cleaner containing an oxidizing agent such as bleach.
When it comes to painting your front door there are a million colors to choose from but only one real option for the finish.
Water repellent preservatives wrps are a great choice on wood decks.
However the initial application does take longer then exterior varnish.
Pettit marine paint s captain s varnish and epifanes wood finish matte.
An epoxy sealer with an exterior varnish topcoat is the most durable outdoor finish and can last for many many years.
The combination has worked amazingly well for me on a west facing exterior oak door that looks as good today as it did after refinishing 7 8 years ago.
Whether it s a marine grade spar varnish or otherwise a film forming finish such as varnish only truly seals the wood when the film is intact.
For a natural look penetrating oil finishes might be your best bet.
Teak oil tung oil and tung oil finishes.