Penetrating oils are beautiful and easy to maintain but they aren t as durable as film forming coatings.
Best finish for front door.
When it comes to painting your front door there are a million colors to choose from but only one real option for the finish.
It s got to be semigloss.
The best clear finish for an exterior door is 3 coats of clear epoxy followed with 2 3 coats of spar varnish.
Go for a semi gloss finish which is as durable as it is attractive.
Just be sure to seal all edges so that the wood doesn t wick up moisture.
Previous varnish only finishes only lasted 2 3 years.
Most door companies apply a paint or poly finish before delivery or you can save a few bucks by ordering the door unfinished and coating it yourself.
They also tend to stand up to nicks and scrapes better than flat or eggshell paint meaning they could last longer.
Exterior paints are sold in flat matte eggshell satin semi gloss and gloss sheens in order of the lowest to the highest.
Either penetrating or film forming and each has its pros and cons.
The same goes for exterior trim.
Types of clear finishes.
No other clear finish matches its durability and moisture resistance.
Clear oil finishes come in two basic flavors.