Types of clear finishes.
Best finish for front door.
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.
While you can choose any finish glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trim because they stand out and highlight these architectural features.
The best clear finish for an exterior door is 3 coats of clear epoxy followed with 2 3 coats of spar varnish.
Previous varnish only finishes only lasted 2 3 years.
Exterior paints are sold in flat matte eggshell satin semi gloss and gloss sheens in order of the lowest to the highest.
Clear oil finishes come in two basic flavors.
Just be sure to seal all edges so that the wood doesn t wick up moisture.
They also tend to stand up to nicks and scrapes better than flat or eggshell paint meaning they could last longer.
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.
It s got to be semigloss.
Go for a semi gloss finish which is as durable as it is attractive.
For use on an exterior door waterborne finishes are getting better but oil finishes still rule.
Either penetrating or film forming and each has its pros and cons.
Penetrating oils are beautiful and easy to maintain but they aren t as durable as film forming coatings.