Finishing a Front Door Question

[John Meyer]

Haven't tried this but a finisher I used to read said that for an exterior door over a stain to use the base coat of a paint for color, not for white. Don't tint, but apply as is and that would be some of the best protection you can buy. I haven't tried it but he was a reputable finisher.
John

[Steve Siwek]

Thanks for the tip John!

[Sean Nagle]

I installed a fir door about 15 month ago. The door is protected by a porch, but faces directly south. Half or more of the door does get sun throughout the year.

Instead of a film finish, I used Watco Exterior Wood Finish. The plan was to rejuvenate the finish twice a year, in the spring and fall with a very light 400 grit sanding and a single coat. This takes about 20 minutes. It is due now for its spring application. So far, it's working out great.

I'm not sure I would use a film finish for a non-painted exterior door again. Film finishes look great until they don't. And when they've failed, it's too late to do anything about it other than a full refinish.