Thanks :-)

I like the natural wood color it is now. What about a finish similar to that? Your blue is such a striking color, the red might be a little much. Can you play around in a paint program? Sherwin Williams has one, you can try on different colors.

I love the blue too. Very nice house. Love the door. I would stain it, since it looks to be nice wood. However, to please your hubby and to give the door a bigger presence, try a red color stain.

What species of wood is your door? How much direct sunlight will it receive? It does seem a shame to pay extra for a wood door, and then paint it.

I'm not sure of the species, I'd have to check. It's from Masonite I believe. It was within the budget so we didn't have an upcharge, it was just leaving the option open for us. One of those "you don't have to make your mind up now" situations - but now we are getting to that stage.

That side of the house faces due west, so it gets the afternoon sun.

But I'm like you - hate to paint it. BUT, happy to keep hubby happy.

I think it would look good stained with the blue. It would be a complement (orangish). Red would add a patriotic note with the white trim and blue siding. I wouldn’t go too deep, though. Just a red red. A pale yellow would be pretty. Paint is easier to maintain, especially if there is sun on it most of the day. It is covered, so water probably wouldn’t bother it much. I stained my front door and finished with tung oil. It faces east, so it gets some sun. It has held up well with minimal upkeep. If you used something stronger than tung oil you’d probably be fine for several years.

Stain. Super dark brown.

The least amount maintenance would be a painted door.

Thanks everyone for their input. We have decided on paint, BM Caliente AF-290 https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color-search?keyword=caliente 

What's the saying, happy hubby, ____? there's got to be one!! LOL

May we see what it looks like painted red?