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Woodworking Paint Design Dilemma

Stain for exterior door - Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes? Minwax? Other?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hi Houzzers, I am in search of a semi-transparent dark stain (to complement dark brown windows) for my front door. What's better - Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes or Minwax? Something from a different brand? I must use a water-based stain. Would love your advice!

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Comments (5)

ocotillaks
3 years ago
Marine grade varnish is what This Old House guys use on exterior doors
kharten thanked ocotillaks
PRO
Rockin' Fine Finish
3 years ago
water base stain milesi is the best, general finishes target coatings are good
kharten thanked Rockin' Fine Finish
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Beth H. :
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
you must use a varnish on that door after you stain it.

forget Minwax. it's bottom quality.

if you want a two in one, try Penofin Red Label.

https://www.penofin.com/wood-stains/index

.Increased transoxide pigments for 99% ultraviolet protection against fading
- Extra protection against mildew
- Ten transparent wood stain tones
. I used the one in Ebony for my black oak door. (you can pick up free samples of all the colors and different finishes)

they also have this transparent oil finish.

also know that you will have to apply a yearly coat to protect that wood from sun/rain.

if you don't use penofin, then just use a regular stain like Varathane, Cabot or General Finishes. Gel is fine. Then you'll have to give it two coats of a UV varnish. Epiphanes, Sikken, Man o'War, are all good exterior varnishes. Do NOT use a regular poly.
kharten thanked Beth H. :
kharten
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you Beth, you obviously know your stuff. Would you have any experience with water-based stains? I'm in CA and am afraid that oil-based stains are illegal.
PRO
Beth H. :
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
i'm also in Calif and they aren't illegal. lol. Oil based paints are a no-no!

As I said, I did my exterior oak door in a black aniline dye first, (I wanted it really black) and then I went over that with the gel stain, and then w/the Penofin stained oil in Ebony.

aniline dye is a water based dye. (it's the Lockwood packet) Dye penetrates deeper than a gel coat. The dyes come in all colors (like Walnut) and are pretty easy to use.

water based products will raise the grain, so you'll have to give the wood a fine sanding w/a 220 grit paper.

I think the next step I did was the Black Gel Stain (General Finishes) to really deepen and set the black

The I did the Peneofin oil in the Ebony for the top coat. I don't have a recent outside picture, but it looks the same as the inside.

It's held up to the rain and sun. (water still beads up on the exterior. Although I do need to refresh the coat. Any time you have an exterior wood finish, it's going to require a lot more upkeep than a painted door.

You asked about a water based stain, but I'd go w/an oil base for the wood. again, water will cause a 'grain pop' that requires an extra step of sanding. and if you're not careful, you'll lighten some of the stain color.

use a good quality oil stain. either a stain or a gel. or just use the Two in One Penofin stain! super easy and will look great

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