Staining unfinished mahogany front doors
Rae VP
3 years ago
Hi! I recently purchased an Alexandria mahogany front door from DSA doors and looking for advise on finishing it. I have seen several pictures of the that door with a very natural lighter wood finish and I am trying to achieve this look. One store recommended Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane clear matte but the door wood sample came out dark with red tones. I have read several Instagram comments that mention a clear matte finish. I have only found one interior clear water-based matte finish. Not sure if this is what they are using even on a exterior door. Others have mentioned using a stain called "special walnut" to help tone the red undertone. I would consider this but still hoping to go as light as possible. I have included pictures of what I am try to achieve with my door. Any help on recommend brands of stains or finishes and/or tints would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (7)
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Mahogany door stain color advice
Comments (3)We are open to doing whatever with the trim around the door and sidelights, but the whole house trim is dark brown and will stay that way. This is the whole house, to give some perspective (however, the overgrown landscape has since been cleared and changed)....See MoreStaining a Mahogany Door / Desired Color
Comments (4)It looks like there is more figuring in the example door than in yours, but the color should be straight forward. Just do testing on some scrap. I usually spray my stains and mostly blend off-the-shelf stains with pigments and dyes to get what I want. It is also impossible to do from a picture. Every stain maker has its own formulas. Trial and error is the about the only way. It looks like there is a pinkish tint to the wood, so whatever color you choose, you may want to add a little walnut to it to neutralize some of the pink. Walnut will often have a little green in it and that will drive it to more brownish final look. The sample looks reddish, so it may not be necessary. Good luck and come back here, there are knowledgeable people that may help. Looking back at the pic, if the streaking is what you're trying to duplicate, there may be some tricks you can use. Richard...See MoreShould we paint or stain our mahogany front door?????
Comments (39)Tony, nothing matches FPoE That paint is spectacular . and no, no chip brush will do it for this paint. It's not a beginner paint. (meaning, painting a door with it your first time is prob not the best idea to brush) The Hollandlac Brilliant is oil base and has the best pigments of any paint. They are also the only company to guarantee their white will not yellow. The have a hybrid line called Eco. Goes on like oil, cleans up w/water. I've used that a few times and the finish is equally beautiful. Jane, if you are buying a mahogany door, then just do a natural spar varnish/UV protectant finish. you must get the UV varnish or oil. and yes, it will need to be done yearly if it gets full sun. Door companies will not honor warranties on wood doors unless there is a certain measure of overhead protection....See MoreMahogany door with minwax jacobean stain
Comments (25)Vinmarks. Yes you can use minwax stain with the marine varnish. Actually I used minwax exclusively when I was running my custom woodworking shop. Because it is made using both dyes and pigments it will go on really nicely and not give you a blotchy finish. As a stain alone it is not waterproof. If I didn't spray the stain on I typically used a foam brush and paper towels to wipe off the excess stain. A lot of folks will use a cotton shirt or similar but I found that the cloth would leave fibers stuck in the woodgrain. I'm refinishing the oak kitchen cabinets in our daughter's home for a Christmas present for her. Very easy. Wash with warm soapy water and dry good. Then use minwax stain mixed into Deft brand laquer. I will probably use a foam brush to apply the laquer. But will probably use a paper towel on some parts like drawer sides. Hopefully this will help some...See MoreRae VP
2 years agomeghiggs
2 years agoRae VP
2 years agoFound some pics when door got installed. Still doesn’t have its permanent handle yet- hopeful soon!
meghiggs
2 years agoTanja Lucovic
2 years ago
Related Stories
FUN HOUZZHouzz Quiz: What Color Should Your Front Door Be?
Think you’re hip enough for orange? Or optimistic enough for yellow? Take our front-door personality quiz and find out
Full Story
CURB APPEAL77 Front Doors to Welcome You Home
Crossing the threshold is an event with these doors in a gamut of styles
Full Story
CURB APPEALDIY Painting Project: A Colorful Front Door
Give your entrance a notice-me new hue to make it inviting and energizing for fall
Full Story
DOORSThe Perfect Front Door for Your Entry
Learn about material and style choices, how to get a front door installed and how much it will cost
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESHouzz Planning: How to Choose a Front Door
Wood, Fiberglass or Steel? Find the Right Material for Your Entry Door
Full Story
DOORSWhat Color Should I Paint My Front Door?
Extend a standout greeting with a memorable hue at your home’s entry
Full Story
FRONT DOOR COLORSFront and Center Color: When to Paint Your Door Bright Red
Welcoming and intense, a red front door kicks up a home's entryway and is impossible to miss
Full Story
PHOTO FLIP15 Welcoming Front Doors and Entryways
Looking to freshen up your home’s curb appeal in winter, or anytime? Check out these stylish entries
Full Story
CURB APPEAL5 Bright Palettes for Front Doors
Splash bold green, blue, orange or red on your front door, then balance it with a more restrained hue on the rest of the house
Full Story
DOORSLet's Walk Through the Latest Door Trends
The functional feature has been getting a dose of flexibility, creativity and glamorous detail
Full Story
meghiggs