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Woodworking Paint Home Repair

How to? protective finish on exterior wood door

2 years ago

We have a mahogany wood door that we bought new and installed in 2015. We live in Wisconsin and this door faces north. There's a screen security door outside of the wood door, but it doesn't offer much of any protection. The finish is looking worn and I need to protect it while we still have some warm weather to do so. I'm not looking for a full refinish, just a protective coat.

I'm looking for suggestions for

-steps to prep

-best brush for smoothest finish

-what product to use

and any other tips!

I want to do this right and not cut corners; it's worth it to me to use superior products even if they cost more. This is almost the same as our door: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Steves-Sons-36-in-x-80-in-Craftsman-6-Lite-Stained-Mahogany-Wood-Prehung-Front-Door-M3306-6-CT-MJ-4OLH/205124031#overlay

Thanks!

Featured Answer

molman
Original Author

2 years ago

Per usual, I take the simplest route. Before and after pics below.

I had a bucket of black walnuts and made a dye/stain, put that on the whole door, emphasizing the more hazy spots and let it mostly dry. With the same foam brush, I used a General Finishes HP satin, water-based poly, as recommended by the manufacturer and my local Woodcraft (they are expensive, but very helpful). It looks FANTASTIC and was easy. I didn't even sand because the finish was worn enough to not warrant that. I'll give it a quick sand today and put a third coat on since we have another break in rain.

The foam brush got a little sudsy sometimes...didn't love that, but it worked out okay. Two spots on the left inset panel don't look great but it's an issue started with manufacturing. I'm not sure how I'll remedy that.

They look more pronounced in the photo than IRL.

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Comments (8)

millworkman
2 years ago
What is the finish on it now? How much of it is left?
molman
Original Author
2 years ago
It's the factory finish...chestnut stain with a sprayed poly? It's mostly looking good, there are just a couple areas that are beginning to look a bit hazey. I'd take a picture but it's blowing rain right now.
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zennifer
2 years ago
Without knowing whether it’s oil or water based, your best bet is probably to strip it, restain, and then use spar urethane varnish on it, which can be refreshed every year or so. A natural wood door is a commitment: we have one, too, and love it! Every year, I gently and lightly sand it and apply another layer of spar. I can tell I’ll have to strip and redo next time, as there was some hail damage, but it’s been 8 years since it was installed, so not too bad!
cat_ky
2 years ago
I would change out the screen security door for a good glass storm door, with a pull down screen, with security features too, once the door is redone. It will protect the door for a very long time.
molman
Original Author
2 years ago
We have good reasons for having this security screen door- it's perfect for our needs. We ARE in the process of building an awning overhead but didn't want to mention that because it's a whole 'nother can of worms and can be distracting to the finishing questions. (I also want to craft a magnetic plastic film or plexi cover for the storm door).

The manufacturer says they use Sherwin Williams and they recommend a UV resistant water-based urethane. Easy enough to find that. Any tips on tackling that are still welcomed! Thanks.
zennifer
2 years ago
Lightly sand to scuff the coat all over and follow the instructions for another coat on the can! If you can leave it open, you can finish it in place. :)
Faron79
2 years ago
We were just in Door-County for a week in early October!! Went in late July too. Anniversary was Oct. 3rd, so I had made dinner reservations in Green-Bay. THAT was hard, since my "Blood is Purple"!!!! Drove from Fargo, ND.

Use an Exterior OIL-Base Poly....the shinier the better. Look also at FPE's Marine Varnish. Warning >>> not cheap.

Faron

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