For use on an exterior door waterborne finishes are getting better but oil finishes still rule.
Best finish for front door.
It s got to be semigloss.
The same goes for exterior trim.
When it comes to painting your front door there are a million colors to choose from but only one real option for the finish.
The combination has worked amazingly well for me on a west facing exterior oak door that looks as good today as it did after refinishing 7 8 years ago.
Previous varnish only finishes only lasted 2 3 years.
Penetrating oils are beautiful and easy to maintain but they aren t as durable as film forming coatings.
No other clear finish matches its durability and moisture resistance.
Exterior paints are sold in flat matte eggshell satin semi gloss and gloss sheens in order of the lowest to the highest.
While you can choose any finish glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trim because they stand out and highlight these architectural features.
Types of clear finishes.
The best clear finish for an exterior door is 3 coats of clear epoxy followed with 2 3 coats of spar varnish.
Just be sure to seal all edges so that the wood doesn t wick up moisture.
Clear oil finishes come in two basic flavors.
They also tend to stand up to nicks and scrapes better than flat or eggshell paint meaning they could last longer.