We built a new home in 2000. At that time I read I believe in Breaktime a discussion about how to refinish an exterior south facing door on a home near the ocean. The individual who requested suggestions was having difficulty keeping any varnish on it. This exposure was consistent with our front door thus I downloaded the suggestions and gave them to our contractor to follow. He unfortunately didn’t like to take advice from others and put on 5 coats of regular exterior varnish only. The finish fell off within 6 months and the door spilt and leaks. We are about to replace it with a new wooden door and I am wondering if any one remembers this discussion (my contractor threw out the only copy of the advice )or has any suggestions about how to finish this door. I believe the recommendation was to use a certain stain and then many coats of spar varnish. Thanks Psmith
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Go to http://www.oldmastrs.com/techhow. I would recommend a fiberglass/plastic door based on my experience.
On my parents' house, we went with laminate on the outside, wood on the inside. It seems to require replacement every 25 years.
-- J.S.
Sikkens makes an excellent finish that should stand up in your situation. I highly recommend it.
I have a mohagany door with southwestern exposure in Miami...Marine quality spar holds up for about 2 years.
Buy a top quality marine product, and I doubt you could do any better.
If anyone knows of something better, I would be interested in hearing about it, as my 2 years are about up and I am about to start sanding.
Nope, you are there. All I could add is don't waste your time on a junk door, and be careful of the build of the finish. Might be a good idea to put an extra coat on the edges, two on the bottom edges.