Painting a front door

Patrice
by Patrice
I have a solid wood door with a nice finish, but it does need a new coat of something. I was told all front doors should be painted. Is this true, or should I keep it natural wood. My house is red mixed brick. Thanks.
  7 answers
  • TwoPlusCute TwoPlusCute on May 01, 2015
    The idea is to protect the door and decorate at the same time. You can always stain your wooden door with the finish of your choice (instead of painting it in a color). Just make sure whatever you use is graded for exterior use, something to keep your door protected from the weather.
  • Moxie Moxie on May 01, 2015
    If it is a true solid wood door with a nice finish...I would not paint.
  • Linda Davis Cmt Linda Davis Cmt on May 01, 2015
    I might just put a light or darker color on it.. maybe stain?
  • Xoncention Xoncention on May 02, 2015
    Nice finish? If you are content with the finish, then maintain. Determine the sealing coat used when installed. A light sanding or cleaning with a suitable cleaner to remove atmospheric grime and a reapplication of the original finish. If the door is exposed to UV then a stabilised finish will prolong the period between re coating. If the door is subjected to rain, don't forget to also protect the bottom edge of the door. A natural finish on a solid timber door is always a nice look. Proper care and maintenance will keep this look for generations. Remember, timber is a natural product.
  • Fred Mayers Fred Mayers on May 02, 2015
    Sand the topcoat and apply spar varnish. I you want to change color strip the door and sand. Stain to the color you want and put on a few coats of Spar Varnish.
  • JSP JSP on May 02, 2015
    we have a solid wood door with red brick exterior as well. Our door was original to the home and had been painted and stained. With all the trees covering the front of the house, it was really "dark" in the front. My door looked like a black hole. I painted it a bright color to break up the the brick and give the darkness a little light
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on May 04, 2015
    Have same. It is stained. However, have storm doors up here because of the climate. Spar Varathane is a good coating to protect the stain.