Asked on Jun 18, 2016
Sheen for front doors
by Lou
+11
In general, what sheen are most front doors painted: gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte or flat? Which sheen provides the best wear? Especially in the sun. Our weather worn stained wood grained fiberglass door is to be repainted in gloss SW Vogue Green. The door receives direct morning sunlight.
12 answers
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Use semi-gloss as gloss will fade and peel faster.
![Lora]()
Lora
on Jun 19, 2016
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Following....but I have a wooden front door (very old) it has a screen door in front but I'd like to "brighten it up" what type of stain should I use?
![Sharon]()
Sharon
on Jun 19, 2016
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The higher the gloss, the more easily it wipes clean. Because I only paint with latex, I used semi-gloss on our front door.
![Teri Broberg]()
Teri Broberg
on Jun 19, 2016
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The sheen you use really depends on your taste, the style of the door and home, and , most importantly, the condition of the door. If you have any old door that is "distressed" even after you have sanded, then I recommend a matte, low gloss or colored stain. This will give you color without highlighting all the defects in the surface. If your door is in great condition, and you like a high-style or really elegant look, then use a high gloss. A red, black or dark green door in high gloss is a classic, especially accented with brass or silver hardware. I recommend oil paint finishes on exterior doors...Oil is much more durable and provides a "harder" finish. Clean up is a pain, however. Good luck!
![Vel1629730]()
Vel1629730
on Jun 19, 2016
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I think it's a personal preference as long as you use outdoor paint made to be used on a door.
![Cherie]()
Cherie
on Jun 19, 2016
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I don't care for a real shiny look, I use satin.
![Shar]()
Shar
on Jun 19, 2016
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I prefer a satin outdoor paint. Easy to clean. Has a looks like new and not to shiny finish.
![Amy Pearson]()
Amy Pearson
on Jun 19, 2016
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Prefinished doors for 25 years, steel and fiberglass. I always painted with satin finish exterior grade paint. You said gets alot of sun, be careful painting dark colors (green). These dark colors absorb heat and warp your door, fades easier, too. If restaining your door, use good quality exterior clear coat, also use a gel stain.
![Poo5290473]()
Poo5290473
on Jun 20, 2016
- See 1 previous
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Great answers.
![Lou]()
Lou
on Jun 20, 2016
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Most of our ACE customers on the Pacific North West Coast use high gloss to semi gloss on the exterior trim. Its easy to keep clean and is extra durable. When painting with high sheen paint be sure and use an extra fine brush that won't leave any bristles behind. I compare the bristles to a make-up brush for softness. It will leave less lines on the finish. Also, when applying the finished coat do not go from side to side. Think of gloss sheens like velvet or carpet, you brush it one way and it has a knap to it, brush the other direction and it changes how the direction of the filaments lay. You want the light to reflect the sheen going the same direction, so be sure your final coat is all going the same direction.
![Hardware diva]()
Hardware diva
on Jun 20, 2016
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I think it should be a personal preference. What sheen do you like best? Go for it.
![Diana Deiley]()
Diana Deiley
on Jun 21, 2016
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Gloss
![Lou]()
Lou
on Jul 14, 2016
Lora
on Jun 19, 2016
Sharon
on Jun 19, 2016
Teri Broberg
on Jun 19, 2016
Vel1629730
on Jun 19, 2016
Cherie
on Jun 19, 2016
Shar
on Jun 19, 2016
Amy Pearson
on Jun 19, 2016
Poo5290473
on Jun 20, 2016
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