Asked on Jun 18, 2016

Sheen for front doors

Lou
by Lou
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
  • Lora Lora on Jun 19, 2016
    Use semi-gloss as gloss will fade and peel faster.
  • Sharon Sharon on Jun 19, 2016
    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?
  • Teri Broberg Teri Broberg on Jun 19, 2016
    The higher the gloss, the more easily it wipes clean. Because I only paint with latex, I used semi-gloss on our front door.
  • Vel1629730 Vel1629730 on Jun 19, 2016
    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!
  • Cherie Cherie on Jun 19, 2016
    I think it's a personal preference as long as you use outdoor paint made to be used on a door.
  • Shar Shar on Jun 19, 2016
    I don't care for a real shiny look, I use satin.
  • Amy Pearson Amy Pearson on Jun 19, 2016
    I prefer a satin outdoor paint. Easy to clean. Has a looks like new and not to shiny finish.
  • Poo5290473 Poo5290473 on Jun 20, 2016
    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.
    • See 1 previous
    • Darlene Peterson Darlene Peterson on Oct 06, 2020

      On our dark brown walnut wood grain exterior fiberglass front door (porch covered, but afternoon sun) I just used a Miniwax Gel Stain and it was easy to apply and my front door looks brand new, very pleased with this product and would highly recommend. But do I put a final coat of Miniwax Helmsman polyurethane Spar Urethane for protection over stain. And which is best semi-gloss or satin?

  • Lou Lou on Jun 20, 2016
    Great answers.
  • Hardware diva Hardware diva on Jun 20, 2016
    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.
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Jun 21, 2016
    I think it should be a personal preference. What sheen do you like best? Go for it.
  • Lou Lou on Jul 14, 2016
    Gloss