Sealer for exterior wood door?


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Old 10-24-13, 01:34 AM
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Sealer for exterior wood door?

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to install my exterior wood door, and I'm wondering what type of sealer you guys would recommend. I was planning to use Sikkens on my fence; can I use that for the door too? Or should I use urethane instead?
 
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Old 10-24-13, 04:05 AM
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A fence or deck stain isn't adequate for a door finish. You need to use a regular interior wood stain [or not] and then apply 3 coats of varnish/poly. On the exterior side it needs to be a spar varnish/poly. Minwax's Helsman's Spar Urethane is a poly that is readily available most everywhere. You need to sand lightly between coats of poly [promotes adhesion and makes for a nicer finish], don't forget to wipe off the sanding dust. You also need to seal the top and bottom edge of the door - that prevents the door from wicking up any moisture and will make the door last longer.

If you don't want a stained/natural finish, you'd use primer and an exterior enamel instead of spar poly.
 
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Old 10-24-13, 06:30 AM
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Is this door in the direct sun during the day?
Never stain or paint a real wood door a dark color if it's in the direct sun.
Why wood and not fiberglass? A wooden door will always have mantaince issues.
 
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Old 10-24-13, 12:13 PM
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Thank you! I'll go get some spar varnish.

Why wood and not fiberglass? A wooden door will always have mantaince issues.
I tried to look for a fiberglass door for months, but I couldn't find anything that I liked. I know they make ones that look like wood, but I have a thing against that fake look--the pretence bothers me

This door shouldn't get too much sun (although I have to put in another one which would). Thanks for the tip about the dark stain.
 
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Old 10-25-13, 05:38 AM
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I only use Bristol Finish on ext. doors.
It has 5 times the UV protection over Min Wax Helmsman Spar.
It's self leveling, really fast trying. High build, non yellowing.
Most pro antique boat restorers use it.
Bristol Finish | High Performance Wood Coatings
The more coats you apply of any sealer the better. Each coat will at least double how long it's going to hold up.
 
 

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