When it comes to painting your front door there are a million colors to choose from but only one real option for the finish.
Best finish for front door.
Exterior paints are sold in flat matte eggshell satin semi gloss and gloss sheens in order of the lowest to the highest.
The combination has worked amazingly well for me on a west facing exterior oak door that looks as good today as it did after refinishing 7 8 years ago.
The same goes for exterior trim.
Penetrating oils are beautiful and easy to maintain but they aren t as durable as film forming coatings.
For use on an exterior door waterborne finishes are getting better but oil finishes still rule.
Previous varnish only finishes only lasted 2 3 years.
Types of clear finishes.
Go for a semi gloss finish which is as durable as it is attractive.
It s got to be semigloss.
No other clear finish matches its durability and moisture resistance.
Either penetrating or film forming and each has its pros and cons.
While you can choose any finish glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trim because they stand out and highlight these architectural features.
They also tend to stand up to nicks and scrapes better than flat or eggshell paint meaning they could last longer.
Just be sure to seal all edges so that the wood doesn t wick up moisture.