Question: Paint or Stain the Front Door?
Here’s what the front door of the Sheridan House looks like:
The dilemma is whether to refinish it, leaving it as natural wood (depending on the color of the wood, maybe stain it) and using some heavy-duty polyurethane -or- paint the door red to match the shutters on the front of the house.
Originally I was planning on sanding the door to see how well it cleaned up and then unless it was in too bad of shape, keep it as natural wood. However, the more I’ve thought about it, the door is exposed to a lot of moisture since there are no eaves. That being the case, a natural wood door means a lot of upkeep to maintain. Painting it would still look good but mean less maintenance.
What do you think? If it were your door, would you prefer it painted or stained considering the maintenance? There’s no guarantee that whoever buys the house will be interested in refinishing the door every few years to keep it looking nice. Thoughts?
Here’s a photo of the front of the house so you can see the color of the shutters (which the door would match if painted).
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:59 am
I’m a huge, huge fan of stained wood…but. If the door is very, very exposed to the elements, you are right. Even with marine-grade stain and sealer and a great storm door, it will be difficult for that wood to keep looking good over time. Marine grade and a storm door will definitely keep it nicer looking LONGER, but still. Sun is also brutal on stain and varnish.
Although it slightly pains me, I might vote for painting it. Especially if you take great pains to keep the lovely doorknob and other hardware nice and clean. And especially if it is red, because that is great feng shui.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:04 am
Check out West Marine in Foxlake for some marine grade paint and sealant. Keep the interior of the door natural. You might be able to get some Brightside topside paint (which is a tough durable enamel, great for doors and high UV resistance) in a red. Topside refers to paint that you use above the waterline.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:36 am
I have the same door on my bungalow
I’d definitely vote for keeping it unpainted. Take a look at a product called Cetol made by Sikkens - it is a heavy duty clear exterior finish.
August 25th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Stain it. again. Marine Varnish the exterior.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:49 am
Good job!
You’ve good interesting ideas in the bathroom. Thanks you for the pages about the history of the houseof the ancient family. respect!!
I saw the dust before you go in.. so funny.
You should add a french translation in the blog it’s a bit difficult to me!!!
good luck
bonjour de la France!!!
November 15th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
A tough call! Natural wood is beautiful but I adore your red shutters! What a fantastic color.