The finish you choose for your door will determine whether your door will be rustic or refined, matte or glossy, natural or painted. It also determines how your door will stand up to the elements and daily wear and tear.
Finish for Wood Doors: Natural or Synthetic?
There are two clear paths you can take when selecting a finish for wood doors, natural or synthetic. Each option has definite advantages and disadvantages when it comes to durability, toxicity, ease of application and overall appearance. Within those categories, you can decide if you want a wax, oil, varnish, shellac or water based finish.
Oil Based Finish for Wood Door
Using an oil based finish is one of the most natural ways to seal and protect a wooden door. There are a couple of things to consider before using an oil based finish. Any type of oil will darken the color of the wood. Oil based finishes require multiple coats, and will need to be reapplied once a year to maintain its protective qualities. It is much easier to do touch ups on scuffs when using an on oil based product than other finishing products. Oils provide a beautiful finish and are relatively inexpensive.
Whereas it is easy to apply oil based finishes, the oil soaked cloths need special consideration before disposing of them. Cloths that are left folded or rolled up can spontaneously combust as they dry! Preventing this is simple, either dry the cloth flat before discarding, or if the cloth is made of 100% natural fibers, it can be burned outdoors.
Wax
On its own, wax is not a complete finish because it doesn’t penetrate the wood, it just sits on top. It can be used to polish and buff other finishes or prevent oxidation. Natural options include carnauba (palm), soy or beeswax. Synthetic waxes, like paraffin, are refined from crude oil. Waxes can be tinted or clear.
Varnish
A varnish is a synthetic resin dissolved in liquid that provides a transparent, hard and protective finish. Varnishes are usually glossy, but can be modified to make a satin or semi-gloss finish. Varnish is often more durable than oil based finish. It is highly water resistant and is usually applied with a brush.
Water Based Finish
Water-based finishes for wood doors dry quickly and don’t distort the color of the wood. They can be used as a top coat for an oil based finish, or on it’s own. Many flammable and polluting ingredients typically used in lacquer and varnish have been replaced with water in these products. Water-based urethane is tough scratch resistant.
Natural Options
Shellac
Shellac has been used as a wood finish for at least 3000 years. It is made from a resin that an asian insect secretes onto tree bark and has many uses, from being a finish for wood doors to being used as coating for pills and food products. It is clearly safe enough to eat, so you don’t have to worry about toxicity with this product. It strengthens and protects wood and serves as a good moisture barrier. It is easy to apply and comes in a variety of warm colors. The disadvantage is that it can be brittle and prone to cracking on exterior doors when it is exposed to sun and weather.
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is made from flaxseeds, a plant used to make linen and dietary supplements. Linseed oil is incredibly easy to use, as it can be applied with a paint brush or a cloth. Boiled linseed dries faster, but pure linseed oil provides better protection. Either way, the result is a door with a light matte sheen. Linseed oil is durable, but is not the most water resistant oil based option. Linseed oil penetrates the surface of the wood and hardens to protect the wood.
Tung Oil
Tung Oil is made from the nut of the Tung Tree. Like linseed oil, it can also be brushed or rubbed on. It is more water resistant and dries more quickly than linseed oil and also provides a matte finish. Tung oil also penetrates the surface of the wood and hardens to create a durable surface .Some combination of tung and linseed oil can be used, especially when cost is a consideration.
Synthetic Options
Spar Varnish
Spar Varnish provides a very durable glossy look that is great for finishing exterior doors that may be exposed to water. It protects the wood from wear, tear and also UV light. It is expensive, but long lasting and doesn’t require many reapplications.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a synthetic, petrochemical resin. No other clear finish matches polyurethanes durability and moisture resistance. It only takes a couple of coats to get a nice, glossy finish. It does need to be reapplied every two years to maintain its appearance. It can be applied with a basic paintbrush. It is glossy, so it is not the right product if you are looking for a matte finish. The downside is that it contains isocyanates, which is known to be a respiratory toxin.
Paint
Paint is typically made from pigment, resins, solvents and chemical additives. There are natural options which may be suitable for indoor use only. Because it is opaque, paint can block the sun’s UV rays and help maintain the integrity of your door. Paint is easy to apply and his highly customisable. It requires less maintenance than other options, only needing to be sanded and reapplied every five to six years.
Hi, I like your article and would like to add a few comments. I am in the process of finishing new doors on my own home. The doors are made of Spanish Cedar AsAre most custom doors in the south. My favorite finish is a man o war marine Spahr varnish . I like to send my first coat 50-50 with mineral spirits as a sealer, next coat I do is 3050, then I apply three coats of straight varnish. I decided to try something different on some of my doors. I was given some information on the old Sikkens Cetol product Which is now PPG Pro Luxe. After doing several doors I realized that I like the marine spa varnish much better. Living in the deep South we always have high humidity and hot sunny days. I find that the marine spar varnish works best as a finish. I noticed that you mentioned polyurethane as a door finish. I have been finishing doors for 30+ years and was taught a long time ago that polyurethane cannot be used successfully on doors. I guess I should say exterior doors. Wow some of the new urethane has the UV protection required, it has no elasticity and within 18 months or so the finish will start cracking and flaking as the door expands and contracts. As a matter of fact, I get a lot of work because someone decided to use polyurethane on their exterior door.
I was SO happy to find your info on sealing and protecting exterior wood.
Just to verify before I purchase. I have a beautiful natural wood (I don’t know what wood) west facing, mostly cut glass, front door. I don’t care for a glossy, shiny finish, but would like as close to a natural rich finish as possible. so would your recommendation still stand for me?
Thank you SO much for your expertise!!
Hi Cecilia,
We are glad to know you liked our blog. Yes, this recommendation is also for the door style you have.
Thanks!
Can I get nice finish and durability on an alder wood exterior door ? Live in Denver so we’re basically high desert with hot sun, low humidity and cold dry winters.
Oh, forgot to mention I want to use tung oil
Hello Karl,
You can use tung oil as a finish for your alder door wood. We recommend you to apply an exterior sealer, it will protect and preserve the wood. Due the weather condition, you will need to apply more coats, like 4 or 5, check the tung oil manufacturer instructions.
Thanks!
Did you do this? Do you have pictures? I’m considering the same.
I totally agree with what you said that paint is very convenient because it can be easily modified. I’ve been thinking about changing the doors in my apartment, because I strongly think doors adds a lot of personality in your place. Thank you for your information, I’ll make sure to find a great quality door and have it installed by qualified professionals.
I am staining and finishing a new alder wood door. I have put one coat of marine spar varnish semi gloss on but do not like how shines it is. Can I put a polycrylic matt finish on top. If now]t what would you recommend? Thank you
Hi Susie!
We are not sure if it works. But, will be necessary lightly sand the coat you have applied of marine spar varnish semi gloss to create a rough surface to give adhesion to the new paint you are going to apply. It may happen that the two paints are not chemically compatible and it damages the surface of the wood.
Thanks!
I have just painted my wood front door with the Sherwin Williams Super paint that was used for my house trim. I am not happy with the Satin finish. Is it okay to top coat it with a water based Semi-gloss spar urethane? If not, any other suggestion? Thanks
Hello, and thanks for choosing EightDoors!
We recommend both water and oil based wood paint for our doors. Please make sure you are following each step provided in our Use and Care manual for painting our products.
Thanks!
I’ve been looking for advice on how to clean and maintain my dark, matte finish interior doors (house built in late 70s). They are very matte and I love them, but they have developed shiny places from being touched. Can you suggest the best way to remove the body oils and maintain the original matte finish? Thanks – greatly appreciate any guidance.
Hello, Susan,
Thanks for choosing EightDoors!
What could work is if you use very fine grit sandpaper to sand down the shiny surface just enough to reveal the matte finish under it. Feel free to send us an email to doors@eightdoors.com if you need more information or to let us know if it worked.😊
Kind regards,
EightDoors Team
Very helpful! I purchased a replacement mahogany wood door with 2 sidelights. I’ve tried 2 different products and have stripped them both. I keep ready and all the advice/opinions have confused me and filled me with fear. I literally am about to slap Cabot Gold or Timber oil on it and call it a day. I do not want future maintenance that entails I have to go thru initial steps.. Cetol is too much for a diy’er, 405 is exterior but water-based… I’d like oil based… spar has maintenance etc etc etc…
Help!!!
Hello, Shawna,
Thanks for choosing EightDoors!
Please send us a message at doors@eightdoors.com. Our team will be happy to assist!😊
Kind regards,
EightDoors Team
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