Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. Choosing the right finish for it is important! You might wonder whether to use a clear coat or a stain. You only want to use a clear coat if it has been previously stained with one of the everyday stain products from stores like Sherwin-Williams or Home Depot.
Understanding Clear Coats and Stains
Clear coats are transparent finishes that you apply on top of wood. They will protect the wood, but not for a few years without flaking off.. Clear coats come in different types, like polyurethane or lacquer, and they help keep the wood safe from the weather but dont last very long in extreme sunlight conditions.
On the other hand, Oil Stains soak deep into the wood, preventing rotting and cracking. They do a better job of protecting the wood and are easier to reapply for maintenance.
Benefits of Using a Stain instead of a Clear Coat.
Oil stains that soak into the wood will not peel or crack over time. This is important for front doors because they are outside and face all kinds of weather. Stains let the wood breathe while still giving it color and protection.
If you’re looking for the best stain, here’s why Rubio Monocaot is the best choice. First, like all oil stains, it makes the wood look beautiful by highlighting its natural grain. This is especially nice if your front door has interesting wood patterns. It will never flake off, and it is easy to reply without any overlap with the previous stain. It should last 3 to 5 years before you have to reapply, and it can be done without any sanding like you have to do for a clear coat. It offers a more permanent solution.
The only disadvantage of using Rubio Monocoat is that it has to be made of new wood. If your door has a previous stain that is not Rubio Monocoat, we will have to sand off all the previous stains down to new wood. But once that is done, you never have to worry about sanding again
Advantages of Clear Coats?
If there is a previous clear coat/stain there and you want to avoid going to the labor expense of sandig all the previous material off, then you can lightly sand off the clear coat and reply the same material. But you are back to the same issue of more maintenance.
Key Considerations for Your Decision
When deciding between a clear coat and a stain for your front door, think about these things:
What material is there now?
This would determine what product you use.
- Maintenance: It less maintenance to just reply stain than having to sand off the old flaking clear coat
- Weather Exposure:
Think about the weather in Brentwood, TN. If the door is not exposed to direct sunlight, you could use some sort of clear coat without the flaking and fading that is usually goes with clear coat finishes
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the choice between a clear coat and a stain comes down to what was on there before and what your front door needs for the exposure it is getting. If you choose a stain, look for the best stain for front doors in Brentwood to ensure it lasts and looks good. If you go with a clear coat, pick a high-quality product made for outdoor use to keep your door protected.
The lowest maintenance choice would be to paint your door with good quality primer/paint like Behr Marquee or Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane. You wouldn’t have the wood grain showing, but you would have a door that lasted for 7 to 10 years before you had to repaint
No matter your choice, taking care of your front door will make your home look great and protect your investment. If you’re ready to give your front door a fresh look or need advice, contact us at now. Our team is here to help you find the best option for your needs and ensure your front door looks fantastic for years!
