Varnish or oil front door?

DeeWhyDude

Hi All. 
My front door was built new 7 years ago and the varnish is now deteriorating in the elements (bottom section more than the top). I’m prepared to sand it back to wood but I’m unsure if I should revarnish or oil it (& what product to use). I’m ok with the idea of oil and reapplying it more often - but I’m still unsure what’s the best move. I also have a small section of timber that is peeling away (see third photo). Any thoughts welcome. Matt

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @DeeWhyDude. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring a timber door.

If you are sanding the door right back to raw timber, then you have the choice to either revarnish or switch to an oil. You already have a pretty good idea of how long a varnish lasts in that location, since your current coating has given you about seven years. If you are happy with roughly that lifespan again, revarnishing is perfectly reasonable. A good quality exterior product such as Intergrain Exterior Ultra Clear Varnish would be the way to go. It will give you a harder-wearing finish and longer intervals between full recoats.

Oiling is also a valid option. Oil helps keep the timber nourished and makes touch-ups easier, although you will need to reapply it more regularly. Given the wear on your door, an oil finish can sometimes be more forgiving because you can refresh it before the surface dries out and begins to break down. The choice really comes down to how much maintenance you want to take on. If you prefer a set-and-forget approach for several years, revarnish. If you do not mind giving the door occasional attention to keep it looking its best, an oil can be a very good move.

The small piece of timber that is peeling away can be repaired before recoating. Use an exterior-grade PVA wood glue and work the glue into the gap, then press the piece firmly back into place. The hardest part will be holding it there while the glue cures. The easiest method is to close the door and lean something weighty against it from the outside so it stays tight for at least twelve hours. Once that piece is secure, you can sand the entire door and apply your new finish without issue.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell