I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Stain For Exterior Wood Door (2023)

I recently had the pleasure of using this stain and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The red mahogany color in the can resembles the rich hue of merlot wine, and once dried, it transforms into a deep, almost black shade with a subtle touch of red. The application process was a breeze thanks to the foam brush, making it incredibly easy to achieve a flawless finish.

What truly sets this stain apart is its exceptional quality. It is evident that this product is made with great care and attention to detail. The results speak for themselves, as it beautifully restored our restaurant front doors. I was pleasantly surprised by how effortless the entire process was, from start to finish.

Not only is this stain a joy to work with, but it also offers excellent color saturation. I used it on a pine bench and was thrilled with the outcome. To further enhance its durability, I applied a water-based polyurethane top coat. The stain and top coat complemented each other perfectly, resulting in a stunning final product.

While it is too early to determine the long-term durability of this stain, it certainly looks promising. The coverage is impressive, and the finish is impeccable. In hindsight, I wish I had purchased a larger can to ensure I have enough for future projects.

Aside from the outstanding performance of this stain, I must also commend the small US business that produces it. Supporting local businesses is always a gratifying experience, and knowing that this product is made with attention to detail and care makes the purchase even more worthwhile.

I recently used the Varathane Gel Stain in Dark Walnut and I must say, the results were absolutely beautiful. I applied the stain with a foam brush and did not wipe off any excess. I applied two coats with a 24-hour interval in between and then sealed it with the Minwax water-based wipe-on poly. The process was incredibly easy and the end result exceeded my expectations.

I was particularly impressed with the rich mahogany hue that the stain gave to my pieces. I received numerous compliments on the finished look, which speaks to the quality of this product. It's safe to say that this was my first time using any kind of stain, and I am now a fan.

But let me share with you a truly amazing experience I had with this stain. I had a pair of doors in my home that had unsightly holes from previous damage. I tried various methods to fix them, including different stains, wood fillers, and even furniture repair pens, but nothing seemed to work. The doors remained an eyesore for months until a friend recommended Varathane Gel Stain.

I was initially skeptical, but I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, the stain worked wonders on the doors. I didn't even need to strip the previous failed attempts. With just a small application of the stain on the damaged areas, the colors remained consistent even after drying. I applied a second coat and carefully drew in wood grain where it was missing, and the repair work became completely invisible. I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

In fact, I was so impressed with the Varathane Gel Stain that I've decided to use it to refinish all of our doors, trim, and kitchen cabinets. The stain brings out the natural beauty of the wood and gives it a smooth, elegant look. The grain is visible but blends in seamlessly, creating a truly stunning effect.

I highly recommend Varathane Gel Stain to anyone looking to enhance the appearance of their wood surfaces. It's easy to use, provides a rich color, and can even work miracles on damaged areas. Thank you, Varathane, for creating such an amazing product. I can't wait to start my next project using this stain.

I recently used this water-based stain on my front door and I am extremely satisfied with the results. After applying a coat of spar urethane as a finish, the color of the stain turned out to be absolutely perfect. The application process was a breeze as the stain went on smoothly and effortlessly. It required minimal effort to achieve a uniform and consistent stain, thanks to its excellent brushing capabilities. Unlike other stains, there was no need for any additional wiping or touch-ups.

One of the standout features of this stain is its quick drying time. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast it dried, allowing me to move on with my project without any delays. This was particularly helpful as it saved me a significant amount of time and allowed me to complete the job efficiently.

I recently used this stain on my outdoor wood sun defuser and hurricane shutters, and I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I love the color it provides and how it gave my wood a vibrant and classy rustic look. However, I must warn you that it does fade in the sun, so I find myself having to sand and restain every 4-6 months. This can be quite a hassle.

The application process was fairly easy and the stain went on smoothly and beautifully. It covered well and provided good protection for the wood. However, I did find the color to be a bit too dark for my liking. It can be difficult to find the perfect match when it comes to stains, so this is something to keep in mind.

This was my first time using General Finishes products, and I had heard good things about them from a builders' group. I was pleased with how easy it was to apply and the color it provided. I was specifically looking for a cedar stain, which wasn't available in a quart from other well-known stain producers. The fact that this stain is water-based and easy to clean up was a bonus and made the overall experience pleasant.

I recently used this stain on my front door and I am extremely pleased with the results. The application process was simple and straightforward, and the end result is absolutely gorgeous. The color quality of this product is perfect and exactly what I was looking for.

I wanted to ensure that I was using the stain correctly, so I carefully read the instructions. I noticed that it specifically mentioned that the stain is not suitable for floors. Curious about the reason behind this, I decided to contact the company directly. They explained to me that the stain is not recommended for high-traffic areas, which makes sense. However, since it's just me in my home and I have a staircase that I wanted to enhance, I decided to give it a try. I am thrilled to say that the staircase now looks beautiful, and there were no visible brush strokes. I initially applied one coat of the Cabernet color, and later added a second coat for an even more stunning result. Overall, I am extremely happy with this product.

In addition to staining my front door, I also used this product to enhance an antique rocker that I own. The rocker had lost its luster over time, but this stain brought it back to life. The application process was easy, and the end result is fantastic. The stain worked wonders on a cherry kitchen island leg that had been painted in white enamel. Despite multiple sandings, the white paint would not completely come off. However, this stain managed to match the leg with the rest of my cherry kitchen cabinets seamlessly. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to restore or enhance wooden furniture or fixtures.

I am amazed at how someone could give this product a 1/5 rating. It is clear that they did not apply it correctly. Personally, I used this stain to sand and restain my front door, and the result was absolutely fabulous! The door, which was previously worn, now looks brand new with a stunning black walnut finish.

One of the things I loved about this stain is how easy it was to apply. It glided on smoothly and provided even coverage without any hassle. I have used many stains in the past, but this one stands out as one of the easiest to work with.

Although the color is described as black, it leans more towards a rich brown shade. While this didn't exactly match the color I initially wanted, I found it easy to mix this stain with another canyon brown stain to achieve the perfect dark brown shade. The result exceeded my expectations, and I couldn't be happier with how my project turned out.

I recently used the #1 Deck stain to improve the appearance of my 15-year-old fence before installing a new composite deck. The fence had black and green mold/mildew and was overall a dark gray color. I followed the instructions and properly cleaned the wood surface beforehand. I used the Light Walnut color, and I must say that the results were even better than advertised. The fence now looks like it was put up just a few months ago. Living in the Atlanta area with high heat and humidity, I am impressed with how well this stain holds up. I highly recommend #1 Deck stain for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their deck or fence.

Another amazing experience I had with #1 Deck stain was when I decided to recondition my 31-year-old deck during the COVID pandemic. The deck was weathered, stained, and deteriorating. I spent a lot of time sanding and fixing the rotted places, but the top side was in bad shape. Instead of replacing the entire deck, I reversed the boards and used the underside on top. After power washing and sanding, I applied two coats of #1 Deck stain and the results were fantastic. The deck looked almost new. The stain went on easily and evenly without any streaks. Even after 2 years, the deck still looks great. I plan on cleaning it in the fall and applying another coat of stain. I highly recommend #1 Deck stain for revitalizing old decks.

I recently purchased the three-step products from #1 Deck to refinish the deck on my newly purchased house. The cleaner and brightener worked great, and there was plenty left over for future use. The stain, however, just barely covered the deck because some sections were protected from the weather and required less stain. If your deck has a lot of wear, I recommend calculating about 75 square feet per gallon instead of the recommended 100 to 150 square feet. The finish was supposed to be flat, but I noticed some sheen, especially over the less weathered sections. Following the directions and applying the second coat within 15 minutes of the first coat made the application easier and the drying process better. I chose the dark walnut color, which made the whole deck more uniform while still allowing the woodgrain to show through. I am happy with the results so far, but I cannot speak to its durability in northern Alabama weather.

The only downside I experienced was with the Amazon shipping. The package arrived damaged and leaking, causing a mess in the post office. However, the reorder process was easy, and the customer service representative made sure I didn't have to ship the damaged items back. The packaging of the stain jugs was also problematic, as they were not packed upright and had no notice that they were liquid. The larger box that the jugs came in had no packing to prevent sliding, contributing to the damage of the original order. Despite these shipping issues, I did not deduct any stars from my review as I eventually received everything undamaged.

I recently used Varathane's Black Cherry wood stain and I must say, I am absolutely thrilled with the results. After wiping it on with a rag and applying three coats of polyurethane, my project came out exactly as I had envisioned it – beautiful and exactly what I was looking for.

The color of this stain is truly gorgeous, and with just three coats, I was able to achieve the exact color shown in the pictures. It provided the deep, rich and saturated color that I had been searching for.

As someone who comes from a family of furniture refinishers, I have always trusted Varathane products. Their stains, like this Black Cherry option, have always delivered exceptional results. The color is perfect and the stain penetrates the wood beautifully, enhancing the natural grain and bringing out its true beauty.

In comparison to other brands, such as Minwax, Varathane stands out for its ability to provide a more vibrant and rich color. While Minwax has its place in the market, if you want your natural wood to truly shine, Varathane is the way to go.

One thing worth mentioning is that the drying time for this stain was a bit longer than expected. It took several days to fully dry and even then, it still felt a bit sticky. However, once I applied a polyurethane top coat, it sealed the stain perfectly and provided the desired finish.

I highly recommend Minwax oil-based stains for anyone looking to achieve a professional and luxurious finish on their wood projects. In my experience, the finished product using Minwax stains surpasses other oil-based stains I have tried in the past.

One of the reasons I prefer Minwax stains is that they do not contain polyurethane sealants mixed with the stain in a single application. I find that when polyurethane is mixed with the stain, it becomes difficult to control the absorption rate. With Minwax oil-based stains alone, you have better control over the stain penetration and color, allowing you to achieve the desired result before applying the polyurethane sealant separately.

The Minwax brand of stains offers a deeper, truer, and more luxurious look compared to other brands, including high-priced ones. I have found that combining Minwax stains with their polyurethane sealant/Spar produces the best results.

When it comes to application methods, I have had success using a HVLP sprayer for an even coat on large areas. Applying the stain by hand may result in a blotchy or uneven finish. Personally, I prefer using a HVLP sprayer and have used both expensive and more affordable models with great results. The polyurethane/Spar can also be sprayed using the same sprayer, and I recommend cutting it with penetrol to achieve a smooth and glass-like finish. Additionally, using an activator like Jap dryer can help shorten the drying time of the polyurethane/Spar.

I have used Minwax stains and polyurethane/Spar on various projects such as exterior and interior doors, cabinetry, moldings, and trim, and have always been satisfied with the outcome. The HVLP sprayer method, in particular, has made the job much easier and consistently delivered excellent results regardless of the sprayer's cost.

In contrast, I have tried other brands that did not live up to my expectations. Personally, I have never been a big fan of water-based products when it comes to wood staining.

Sikkens Clear Finish: The Ultimate Choice for Exterior Wood

I recently had the pleasure of using Sikkens Clear Finish to recoat my 5-year-old solid oak door, and I must say, this product exceeded my expectations. The application process was a breeze, and the end result was nothing short of outstanding.

One of the standout features of Sikkens Clear Finish is its exceptional performance on exterior surfaces. I have tried numerous clear finishes in the past, but none have come close to the level of protection and durability that Sikkens provides. Even under the intense summer sun, this finish holds up remarkably well, making it the ideal choice for outdoor projects.

In terms of ease of use, Sikkens Clear Finish truly shines. The product applies smoothly and evenly, leaving behind a flawless finish. I found that a natural bristle brush worked best for application, ensuring a professional-looking result with no runs or imperfections.

Another aspect that impressed me about Sikkens Clear Finish is its versatility. I used just one quart to apply three coats on a large exterior door made from Spanish Cedar, and the end result was simply beautiful. This is particularly reassuring for those who, like me, are not expert finishers. The fact that it worked flawlessly on an expensive wood like Spanish Cedar speaks volumes about its quality.

I was also pleased with the shipping process. The product arrived ahead of the scheduled earliest arrival date, which was a pleasant surprise. This timely delivery allowed me to complete my project without any delays.