Best Exterior Wood Paint for Doors: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Your exterior doors are the first line of defence against the elements. Living in York, we know that means driving rain, freezing temperatures, and the occasional summer heatwave. If your paintwork fails, the timber underneath absorbs moisture, leading to swelling, sticking, and eventually, rot.
I'm often asked by clients whether they should replace a tired-looking door or simply refurbish it. In many cases, a quality timber door crafted from good stock (like Accoya or seasoned oak) just needs a proper heavy-duty finish to bring it back to life. However, choosing the wrong paint can lead to peeling within six months.
In this review, I've selected three products that offer different solutions: a budget-friendly option for garden joinery, a quality satin finish for modern durability, and a heavy-duty gloss that does away with the need for a separate primer.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "10-Year Guarantee"
"The manufacturer claims the paint will not peel or flake for a decade."
This relies entirely on perfect preparation. If you paint over damp wood or old flaky paint, no product will last 10 years. In my experience, expect to touch up exposed areas (like the bottom rail) every 5-6 years in exposed locations.
The Spec: "Quick Drying (1-2 Hours)"
"You can close the door almost immediately after painting."
Whilst 'touch dry' might be fast, the paint remains soft for days. If you close a newly painted door tight against the weather seal, it will likely stick and pull the paint off when opened. Always leave the door ajar as long as possible.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Johnstone's - Garden Colours Fence Paint - Deep Oak | Exterior Wood Paint for Shed, Outdoor Furniture
Johnstone's
Whilst primarily marketed for fences, this is a solid budget choice for garden doors, side gates, and shed entrances. It's cost-effective and provides a decent layer of protection for rough-sawn or planed garden timber, though I wouldn't recommend it for a high-gloss front door.
The Good
- Excellent value at under £10 per litre
- Fade resistant colour maintains appearance
- Very easy to apply, even for beginners
The Bad
- Not suitable for polished/smooth front doors
- Durability (4 years) is lower than premium gloss paints
Installer Tip:
This paint runs thinner than gloss. When painting a vertical shed door or gate, watch out for runs and drips. Brush them out immediately to avoid uneven drying.
Priced at £9.55 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonJohnstone's - Quick Dry Satin Natural Sage Finish Exterior Wood & Metal
Johnstone's
For a contemporary look on a main entrance door, this satin finish is superb. It sits between matt and gloss, offering a sophisticated sheen that hides minor imperfections in older woodwork—a common issue with Victorian doors in York.
The Good
- Satin finish hides lumps and bumps better than gloss
- Resistant to cracking and peeling (flexible formula)
- Water-based: low odour and easy brush cleaning
The Bad
- Requires good weather conditions to cure properly
- More expensive per litre than standard gloss
Installer Tip:
Even though it's 'wood and metal', I always recommend a light sand between coats. It keys the surface and knocks off any raised grain, ensuring the satin finish looks professional and smooth.
Priced at £15.82 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonRonseal 10 Year Weatherproof 2-in-1 Wood Paint Dark Oak Gloss 750ml
Ronseal
This is a fantastic option for homeowners who want maximum protection with minimum fuss. Being a 2-in-1 product, it removes the need for a separate primer, which is a massive time-saver when trying to get a job done between rain showers.
The Good
- No separate primer required - saves hours of labour
- High gloss finish repels water effectively
- Flexible formula resists cracking as wood moves
The Bad
- One coat is rarely enough; rely on two for depth
- Gloss finish highlights any surface imperfections
Installer Tip:
Don't skip the prep just because it says 'no primer'. You must still sand down the old flaking paint and ensure the timber is dry. If you paint over damp wood, even this 10-year paint will bubble within months.
Priced at £15.10 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Should I use oil or water-based paint for my front door?
How do I stop my newly painted door from sticking?
Can I paint over rotten wood?
Do I need to take the door off its hinges to paint it?
What is the difference between satin and gloss?
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