I know there are a lot of threads about finishing front doors and quite a few of them deal with Thermatru Fiberglass doors. All of the ones that I have found on the forum are from several years ago and do not seem to address my specific line of questioning. I read a few that mention the kit Thermatru sells is a good option but it cost over $200. In my attempt to save money I purchased an unfinished door and have already applied a Min-wax Gel Stain Oil-Based product. My door faces west so it gets full sun for 50% of the day. I plan to build a porch on the front of my house to mitigate sun exposure but mainly for re-sale value. Although the porch project is most likely a year or two out. I have been looking at the General Finishes Exterior 405 and was about to purchase it when I searched for the best way to apply the finish and ended up here.
After reading everything for a day or two I have few questions:
- Does anyone know if the GF 405 will hold up for at least 2 years before I build the porch? I would prefer 3 years in sun just to make sure it looks good after the porch is built.
- I was planning to cut whatever top coat I eventually go with and brush it on. Although I am not above buying a cheaper Harbor Freight airless sprayer and spraying. The only catch is that I would be spraying in my garage. Is a cheaper airless sprayer good enough to get a decent finish and is it advisable to spray in my garage if I take the necessary precautions?
- We would like to use a matte finish for the top coat. I have only ever used satin or semi gloss and was also curious if it holds up to weather any differently?
Glad to be a part of the group.