Finish for front door?

[SS Teach]

I need to refinish my front entry door. Once it is ready for finish what should I use? Our summers run above 100, the winters are in the 40's and foggy. The door is protected from rain and sun. I'm not sure what kind of wood it is. I am not a fan of brushes.

 

[elfick]

I'm not a painter and I've never tried this, but the most interesting answer to this question that I've seen is to use untinted outdoor oil-based paint... http://community.woodmagazine.com/t5/Steve-Mickley/quot-Paint-quot-your-exterior-projects/ba-p/1657

 

[tiralie]

Once it is ready for finish what should I use?

What are you doing to get it ready to finish? Sanding, stripping etc. What is on the door now, paint or clear coat?

Our summers run above 100, the winters are in the 40's and foggy.

Not great conditions for a wooden door. Fog usually creates dew or moisture on the exterior of the door which runs down to the threshold or into the joints. Are there any signs of water staining, blistering or pealing etc. particularly on the bottom stile or rail?

The door is protected from rain and sun.

100% protected or partially?

I'm not sure what kind of wood it is.

I would try to find out. The kind of finish and the maintenance schedule will vary depending on whether it's an oily or exotic wood versus pine etc. You can post pictures here and we can try to figure it out but it's best to ask someone who can look at it in person.

I am not a fan of brushes.

Ok...a good brush in the right hands can produce a beautiful finish. You might want to consider hiring someone.
Tim

 

[abgoto]

You mention refinish, so I assume you are either stripping or sanding off the current finish.  Once you have prepped the surface (sanded it with 120 grit paper, and removed all dust), I would recommend Epifanes Clear Varnish (www.epifanes.com). I use it on my front door,, and while the process is time consuming, it will provide a durable finish that should just require an occasional  maintenance coat rather than having to finish the door again.  It takes a total of seven coats of varnish with sanding between each coat after letting it dry for 24 hours.  I applied it with rag, no brush necessary.  Make sure to wear a respirator.