Is it much better to put a clear coat on a stained door?

Question

I stained a wooden door last year and I chose not to put clear coat on it. Does it really make it look that much better? And is it really that hard to put on? How do you do it, if you recommend it.

Answer 1

I like to wax mine(!). I think it looks much nicer than a shiny top coat, and even it doesn't dry shiny it can feel rough. Good old clear beeswax protects from damp and stains and smells gorgeous!

Answer 2

I take it you mean to apply a finish to your door, you could try a standard polyurethane varnish, lightly sand the door until it feels smooth to the touch, use a decent quality varnish brush not a paint brush, thin the first coat with about a quarter of white spirit, when completely dry sand again (important to get a good finish) then apply two more coats sanding down between coats, best results i find are to use clear satin, dont forget to remove dust after sanding the result is an easy to clean surface with a deep attractive lustre, or try an oiled finish from the rustins range of products, you will still need to sand carefully with a fine to medium abrasive paper, good luck it sounds involved but it's quite easy,

Answer 3

Any extra coat, paint/varnish etc. gives the surface more protection.

If it's an external door, a matt exterior varnish will help keep the door looking good for longer as very few stains are up to withstanding wind and rain.

Several coats of a gloss varnish will add lustre to your staining.

Answer 4

you can put a clear coat on the door and it will change it . you should look at the wood samples at the store . they show you how each selection will make the wood look when done.
if this is an outside door just be sure to ask or look for one that is suitable for outside and lots of sun . one kind like that is marine but there are others.

Answer 5

it does look better and protects the door its easy to apply.