Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 30, 2009 04:27am | #1

   What exposure does the door have?  Ie. How much sun will the threshold get?  You shouldn't use spar varnish on the threshold as spar varnish in particular is too soft for foot traffic.  Ordinarily, polyurethane varnishes offer the best abrasion resistance, BUT, single part polyurethanes are not nearly as UV resistant as non-poly varnishes.  Two part polyurethane varnishes would fill the bill, but at great expense, and you would have to consult the manufacturer about the compatibility over the CPES.  I would lean toward a Phenolic resin varnish--Waterlox Gloss, or Behlen Rockhard are examples.   

1. 
   ted | Jun 30, 2009 05:15am | #2

   It's a south facing front entry door. There is a three foot overhang directly above the door that provides some shade. But overall the door will see a good amount of sunlight. As a protective measure there will be a storm door with a screen during the summer months and glass during the winter months. I don't see moisture as a huge issue (save for the occasional storm with blowing winds) since the overhang keeps a lot of the water away from the door.
   I was wondering if some of the Bona products might be in order?

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 30, 2009 12:33pm | #3

   It looks to me like, given the screen door, that the threshold itself will see very little direct sun.  That means you could use a polyurethane varnish.  Certainly the Bona products would work fine, but they are a bit hard for non-professionals to buy, and to buy a pricy gallon to do a threshold isn't very economic. 

   Let me add another note.  Do not be too quick to change screens for the glass in the storm door.  Glass storm doors can act as green houses and really heat up the outside of a door.  Too hot and it can shorten the life of the finish.