Restoring a Weather-Beaten Front Door – See the Incredible Before & After!

Your front door says more than you think—it’s the first thing visitors and buyers notice. But for homes near the coast, this focal point is constantly under siege from salt-laden winds, searing sunlight, ocean humidity, and abrasive grit. Over time, these elements strip away the charm of natural timber, leading to fading, cracking, and decay.

Thankfully, marine-grade coatings are purpose-built to stand up to coastal punishment while reviving and preserving your timber’s natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll unpack a recent re-varnishing project from start to finish.

Living near the ocean has its perks—breezes, sunsets, the smell of salt in the air. But those very benefits turn brutal when it comes to your home’s timber. Regular varnishes break down fast under coastal conditions, buckling under the combined force of:

• UV Exposure: Harsh sun breaks down lignin, bleaching rich wood tones into lifeless grey.
• Water Intrusion: Sea mist and rain push moisture deep into the wood, leading to swelling, softening, and eventual rot.
• Salt Crystals: Fine salt particles embed into the finish, grinding away the surface layer by layer.
• Mould and Mildew: Damp timber becomes a breeding ground for fungal growth and staining.

Marine Grade Coatings have long been trusted by professionals to protect wood in the harshest environments—think boat hulls, pier railings, and beachside decks. Their marine-grade line takes that same professional-grade resilience and applies it to residential timber.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Advanced UV Blockers: Stops sunlight from degrading timber at the cellular level.
• Anti-Fungal Compounds: Kills mould spores before they can take hold.
• Moisture-Repelling Polymers: Forms a tough, breathable seal that keeps rain out but allows internal moisture to escape.
• Flexible Film: Expands and contracts with the timber, preventing peeling and cracks.

Together, these technologies create a finish that’s both beautiful and bulletproof.

UV Protection Technology
Think of it like SPF for your wood—Cabots uses organic UV filters and HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) to neutralize the sun’s most destructive forces, converting them to harmless heat before damage occurs.

Biocide Defence System
Silver-based antimicrobials and proprietary fungicides disrupt the cell walls of bacteria, mould, and mildew—stopping growth before it starts.

Water-Shedding Resin System
Marine-grade polymers repel water on contact, yet still allow moisture trapped inside the timber to escape—no more rot from within.

Elastic Flexibility
Instead of cracking with timber movement, these coatings flex and shift, staying sealed even through temperature swings and seasonal expansion.

1.Masking & Protection

The interior of the front door was fully masked with plastic sheeting to protect the interior from getting any dust through and gaps or holes.

2. Coatings Stripping

To remove the old failing coatings we applied an industrial paint stripper. This loosened the existing varnish and it was removed using scrapers.

3. Sanding

To remove the remainder of the coatings we sanded the old varnish back to bare timber, removing surface contaminants and raising the grain for optimum adhesion.

4. Cleaning

After sanding, we wiped down surfaces with a lint-free cloth to eliminate dust and oils.

5. Applying the First Coat

The sealer coat goes on lightly, filling grain pores and creating a uniform substrate. Use a soft-bristle brush for controlled application, avoiding puddles.

6. Building Up to Perfection

Between each layer, we lightly sand with fine-grade paper (220 grit) to remove nibs and ensure smooth film build. We then apply multiple thin coats as they outperform a single thick one, both in durability and appearance.

1. Total UV Defense
Forget the bleached, weathered look. Marine-grade coatings block out UV rays, preserving timber’s natural colour and character far longer than ordinary finishes.

2. Water Doesn’t Stand a Chance
Coastal doors take a beating from humidity and rain. Marine Grade forms a water-tight barrier that still breathes, reducing rot, swelling, and softening.

3. Deep, Lively Grain
Bring out the richness in your timber. Marine varnish enhances the grain’s depth, creating contrast, warmth, and that glowing, high-end finish.

4. Stops Mould in Its Tracks
Living near the ocean means battling mould. This finish has built-in fungicides to prevent mildew build-up, keeping your entryway clean and healthy.

5. That Glossy, Fresh-Applied Look—For Years
Where other varnishes fade fast, marine-grade coatings hold their sheen and resist scuffing, peeling, and chemical wear—even in harsh conditions.

6. Minimal Upkeep Required
Just wipe clean with mild soap and water. No sanding, no solvents, no hassle. With a quick annual check and the odd touch-up, you’re set.

7. Adds Instant Street Appeal
A beautifully varnished front door elevates the whole house. It signals quality, care, and craftsmanship—boosting property value and impressing visitors and buyers alike.

Your timber door doesn’t just welcome guests—it tells a story. With marine-grade coatings, that story is one of resilience, beauty, and craftsmanship that lasts. For homes that face the elements head-on, it’s more than a coat of varnish—it’s peace of mind.