Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Oct 25, 2019 06:38pm | #1

   I would let it absorb as much thin epoxy as it can. I've used a brand called Rot Fix. Turn the door bottom side up, and let it soak into the end grain. When it won't take any more, prime and paint.

2. 
   jake_w | Oct 26, 2019 07:41am | #2

   I second the thin epoxy across the bottom. This is how I finished my exterior doors and they are holding up well. I would also recommend putting in some time looking into why the door gets wet. Rot forms when the wood gets wet and cannot dry quickly. Solving the wetting and drying issues will go much further in preventing rot than finding the best finish.

3. 
   brint | Nov 07, 2019 08:05pm | #3

   Thanks to both of you. The reason it gets wet is that it's a wooden storm door on a historic house which sits out on a concrete stoop towards the weather. Had it been maintained over the years (i.e., painted more frequently), I'm guessing there wouldn't have been a problem.

4. 
   fivebirdscustom | Nov 08, 2019 09:36am | #4

   When i lived back East, I did a lot of remodeling/restoration stuff. One of my favorite products was Minwax's Wood Hardener. It is probably similar to Rot Fix John_C2 mentions above.

   The nice thing about this kind of product is that it soaks in and, once hardened, can be machined and painted just like the original wood.

5. 
   sclause | Nov 08, 2019 04:27pm | #5

   Because it is unseen most painters just skip the painting or sealing of the top and bottom of doors. I used to have a special flat brush with short nap to coat the door bottom without needing to remove the door. After the damage I give a +1 to the wood hardener followed up with bondo or other hard filler. I would also take a look at the roof drip line and attempt to eliminate splashing water droplets.