Recommended paint for a FLB redwood external door?

I'm probably going to buy a pair of framed ledged & braced redwood external doors for my new workshop build. The online retailer says:

External Redwood doors can be stained or painted. We recommend the use of Oil based finishes.

...hence I'd like some recommendations for paint (and primer for wood?). I'll happily pay more for a premium product, since these door will face the prevailing weather direction.

Thanks in advance.

I have found "Osmo" products very good. I think it is German in origin. My last can came from the local "Axminster" tool shop. It has a slightly oily feel when dry (if that makes sense; perhaps slippery would be better). It does not peel off like most of the alleged wood preserving coatings that I have tried. They do a range of products, and oddly there are various colours available as well as clear, but not all the colours are common over the range; at least when I was looking.

Maurice

When we used to keep a holiday house over in Ireland I fitted a new back door and used Sadolin or Sikkens ? spelling ? can't remember which as both are similar. 15 years on the door still looks good when we visit the area and I doubt the new owner has treated the door.

Sadolin, as it is a, 'Breathing' protection and does not mind the weather.

Clive

It depends on what finish you want for your doors. I've used a lot of Sadolin and it's very good, but if you choose the Sadolin which gives a satin, almost glossy finish ( I can't remember what it's called ) don't be tempted to put too many coats on. Sadolin is a microporous paint and and will not work if the coat is too thick. Follow the instructions and all will be well. Good colour range as well.

I don't think you need to be too picky about this. The first thing is not to go for a modern water based acrylic paint. Then unless you live in the paint capital of the world your local shop will only have a choice of two - on cheap generic name or in-house name for the big stores, and a branded version. They may well come from the same factory with the cheaper version just having more kaolin and solvent added instead of active ingredients. Pay particular attention to exposed edges and doing the job when the temperature and humidity are right.

Paint, oil or varnish just make sure it is exterior grade for the material to be covered. Have painted many doors over the years and never had a problem. Occasionally pass by my fathers old house and I painted the garage door about 15 years ago and still looks the same. For yours, if it was me it would be a Osmo or Sadolin finish.

There's only one 'paint' for exterior hardwood - Sovereign SX70 - stain and clear top coat. I guarantee you will not be disappointed (except possibly by the price - but quality comes at a cost!). I have used it on my front door and everyone that comes to the house comments on the gloss and durability of it.

Sovereign Chemicals are based in Barrow in Furness, Cumbria (tel 01229 870800)

For paint I would recommend Sikkens 'Rubbol AZ Plus' it is what they use on the front door of a particular house in Downing Street, London! Available in other colours than Black though.

For 'varnish', only one choice , Le Tonkinois.

A very good, but not everlasting "paint" in a salty atmosphere is Superdec. Possibly a small range of colours. Expensive, but longer lasting than even some of the branded materials, and definitely better than the the cheap DIY store products.

Some of the branded suppliers are now offering products with a claimed 5 year life span. Time will tell!

Howard