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Entry doors that have been hanging a while have a tendency to be very dried out. Refinishing old doors takes a bit of care, the moisture content on the inside can be higher and dry wrotting can possibly be an issue. Take care to make sure that the wood is truly sealed on every possible edge, to prevent warping.

I would use a marine grade varnish. Put on 5 to 10 coats. One a day depending where you are in the States. Texas 10 coats. Should last you 2 years, before light sanding and a new coat or two.

Madts.

One of the guys I work with is a very experienced finisher. A real artist. Anyway, we had a conversation about this exact same topic once. He was involved in the renovation of a very expensive home and the front door is the same situation. He goes back every 2 years to refinish the door. I don’t remember what he said he uses, but I think it’s spar urethane.

http://www.amazon.com/Man-Spar-Varnish-Gloss-Quart/dp/B000HEHESU

tough stuff

Thanks for the input guys, he told me the door was a bit rough, that was an understatement! The door is rotting out. He is just going to get a new door, maybe i will make it for him, i have never made a door, but hey i will try anything once.