We recommend a painted door for any areas with high sun exposure. Paint is a commercial application and does not require any maintenance. The grain of a woodgrain fiberglass door still appears, but it is one solid colour (no highlights or variation in the colouring). Stain is a beautiful option for units with minimal sun exposure. For example, door systems protected by a covered porch or overhang. Stain is a brushed gel application with 3 coats of spar urethane. This finish allows for a variation of highlights and hues, bringing the texture to life and causing it to look like a real wood door system. The clear coat (spar urethane) protects the finish from weather. There is a small amount of maintenance required on stained units, every 4-6 years a clear coat of spar urethane will need to be reapplied.