How do i paint my raw/unpainted timber door? i want a natural cool antique colour?

Question

please add advice on different paints, gloss or brushes etc

Answer 1

If the door is for outdoor then you have to paint a coat of primer to prevent decay of the wood.

then i would pick a light color to paint that way the grain of the wood will still show. make sure the paint is made for wood. they have different shades like pine, oak, or cherry.

-- i wouldn't pick a high gloss paint because it makes it look too shiny.  

Answer 2

Since I don't know what color the door is now, I will give a few ideas.  If it is a gray color made from old weathered wood I recommend Thomson's water  seal.   This will not change the color but will protect the wood.  If it is new pine or oak I would use transparent stain, not paint.  Stain lets the grain of the wood show through.  You can get it in many different colors  as light or dark as you want.  Then finish with marine spar vavnish to protect the finish.  You can also paint the door white.with really thinned down with water paint.  Wipe off the excess.  This will give the weathered look.  There is also on the market something called crackel paint.  First paint the dood a base coat of white.  Then put on the crackel color.  As it drys it cracks to make it look old