How to Refinish an Exterior Wood Entry Door

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Extreme changes in temperature, coupled with the effects of sun and rain, can take their toll on the finish of an exterior wood entry door. To refinish an exterior wood door:

• Remove the door from its hinges.
• Lay the door on top of sawhorses.
• Remove the hardware from the door.
• Sand down the finish on the door.
• Apply stain to restore the color.
• Brush on several coats of an exterior spar varnish or polyurethane.
• Reattach the hardware to the door.
• Rehang the door.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• Door Painting Tip (video)
• How to Refinish and Restore an Entry Door (video)
• Replace Your Entry Door to Improve Curb Appeal (video)
• Upgrading and Replacing Doors (article)

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Occasionally a natural wood entry door will need to be refinished in order to counter the effects of the elements. The easiest way is to remove the door, so you can lay it down horizontally to sand the deteriorating finish. It isn’t always necessary to take it down to bare wood, just far enough to remove the spots where the varnish is cracked or rough. A light coat of a matching stain will revive the color, and several coats of spar varnish or polyurethane add shine and protect your work.