How to Refinish Exterior Stained Doors

Your front door makes a big impression.

Your front door is the gateway to your home. Your neighbors look at it every time they pass by your house. The door is the first thing that your guests see when they come to your home. Keep your doors looking new by refinishing them every three to four years. Stain will preserve the wood while allowing the wood grain to show through. Choose a stain color that complements the rest of your home and get to work.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate
• Paint stripper
• Scrub sponge
• Sandpaper
• Paintbrush
• Stain
• Rags

Instructions

1. Scrub the exterior door with TSP. TSP, or trisodium phosphate, removes surface dirt. Dip a scrub sponge into the TSP and wipe the wood aggressively to remove the dirt.

2. Apply a thick coat of gel-based paint stripper to the areas of the door that you will be refinishing, using a paintbrush. Gel-based products are easier to control than liquids. Allow the stripper to penetrate the topcoat for 20 to 30 minutes. Wipe away the paint stripper with a scrub sponge.

3. Sand the exterior door with medium-grit sandpaper. Remove as much of the original finish color as you can. Your end goal is to have a door that is bare wood.

4. Sand the door with fine-grit sandpaper until any tiny ridges are smoothed. When the surface feels smooth under your bare hand, it is well-sanded. Wipe away any sanding dust with a damp rag.

5. Dip a clean rag into stain and wipe the stain onto the door. Start with a light coating of stain. You can add more if the color is not deep enough. Remove the excess with a clean rag. Continue applying and wiping off stain until you achieve a depth of color that you like. Allow the stain to dry.

6. Coat the door with oil-based polyurethane, using a paintbrush. The polyurethane will protect the wood from the elements and make the wood durable. Apply two to three coats, allowing each coat to dry.

References

• Lowe's: Refinish Wood Furniture