On 6/7/2012 6:53 AM, Doug wrote:
All,

Need to refinish my mahogany front entry door - would like to undertake this myself,
however not clear this would be the best course of action.

Understand that finishing in place is not practical and I do not have a spare door to put
in place while the door is off being refinished.

Spraying a large surface with multiple coasts of spar varnish in the house is also not a
good idea.

You do not want to spray or apply spar varnish to the interior side of
the door. Spar varnish remains some what soft and flexible to resist
cracking. Basically the door will always have a bit of a sticky feel.
Use it only on the outside surface. Apply the new coat of varnish with
a brush or small roller.



Found a local shop that does this work - they remove your door to their shop for 7-10
days, and install a temporary door by screwing it to the door jam.


While that may be a secure way to install the door - am not receptive to having 6 screw
holes left in the door frame.

So you caulk those holes and repaint.


My location is west Houston / Katy area.

Me 2


Very much appreciate any comments / suggestions on how to proceed - including
recommendations of craftsman / companies that are known to do reliable and high quality
door refinishing.

For what is worth, refinishing your door is probably going to be an
"regular maintenance" procedure every 3~5 years and probably more often
if your door faces west and or east and gets direct sun exposure.


What is the preferred method for installing a kick plate - glued, screwed, or both?

Take our pick, normally screwed.


Is the kick plate installed before the finish is applied?

No.


Thanks in advance for comments from the group!

Regards,

Doug