Doug wrote:
Thanks to all for the great advice!

I failed to mention that only the exterior surface of the door needs
to be refinished - which will likely also require staining, as the
lower portion has been exposed to water splashing off the front porch.

The area to be stained will have to be sanded to bare wood

As with the recommendation for varnish - is there a particular type /
brand of stain best suited for this application?

Why would you want to stain mahogany? If you think you are going to even up
different colors between the bottom, splashed area and the rest then think
again, you won't. Better to sand down the entire surface. If the bottom is
blackened because the finish had worn away, bleach it. With wood bleach
(oxalic acid).
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When selecting a kick plate - are there ready made kick plates for
standard size doors, or is it better to purchase a piece of brass
custom cut to size?

Yes, there are ready made plates.. Have you checked Google?
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What is the typical thickness of a kick plate?

Jeez, who knows? Somewhere between a RCH and 1/2". Personally, I wouldn't
use one, just a further complication and I don't kick my door.
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By finished in place do you mean leave the door on the hinges instead
of laying down horizontal?

Yes. You can't do the job in one day. You need several coats and each coat
takes multiple hours to dry which means a temporary door if you take it off
the hinges. Taking off is better but not very practical.
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Showing my lack of experience here - however, would think that to
brush apply varnish on a vertical surface is a sure way to get runs /
sags.

Not if you apply it correctly...thinned so it flows together, not thin
enough or applied heavily enough to run.
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After applying a coat of varnish - would it be advisable to provide
some form of protective barrier in front of the surface to ensure
nothing gets on / stuck in the wet varnish?

Wouldn't matter, something will get stuck in it anyway. Any bugs will just
brush off once they and the varnish have dried.
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How can I test the existing finish to determine if it is varnish?

Wipe it with lacquer thinner...if it dissolves easily it isn't varnish.
Doesn't much matter what the existing finish is anyway as long as you sand
it to bare wood or even just enough to get rid of oxidation and any
yellowish, non-adhered areas

--

dadiOH
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