Chassis
Engineer
I'm in the middle of an entryway beautification project. Exterior porch trim is painted, and I'm ordering the new lockset, letter box, light fixture, etc.
My question is how best to refinish the wood main entry door. It is either maple or cherry. Anything other than oak or pine, and I have a hard time identifying wood species. The finish is natural, with I presume some sort of clear polyurethane or varnish equivalent. I'm guessing the existing finish is 10-15 years old, possibly 20. It's in good condition, just some sun fading where the previous owners had a brass name plaque on the door.
Couple of questions:
1. How best to strip and/or sand the old finish off? Do I need to sand at all? Do I use chemical strippers? Can I get the sun faded areas eliminated? The new finish will be natural in color.
2. How to fill old screw holes with minimum appearance issues? The PO's had a nameplate on the door, and we will not have anything on the door in this area. I have seen many types of colored or stainable wood putty - any recommendations?
3. How to protect the (new) paint on the interior of the door? The paint on the interior side of the door is less than 1 yr old and we won't be changing it.
Thanks for any advice folks.
My question is how best to refinish the wood main entry door. It is either maple or cherry. Anything other than oak or pine, and I have a hard time identifying wood species. The finish is natural, with I presume some sort of clear polyurethane or varnish equivalent. I'm guessing the existing finish is 10-15 years old, possibly 20. It's in good condition, just some sun fading where the previous owners had a brass name plaque on the door.
Couple of questions:
1. How best to strip and/or sand the old finish off? Do I need to sand at all? Do I use chemical strippers? Can I get the sun faded areas eliminated? The new finish will be natural in color.
2. How to fill old screw holes with minimum appearance issues? The PO's had a nameplate on the door, and we will not have anything on the door in this area. I have seen many types of colored or stainable wood putty - any recommendations?
3. How to protect the (new) paint on the interior of the door? The paint on the interior side of the door is less than 1 yr old and we won't be changing it.
Thanks for any advice folks.