Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Jul 20, 2006 04:43am | #1

   Doomed Door

   This is a pretty common tale for doors. You didn't say what you refinished it with. A spar varnish would be my first choice .

   I'll assume you've got a decent sander. I would start with 120 grit and give it a thorough sanding. Clean all the dust and follow it with 150 and finish up with 180. Be sure your paper is sharp at all times.

   Again, I'll assume the rest of the finish is intact. Thoroughly sand the surface with 220 grit. Follow this with a good rubbing with maroon scotch pads.

   Clean the surface well.

   I would then blend the bleached area with a compatible color. It may take a couple of applications to get ti right.

   After the stain is dry do a few coats of varnish over the repaired area. Be sure and feather it out over the existing finish. When you are happy that the mill thickness of the repair matches the rest of the door, give the repaired area a sanding with 220 as you did the rest of the door.

   Now, re coat the whole door. This way the finish envelope is all the same. Be sure and coat the top and bottom also.

   If this sounds like a lot of work , it is. I've done this type of repair on mahogany doors more times than I care to remember.

   Be sure and maintain it. A light sanding and a coat or two of varnish every 18 to 24 months will keep it looking pristine.

   Make sure you start it soon. I don't know when the Nebraska winter weather sets in but you will want it done at least four to six weeks minimum prior to that.

   Good luck,

   Peter Gedrys