Replies

1. 
   esch5995 | Sep 15, 2022 10:20pm | #1

   Unfortunately pictures make it an educated guess at best. I will say that the large splotch and some others to a less noticeable extent on the raised panel seems to obscure the grain. This makes me think it's more than just some finish that wasn't fully removed or a glue fingerprint that sealed the grain, but it can be just about anything. Problems like this are why I don't try to refinish much anymore, the results never really satisfied me enough to justify the effort. Sorry that isn't much help, but your options are limited and it may be only to sand and then sand some more.

2. 
   Donji | Sep 16, 2022 06:21pm | #2

   Refinishing can have some challenges - like those you are experiencing. As already mentioned, ensuring a clean surface free of any impurities (like residual glue or wax) is a must. If you think it might be a water, heat or other type of stain, perhaps try treating it with some oxalic acid, but make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned after treatment.

3. 
   jharveyb | Sep 16, 2022 09:49pm | #3

   I am not a refinishing expert (thank goodness). What I see is possibly residual glue from the time the door was in the factory. The fact that the open pores so visible above and below the big light patch are invisible in the patch indicates to me that they are filled with something. A lot of factory finishes are sprayed on rather than wiped on and wiped off, and that could have left the patch the same color as the surrounding wood, so it was not noticeable. Look closely at the light patch, and see if the pores are filled in. If so, your only way to make it look the same is to get down deeper in the wood by sanding or planing enough to get to open pores. Good luck!