7. Apply final coat and reattach hardware

After the finish has dried overnight, gently hand-sand it with 220-grit paper. (You don't want to sand through to bare wood.) Dust the door and wipe it down with a tack cloth. Brush on the second coat, following the same order, and let it dry overnight. Dust and sand with 280-grit paper, then put on the final coat. When that's dry, reattach the door hardware.

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Helpful Info

Skill Builder: Using Chemical Strippers to Prep a Wood Door for Refinishing

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Ask This Old House: Front Door Care

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