DIY guideDoor

Refinish an exterior wood door

Hardware off, sand it with the grain, clean it, stain or prime, seal every edge, and two coats of outdoor finish: a wood door that sheds rain again.

8 steps

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Pick a dry, mild day out of direct sun. Take off the handle, lock and knocker, or tape over them, and tape the glass.
Older home? Test the paint for lead before you sand.
Sand the whole door with the grain, until the old finish is dull and the grey wood is gone.
Wear a dust mask and eye protection.
Vacuum the dust off, wipe the door with a damp cloth, and let it dry.
Brush on stain with the grain and wipe off the extra, or brush on primer if you're painting.
Open the door wide and brush the top, the sides and as much of the bottom edge as you can reach. A bare edge soaks up water.
Brush on outdoor varnish or paint, let it dry, sand it lightly, and brush on a second coat.
Once it's dry right through, pull the tape and put the hardware back.
Soft or rotten wood, a split panel, or a door that sticks or won't close: ask Handyman for a carpenter.

Handyman says: Soft or split? I'll find a carpenter.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.