> Sorry to abuse my priviledges - but I know Y'all know the answer to this
> non-boatbuilding question.

> I'm over at my friend Bill's house. He is trying to refinish his front
> door. It has some old stain literally cooked into it. He want's to strip
> it and restain

> The obvious questions:

> 1. How should we strip the old finish off? Can you suggest the right
> chemicals. Sanding isn't going to do it.

Heat might work, chemical strippers might work, you may have to experiment with a few methods.

> 2. After re-staining - what would you recommend as a preservative?

Polyurethane.

> 3. Also - we were curious if preparing the surface prior to restaining is
> a good idea. Would it make sense to lubricate the wood with some kind of
> oil prior to staining? Use an oil based stain? The wood seems a bit
> parched at this point.

If the wood is actually cracking you mgiht try a thin coat of epoxy, followed by a second thin coat. Otherwise the finish that soaks in should help seal things. Sand lightly between coats.

> Sorry to intrude on the boat building fun - but a few other projects
> around the hous are inevitable aren't they?

> TIA,

> PC for Bill

Boatbuilding related answers:

A) Sand it smooth to remove as much of the old finish as possible. cover it with wood strips applied with epoxy, and finish them with varnish. Use 1/16 th inch thick strips if you can.

B) find the nearest lumberyard that sells doorskins. Buy several. Glue one on his door. Use the rest to build boats.

C) find veneer to cover his door. Get more than he needs. use the excess to create decorations for your boat.

Non boatbuilding answers:

Forget trying to restain it. Use a colored finish. Paint is opaque. There are some tinted varnishes, polyurethanes, and others that let the grain show through a bit. Don't worry about `lubricating` the wood. The first coat should soak in and seal things. Check the directions on whatever material you use.

Hope this helps.

Paul G. Jacobson