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

> Polyurethane.

> 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.

> 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.

D) Get your priorities in order and forget using it as a door, salvage what wood you can from it to be used for a kayak. If it is a luan door use it for a stitch and glue, if it is a solid wood door, rip it into strips. ; -)

Actually just get some paint stripper to remove the finish. it should come off easy. Take the door down, put it on some saw horses sow the stripper doesn't run off, the finish should bubble up so you can scrape it off, then just sand and wash off the residue following the strippers directions.

Mike