How to Refinish an Entrance

Remove the entrance door from its hinges with a screwdriver. Place the hardware aside in a small plastic bag to keep it together. Move the door to a work area where you can lay it flat.

Strip off the original finish with a hand sander. Whether you are painting or staining, the original finish needs to be removed. Sand off the varnish layer and take the door down to the bare wood. If you have a metal door, rough up the finish with a fine-grit sanding block.

Stain or prime and paint the door. If staining, use a stain applicator and the stain color of your choice. Apply one coat and let it dry for six hours. Sand lightly and apply a second coat if necessary. If painting, add one coat of primer and let that dry for four hours. Apply a latex exterior paint in the color of your choice to the door. Let this coat dry for four hours.

Protect the finish of the door with polyurethane. Sand the door lightly one more time and apply at least one coat of polyurethane with a paintbrush. If you're using more than one coat, let the first coat dry for at least four hours, sand lightly and apply the second coat.

Repeat this process with the trim around the door. Match the trim to the refinished door by either painting or staining it.

Rehang the door. Line the door up with the hinges and insert the screws. Tighten them with a cordless screwdriver. Open and close the door. If it sticks or seems loose, tighten or loosen the screws as necessary.