How to Refinish a Wood Door

Remove the door from its hinges. Use a screwdriver and remove the screws from the bottom hinge, then the middle hinge, then the top hinge. Be sure to hold the door with one hand so that the lest couple of screws don't strip the wood off the door. Set the screws aside for later.

Lay the door flat on saw horses in a well-ventilated area. Use the screwdriver to remove the doorknob and latch assembly. Set these pieces aside for later.

Use a sander with rough sandpaper to remove paint or finish from the door. Take your time and completely remove all finish or paint from both sides and all four edges of the door. Wipe the door with a clean, dry rag.

Use a sander with medium sandpaper to even any rough spots on the door. Go slowly around both sides and all four edges of the door, smoothing every surface. Wipe the door with a clean, dry rag.

Use a sander with fine sandpaper for a final smoothing. Go slowly around both sides and all four edges of the door, smoothing every surface. Wipe the door with a clean, dry rag.

Use a paint roller and 1/4-inch nap to paint one side and all four edges of the door with stain. Cover the entire surface and smooth out the stain in one thin coat. Use a paintbrush to smooth out any runs in the stain. Allow the stain to dry 2 to 4 hours and repeat the process.

Flip the door and stain the other side with the roller. Smooth out any runs in the stain with your paintbrush. Allow the stain to dry 2 to 4 hours and repeat the process.

Replace your roller nap with a new one. Clean your paintbrush with paint cleaner. Coat one side and all four edges of the door with polyurethane, using your roller. Smooth out any runs with your paintbrush. Allow the polyurethane to dry 2 to 4 hours and repeat the process.

Flip the door and coat the other side with polyurethane. Smooth any runs with your brush. Allow the polyurethane to dry 2 to 4 hours and repeat the process.

Reattach the doorknob assembly and hang the door back onto the hinges. Attach the top hinge first, then the middle, then the bottom. Be sure to hold the door firmly so the screws don't strip the wood.