Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/1/2007

Question
Hi, I have bought several 5 panel horizontal doors.  They look dull and do not appear to have any poly on them.  My question is this, do I just need to sand them to get them clean (they have been stored in a barn)and to rough them up?  I assume I need to put the stain on next but do I sand again or poly after that?  I do not know what kind of wood this is, but some doors appear to have mohagany and others a walnut stain. What grit sandpaper do I need to use and should I use glossy poly or satin, etc.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jennifer
Nice to hear from you.
A lot of questions and so I do not miss any I'll repeat them here...
1.. do I just need to sand them to get them clean (they have been stored in a barn)and to rough them up?
Jennifer I would wash them before sanding if they have been in a barn. Just use dish soap and warm water. Let dry well after that. Then sand well.
2..I assume I need to put the stain on next but do I sand again or poly after that?
The stain goes on next. No sanding after staining.
3..I do not know what kind of wood this is, but some doors appear to have mohagany and others a walnut stain. What grit sandpaper do I need to use
Use 120 grit sandpaper
4..and should I use glossy poly or satin, etc.
I always use satin poly as it does not show finger marks like glossy does. And use especially on doors for obvious reasons.
Hope this helps
Good luck and great question.
Regards
Eileen