Complete Sanding and Surface Preparation

What happens here

With the hardware removed, continue sanding the entire door surface until all the old finish is completely gone and the wood is smooth and even. This involves moving from a coarser grit (e.g., 100-120 grit) to progressively finer grits (e.g., 150-220 grit) using the orbital sander. Pay close attention to recessed panels, edges, and corners, which may require hand sanding or a detail sander to achieve a uniform bare wood surface. After sanding, thoroughly clean the door to remove all dust and debris.

Goal: Achieve a smooth, bare wood surface free of old finish and imperfections.