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Initial Sanding to Remove Old Finish

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Front door restoration. #wooddoors #frontdoor #antiquedoor #mahoganydoor #hardwood #frogtape

What happens here

Begin the refinishing process by using an orbital sander equipped with a medium-grit sanding disk (e.g., 80-120 grit) to remove the initial layers of old finish from the wooden door. Focus on the main flat panels, working in sections. This initial sanding helps strip away deteriorated or peeling existing coatings, revealing the underlying wood.

Goal: Strip the initial layers of old finish from the door's surface.

Tools and materials

  • Dust Mask — Protecting respiratory system from fine wood dust
  • Gloves — Protecting hands during sanding and handling
  • Orbital Sander — Efficiently removing old finish and smoothing wood surfaces
  • Safety Glasses — Protecting eyes from wood dust and debris
  • Sanding Disks — Abrasive material for removing finish. Start with 80-120 grit for stripping