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My back door's staring to look a bit tired. It's solid wood, presumably oak.
What's the best way to refurbish it? Sand down first then oil, stain or varnish?

Too boring for STW - I'm tending to Osmo UV Protection Oil
Yes, Osmo is excellent.
I use it a lot.
It kinda will depend on what finish is on it already to what prep you need.
Relatedly (sorry for slight hijack OP) - my solid wood front door, which is painted gloss black, is looking tired and needs a recoat. Do I have to apply primer over the old black gloss first?
Thanks Kayak, it's varnished at the moment but there's not a lot of it left!
Re finish, I don't care, I just want to preserve the door.
Well if you aren't bothered about the look, proper outdoor woodcare paint is the most protective finish. Something like Dulux weathershield.
It looks like it has a varnish on it at the moment. Whilst I’d often favour an oiled finish (because it’s easy to maintain, just add more oil in future years) you’d have to strip off every bit of varnish otherwise it will look carp and won’t last.
So stick with varnish or paint. Either way a good sanding back then follow manufactures instructions regarding any primers or under coats.
Just a quick note in the longevity of UV osmo. Real world experience on quite a few jobs from cladding to doors/gates/windows. Treatex UV seems to last a fair bit longer before it needs topping up. Use Osmo alot inside mind, just doesn't quite seem to cut the mustard in direct sunlight and general weather.
I've sanded back the door and put on 2 coats of Osmo. I can't believe how easy it is to use and what a good finish. It's taken a tiny amount to do the door. Next the door frame, then the front door 🙂
Great, thanks for the update and glad you’re happy. I didn’t recommend sanding it all but I’m glad you did, oil is my favoured finish.
Now, based on my experience, bear in mind how easy it was to apply and remember to keep it topped up. Then you can avoid ever sanding it back again. I might even be tempted to Chuck another coat on in a few weeks when the first two are fully absorbed.
Dont use sandpaper, its not that type of finish. Use a green scour pad instead.. you're only looking to denib it, to take the roughness away, before applying a 2nd coat.
Thanks all - still looking great and I'll keep it topped up
No "after" photos?
(Christ, I'm asking someone for a photo of their door. What has my life become?)
Glad thats worked out. Easy to apply but you'll need to replenish it, given its outside with the rain, wind,sleet,snow and boiling sun.
That was hard - broadband is down so I'm using a 4g router but with marginal coverage
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