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nbranch · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 1

I have a solid mahogany front door (not antique) that needs refinishing on the outside due to weather. It was originally finished in Old Masters red mahogany stain with a spar finish. I would like to have the door darker and minimize the red/violet tones. Is it acceptble to use Bartley's gel stain in espresso to refinish without stripping the door? The outside has faded considerably and has little or no of the spar finish left. The inside is fine, little changed from the original finishing. Can I lightly sand with 220 or steel wool the inside to rough the finish coat and cover with the gel stain and expect to get the darker color? The Bartley's instructions do not specifically say that the gel stain covers without stripping like other brand gels do. Any advisement?

bartleyclassic · Site Admin Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

You should be able to rough up the finish a little and the stain will cover just like other gels. You will want to sand smooth any rough spots, which may take more than 220 to start with (like 150 or 180), however the Bartley Gel Stain works as well or better than other gel stains to cover existing finish. It will even work on fiberglass doors. Good luck!