What is the best way to varnish new internal mahogany doors?

[darcydark]

I have purchased three new mahogany internal doors and would like to know if someone could advise me the best way to go about varnishingbthem, basic steps please as I have never done this before. Thanks Darcy

[Clanad]

To start at the beginning, darcy, take the doors off their hinges and lay them flat across two saw horses or other braces. Sand them lightly with a fine grit sandpaper. Coat them on both sides with a good quality finish, but not varnish. I'd suggest polyurethane. Don't shake or stir the can once it's opened since this causes bubbles whcih can dry on the finish. Use a fine 3 or 4 inch brush and sparingly brush on finish. Let the finish stand for at least 4 hours and sand lightly again. This knocks down the wood grain that was raised by the urethane. Wipe clean with a "tack rag". This can be any lint free cloth dipped in the same finish you are using bu t it shouldn't be overly damp. This is to remove any dust from the sanding. Same process... let dry, but this time run over the door's both sides with a fine steel wool and finish for the last time. This final time, place the doors upright against a wall or some such so no marks are left on the new finish. Replace on the hinges. This finish will last for years and give a nice gloss. If you choose not to have a high gloss, the polyurethane is available in a low lustre as well... Best of luck!

[derekpara]

Good advice from Clanad as usual. Another option wuld be to apply a wax finish. I have done this on a restoration project and it suited the timber and situation perfectly.

It's still best to work on trestles as above but not quite so important. First sand down the timber with fine glasspaper working along the grain. Remove dust with a cloth or tack-rag. Apply one coat of Sanding Sealer (available from any hardware shop) and sand down lightly when dry. Remove dust as above then apply a good quality wax polish like Briwax, with a cloth. Allow half an hour to harden then burnish with a cloth or brush. I would recommend two coats of wax polish following up every six months if necessary to deepen the shine. This method is requires a little more physical effort but is worth it.

You can, of course, apply wax over Clanad's very durable low lustre finish if you wish. Good luck.