you can use a stripper and then sand the doors before putting on a new finish. Stripper is messy and then you still have plenty of sanding to do. I opted to skip the strip and go to sanding with 50-60 grit sandpaper on a belt sander and a palm sander, then go back and hit it with some 100-120 grit before finishing. Takes a several hours sanding for a single door. lay down some plastic before finishing.
I used pittsburgh ultra stain. I started using this brand on decks and i am amazed at its application and ease of care/recoating and UV protection too. Its oil based and soaks in rather than covering the surface, which can flake off. It also beads up and repels water. There are alot of color combinations and transperancies to choose from too. Plus no more sanding, it lasts many years and all you have to do is wash and recoat, easy 1 day project.
Its not hard, but its alot of labor refinishing doors like this. Lift or remove the rubber weatherstripping and get under it too.
Below is what i started with. After a couple years the original finish is fading, weathering, pealing. The finish is thicker in some places and there are visable runs in the finish.
sand sand sand…..
pictured below are the doors in different stages. The left one I have finished. The middle is half way through the sanding process and the far right side is the original untouched door. I also have the matching shutters to do too.
sand sand sand……27 hrs of work later…
Below is the finished project, the right side of the double door and shutters are still wet, thats why its a bit darker.
All done, pretty, new, fresh.
fireballcarpentry 