Getting a good finish on a wooden external door

[str]

Was planning to repaint our wooden front door, if we ever get a few days without rain!

I want to get a really nice finish and had thought about getting it dipped and stripped but worry that the door may not hold together through it and don't fancy stripping it by hand.

To get a decent finish, do I need need to strip back to bare wood or will a really good sanding be enough?

Also, should I use a base coat before painting?

 

[dcdec]

If the paint is sound there is no need to strip. You'll need an undercoat after all your prep, TBH the finish will depend a lot on your application skills

 

[dcdec]

I've just put some pictures on my profile of a front door i did not long ago, should give you an idea of a decent finish. The paint is sikkens XD and sikkens u/c used several different fillers from toupret.

 

[str]

Thanks dcdec

When you mention application skills - any tips?

I think I get a decent finish when painting but by no means professional !

 

[dcdec]

The important thing is to keep your wet edge going and remember to thoroughly dust off before painting (i vacuum). Couple of obvious things :-

Try not to apply in direct sunlight
Use a good quality brush and paint
Abrade between coats
A couple of thin coats are better than one thick coat
Paint out of a kettle not the tin
On warm days the paint will need a bit of thinner and a stir if your at it for a while
Damp down the outside area around the door to stop dust blowing on your paint