Urethaning a front wood door

[observer]

I have a wood front door that needed (due to age) to be stained and urethaned again. This is the first time since the door was new (originally stained and urethaned then). I managed to stain it again nearly to my satisfaction (I'm picky) and I put one coat of urethane (Helmsman spar urethane clear gloss) by brush on the door but I see a little traces of brush marks in certain light. Is it okay to put a

2nd coat of urethane by brush on and will it lessen the brush marks?

2nd question- If I wanted to do it like a professional, do they sand the door down to bare wood then stain it and urethane it? I'm not

100% satisfied with my own stain job but it's okay for most people.

[bob kater]

[ransley]

One coat is not enough protection anyway, one coat cant get a good finish on wood. First coat soaks in, not unitil 3 is it realy protecting. Not until maybe 5 can it look great. 1st coats should be gloss since gloss is clear, satin finish is slightly cloudy. I would build coats, sand with 200-220 inbetween, clean with a tack cloth, maybe the last coat of satin finish if you dont like gloss. Dont varnish the door warm, in sun, or when it will soon be in sun.

[Frank]

Try something like this:

[observer]

Thanks. You made me think that when I was young my dad (a carpenter) urethaned a hanging bay window (in his house) and I remember him saying he must have urethaned the wood seat about 10 times. I think he used a brush because it was in tight area inside the kitchen. I don't recall seeing any brush marks on his finish but he was a perfectionist and handy and I'm not :( .

I will take your advice and thank you again.

[HeyBub]

In addition to the other advice, take the door down - work on it while it's horizontal.