Dents in Mahogany door

[James Mudler]

I picked up a Mahogany front door with a oval glass insert at Lowes yesterday (gloat). It was a display item and I walked away for under $60. My question, it has some minor dents and scraps. It is solid, but the visual panels are thin almost like veneer. Any tips on how to handle the dents and scraps. Also it has stickers, double stick tape, that someone attempted to remove. How would you recommend getting rid of the glue.

I thinking lightly sanding and maybe use some type of filler. Then refinish.

Thanks,
James

[David Wilson]

Don't know if this will work but it might be worth a try. Dents can sometimes be removed by placeing a damp cloth over the dent and applying a hot iron to the cloth.

[Jim DeLaney]

Naphtha will usually remove the sticker & tape residue. If not, then try denatured alcohol.

David's suggestion to steam out the dents is a good one. As long as the wood fibers are only bent, and not broken, it'll work. Done carefully, you shouldn't need any filler.

[Sam Blasco]

For a quick version of wetting and heating the fibers is to flood the dent with a drop or two of denatured alcohol and a match or lighter.

[Steve Wargo]

But don't use the lighter fluid/ denatured alcohol method if there is already a top coat on the doors.

[Ellen Benkin]

If you want to carefully remove the glue and other sticky stuff, you can use a product called "Goo Gone". I'd recommend mineral spirits (paint thinner) if you are going to refinish the door anyway.

[Per Swenson]

James,

All of the above.

But try not to sand the door at all.

Todays, stock big box doors, are so

thinly veneered that you risk sanding through with

little or no effort.

This of course , if you are going to stain it.

Per