Sanding ready to finish door

[Dengue]

I am about to stain two new solid front doors made of Geronggang timber. How smooth should I sand this door before the first coat of Sikkens finish is put on?

Should the green scouring pads be used at any stage for sanding / scuffing between coats?

regards,
Jill

[Dengue]

Does anyone have any experience with preparing front doors for painting?

regards,
Jill

[Master Splinter]

Not with that particular timber, no...

But generally - sand to 120 grit, apply three coats of WEST or Botecote epoxy all over (to seal the timber and keep moisture out) then apply two-three coats of marine polyurethane varnish to protect the epoxy from UV. Check the boatbuilding threads for preferred sanding regimes.

(You'd have better responses if you posted this on the renovation forum!)