Frequently Asked Questions About Door Refinishing in California

Frequently Asked Questions About Door Refinishing in California

We’ve gathered the most common questions about our on-site same-day door refinishing services, covering everything from wood and fiberglass doors to garage doors, finishes, scheduling, and care.

Can I refinish my front door without removing it?

Yes. All our services are performed on-site, and we never remove the door. We protect hardware, prep the surface, and apply stains or clear coats with the door in place, typically completing the project in just a few hours.

What types of doors can you refinish?

We refinish wood doors, fiberglass doors, garage doors, gates, and select architectural wood surfaces. This includes solid wood, composite, and faux-wood fiberglass finishes. We also restore entry systems, side panels, and double doors.

What is the difference between refinishing and replacing a door?

Refinishing restores your existing door by sanding, repairing, and reapplying finishes — preserving its structure and character. Replacement involves removing and installing a new unit, which is more expensive, disruptive, and unnecessary in many cases.

How long does same-day door refinishing take?

Most projects are completed in 2–4 hours. Large doors or garage doors may take up to 6 hours. Your door will be sealed and ready for normal use by the end of the day.

What kinds of finishes can I choose?

You can choose to match your existing color or switch to a new tone entirely. We offer custom stain matching, color changes, and clear coat renewals in satin, matte, or gloss finishes. We also provide luxury topcoat upgrades for long-term protection.

Do you provide fiberglass door refinishing?

Yes! We specialize in restoring faded or chalky fiberglass doors using gentle prep, custom color applications, and weather-stable topcoats that rejuvenate appearance without replacement.

Can you refinish garage doors?

Absolutely. We refinish wood and composite garage doors — including carriage style, paneled, and overlay designs — using the same stain or clear coat process as front doors.

Do you offer clear coat reapplications only?

Yes. If your color is still intact but the finish is fading or dull, we can perform a clear coat renewal to bring back luster and protect against UV and water damage.

Do you repair scratches, peeling, or weather damage?

Yes. We sand and repair minor blemishes, including cracks, flaking, gray spots, and surface haze caused by sun or moisture exposure. These are all addressed during the prep phase.

How do I maintain the finish after refinishing?

We recommend wiping down the surface regularly with a soft cloth, avoiding pressure washers or harsh cleaners, and reapplying a clear coat every 2–3 years. We also offer maintenance plans.

Do you serve my area in California?

We provide mobile refinishing throughout the state, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Inland Empire, and more. Check your local area here.

How do I get a quote?

Simply upload a photo of your door or surface, select your finish goal, and we’ll respond within 30–60 minutes during business hours. Start your photo quote here.

Do you refinish doors for HOAs or commercial properties?

Yes. We work with HOAs, real estate agents, property managers, and retail storefronts. Our same-day process avoids downtime and delivers high-end curb appeal for shared or public spaces.

Can you refinish doors that were previously painted?

In most cases, yes. We can strip paint and re-stain, or recoat over existing finishes depending on condition. Each case is unique, so we recommend a photo assessment first.

Do you offer quarterly or annual maintenance plans?

Yes, we offer both quarterly and annual plans to keep your door protected year-round with inspections, touch-ups, and clear coat reapplication. Explore maintenance options.

What surfaces do you not refinish?

We do not refinish vinyl doors, aluminum, or interior doors with synthetic laminates. We focus on wood, fiberglass, and high-quality composite exterior surfaces only.

Can I request custom stain samples or color tests?

Yes! We can apply test patches during the service so you can preview your new finish before we proceed. Custom color consultations are part of our service.

Do you offer marine or boat wood refinishing?

In select coastal locations, yes. We offer teak brightwork and other marine-grade wood restoration for boat trim and cockpit surfaces. View marine service details.

What makes your same-day refinishing different?

Our certified mobile crews arrive with everything needed to refinish in one visit. You don’t need to remove the door, deal with fumes, or wait for weeks. It’s fast, professional, and built for California homes.

What types of doors last the longest after refinishing?

Solid wood doors with minimal direct sun exposure tend to last the longest, especially when sealed with a UV-stable topcoat. Fiberglass doors also hold up well when protected properly.

Do you clean up after the refinishing is complete?

Yes. We leave your entry spotless. We clean the work area, reinstall hardware, and make sure your door is ready to use — beautifully finished and protected.

How do I get started?

Just upload a photo, pick your finish, and we’ll send back options with same-day or next-day availability. Start here →