I need to refinish our front door and I am wondering what the best way to do it is. I know we probably need to use Gel Stain. Can someone let me know what the steps are to this process so that I don't have to do this again in a year or so.

Also I can't close the door till it is fully cured so what do I do to keep critters and others out of the house while the door dries? I was reading on the cans it can take 8-10 hours to dry.