Hello mate,
I do quite a lot of stock refinishing and the best way forward is with a good paint stripper first of all use a tooth brush for the checkering do one side at a time, once all the old finish is off wipe it over with white spirit, then its down to the best bit, tape off the checkering with some masking tape, then you need some wet@dry, I start with 120 grit then 180 and finally 280 going with the grain, and not to aggressive, or there be tears,lol, when you think its as smooth as can be you finish it of with steel wool, once again wipe down with white spirit then go onto staining an