Sanding Raised-Panel Doors: Field vs. Frame Scratch Control

Raised-panel doors combine flat fields with profiled frames, making sanding a balancing act. The flat center panels require consistent smoothness, while the shaped frames demand careful hand sanding to avoid scratches running across grain transitions. This guide shows how to sand raised-panel doors for flawless paint or clear finishes.

Why Sanding Raised Panels Is Tricky

The challenge lies in the changing grain directions: the field runs one way, while the rails, stiles, and profiles run another. Using the wrong technique can leave scratches that only appear after staining or painting. A thoughtful grit sequence keeps everything smooth and consistent.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for flat center panels
• Hand sanding block for rails and stiles
• Profile sanding pads or folded sheets for contours
• Pencil for marking scratch removal
• Tack cloth or vacuum

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Flatten machining marks on panels.
• 180 grit: Smooth rails, stiles, and profiles.
• 220–320 grit: Final sanding for finish readiness.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Sand the field first. Use a random orbital sander with 120 grit (25-pack) to level the flat center panel.
2. Blend the frame. Switch to 180 grit (50-pack) on a sanding block for rails and stiles, always following grain direction.
3. Work the profiles. Wrap sandpaper around a profile pad or fold sheets to match contours, using the same 180 grit to smooth shapes.
4. Final finish sanding. Use 220 grit (100-pack) or progress to 320 grit for a seamless transition between field and frame.
5. Check under raking light. Scratches across grain will show—sand them out before finishing.
6. Clean carefully. Vacuum panel corners and profiles to remove hidden dust.

Special Cases

For paint-grade doors, 180 grit is often sufficient for primer adhesion. For clear finishes, go up to 320 grit for maximum clarity. If panels are veneered, avoid coarse grits under 120 to prevent sanding through the surface.

Pro Tips

• Sand fields and frames separately, then blend transitions lightly.
• Always sand profiles by hand to preserve detail.
• Mark with pencil between grits to ensure full scratch removal.
• Finish with light hand sanding along grain to remove orbital swirls.

Aftercare

• Inspect doors annually—lightly scuff and recoat finishes as needed.
• Store doors flat before finishing to avoid warping.
• Use microfiber cloths to dust finished doors to avoid scratches.

FAQs

• Can I sand assembled doors? Yes, but disassembled sanding is easier for detail control.
• What if scratches show after staining? Re-sand lightly with 220 grit and reapply stain in thin coats.
• Do I sand between finish coats? Yes, scuff with 320 grit for smooth adhesion between layers.

Watch & Learn

With the right sanding sequence, raised-panel doors can achieve a flawless, professional finish where both field and frame look seamless under paint or clear coat.