Sanding Wardrobe Doors for a Smooth Refinish

Wardrobe doors take daily use and often show scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Whether repainting or staining, sanding them properly ensures a flawless, durable surface. With the right grit sequence and tools, you can transform tired doors into refreshed, smooth panels.

Why Wardrobe Door Sanding Matters

Doors are large, highly visible surfaces. If not sanded evenly, imperfections remain visible under paint or stain. Proper sanding removes old finish, levels scratches, and creates the perfect base for a long-lasting finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for flat door faces
• Sanding block for edges and rails
• Sanding sponge for profiles and corners
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: For removing old finish and scratches.
• 180 grit: For refining surfaces and smoothing edges.
• 220 grit: For final prep before primer, stain, or paint.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Remove doors. Take wardrobe doors off hinges and lay flat for easier sanding.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 120 grit (25-pack) on an orbital sander to remove finish and smooth damaged areas.
3. Refine surfaces. Switch to 180 grit (50-pack) for edges, stiles, and rails to achieve a balanced surface.
4. Final finish sanding. Use 220 grit (100-pack) across all surfaces for a silky, paint-ready feel.
5. Clean carefully. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth to prepare for finishing.
6. Apply finish. Prime and paint, or stain and seal depending on desired look.

Special Cases

For veneered wardrobe doors, avoid sanding below 180 grit to protect thin veneer layers. For solid wood, sanding from 120 to 220 ensures even stain absorption.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Use sanding sponges for profiles and routed details.
• Apply primer after sanding if painting—this prevents uneven absorption.
• Label doors when removing them for easy reinstallation.

Aftercare

• Dust doors regularly to preserve finish.
• Recoat with paint or clear coat every few years to refresh surfaces.
• Spot sand scratches with 220 grit before touch-up coats.

FAQs

• Do I need to strip old paint first? Not always—light sanding is enough if the old paint is sound.
• Can I sand veneer doors? Yes, but only lightly with fine grits to avoid cutting through veneer.
• What finish works best for wardrobe doors? Durable enamel paints or polyurethane clear coats resist daily wear.

Watch & Learn

By sanding wardrobe doors with care, you’ll ensure a flawless refinish that looks elegant and stands up to years of use.