Sanding Wood Doors Before Painting: Smooth Entryway Makeover

Painting a wood door is one of the quickest ways to refresh your home’s curb appeal. But to ensure the paint looks flawless and lasts for years, sanding is a must. This guide explains how to sand wood doors step by step with the right grit sequence for professional results.

Why Sand Doors?

Wood doors often have old paint, varnish, dents, or rough grain. Sanding removes imperfections, smooths the surface, and provides a profile for primer and paint to adhere properly. Skipping sanding leads to peeling, brush marks, and uneven coverage.

Recommended Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander for flat panels
• Sanding sponge for edges and details
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Respirator and safety glasses

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Strips old finish and rough patches.
• 180 grit: Smooths wood after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Prepares for primer or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wood Door

1. Remove hardware. Take off hinges, knobs, and locks or tape them carefully.
2. Start with 120 grit. Strip old paint or varnish with 120 grit (25-pack), working in the direction of the grain.
3. Move to 180 grit. Smooth the surface evenly using 180 grit (50-pack) for refined sanding.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Create a paint-ready finish with 220 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth before applying primer.

Special Cases

Panel doors: Use sanding sponges to reach grooves and moldings.
Exterior doors: Always finish with primer and exterior-grade paint for weather resistance.
Stained doors: Require deeper sanding to remove finish before repainting.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• For smoothest results, sand lightly between paint coats with 320 grit.
• Work under good lighting to catch imperfections.

Aftercare & Next Steps

• Seal painted doors with a protective topcoat for extra durability.
• Allow the final coat to cure before reinstalling hardware.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat and dry.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand a new door? Yes, even new wood benefits from light sanding for adhesion.
• Can I use a liquid deglosser instead? It helps, but sanding gives more consistent results.
• Should I remove the door to sand? It’s easier, but you can sand in place if necessary.

Watch & Learn

Sanding a wood door takes time, but it ensures smooth paint adhesion and a professional finish. With the right grit sequence and preparation, your door makeover will look flawless and last for years.