How to Sand Wooden Doors for Painting or Staining

Wooden doors are high-contact surfaces that quickly show wear—scratches, chips, and faded finishes. Sanding before painting or staining ensures a smooth, professional finish that lasts. Here’s the complete guide to sanding doors step by step.

Why Sand Wooden Doors?

Sanding removes old finishes, evens out scratches, and opens the wood grain for stain or paint to adhere properly. Skipping sanding often leads to peeling paint or uneven finishes.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat door panels
• Hand sanding block for corners and edges
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear: mask and goggles

Best Grit Sequence for Doors

• 80 grit: Removes thick paint or varnish.
• 150 grit: Smooths scratches and levels surface.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Door

1. Remove the door. Take it off the hinges and lay it flat on sawhorses.
2. Start with 80 grit. Strip heavy coatings with 80 grit (25-pack) sheets.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Use 150 grit (50-pack) to refine the surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Apply 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky, paint- or stain-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth.
6. Apply finish. Prime and paint, or stain and seal depending on your project.

Special Cases

For veneered doors, avoid coarse grits like 80—start with 150 grit to prevent sanding through. For antique doors, minimal sanding may be better to preserve character.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain for a smooth result.
• Change sandpaper frequently—doors have large surfaces that clog sheets quickly.
• Protect glass inserts with painter’s tape before sanding.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before rehanging the door.
• Clean with mild cleaners to preserve paint or stain.
• Touch up edges and high-contact spots as needed.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Not always—light sanding with 220 grit may be enough if the existing finish is in good shape.
• What grit before staining? 220 grit ensures smooth, even absorption.
• Can I sand by hand? Yes—hand sanding is slower but works for detail areas.

Watch & Learn

Get professional results with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, designed for wet or dry use. Available in 25, 50, and 100 packs. Shop door sanding sheets here.