Best Sandpaper for Refinishing Wooden Doors Before Painting or Staining

Wooden doors endure years of use, scratches, and exposure to sunlight. Refinishing them restores beauty and durability—but sanding is the most critical step. Using the right sandpaper sequence ensures a flawless finish that looks professional and lasts.

Why Sand Wooden Doors?

Old finishes, dents, and uneven surfaces prevent new paint or stain from adhering evenly. Sanding smooths imperfections, removes old coatings, and opens wood pores for better finish absorption. Without sanding, refinished doors may peel, chip, or look uneven.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for flat panels
• Sanding sponge or folded sheets for edges and details
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Wooden Doors

• 80 grit: Removing old paint, stain, or varnish.
• 120 grit: General smoothing after stripping.
• 180 grit: Refining wood surfaces.
• 220 grit: Final prep before paint or stain.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Door

1. Start coarse. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip finishes and heavy imperfections.
2. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) for consistent smoothing.
3. Refine with 180 grit. Sand using 180 grit (25-pack) to blend surfaces evenly.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Lightly sand with 220 grit (100-pack) for a paint-ready or stain-ready surface.
5. Clean surface. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before finishing.

Special Cases

For panel doors, use sanding sponges or folded sheets in grooves and moldings. For veneered doors, avoid over-sanding—veneers are thin and can sand through easily.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to prevent scratches.
• Remove the door from hinges for easier sanding access.
• Replace sandpaper when clogged for best results.

Aftercare

• Apply stain or paint within 24 hours of sanding.
• Seal doors with polyurethane or varnish for added durability.
• Maintain sanded doors by cleaning with non-abrasive solutions.

FAQs

• Can I sand painted doors without stripping first? Yes—start with 80 grit to cut through paint layers before refining.
• Do I need to sand between coats of paint? Lightly with 320 grit for a flawless final finish.

Watch & Learn

Sanding is the foundation of any successful door refinishing project. Explore our wood sanding collection to get the right grits for your project.