Refinish Wooden Door with 60, 400, and 3000 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden doors can become dull, scratched, and worn from years of use. Using 60, 400, and 3000 grit sandpaper, you can remove old finishes, smooth the surface, and prepare the door for a flawless new coat.

Why This Method Works

60 grit strips heavy finish and levels deep imperfections. 400 grit creates a smooth, even surface for primer or stain. 3000 grit burnishes the wood for a refined, touch-friendly finish before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 60 grit (100-pack), 400 grit (50-pack), 3000 grit (25-pack or 50-pack)
• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Primer, paint, or polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Remove old coatings and level surface. (100-pack)
• 400 grit: Smooth for finishing. (50-pack)
• 3000 grit: Burnish for a silky finish. (25-pack) or (50-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove the door from its hinges if possible, and clean thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 60 grit sandpaper to strip old finish and level imperfections.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 400 grit sandpaper to refine the surface for the final sanding stage.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 3000 grit (25-pack) or 3000 grit (50-pack) for a silky, smooth finish.
5. Apply finish. Prime, paint, or stain the door, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.

Special Considerations

For paneled doors, sand each section individually to maintain crisp lines and detail.

Pro Tips

• Work in a dust-free environment to avoid particles settling on wet finishes.
• Vacuum between grit changes to ensure a perfect surface.
• Apply multiple thin coats of finish for better durability.

Aftercare

• Clean gently with a damp cloth.
• Reapply finish every few years to maintain protection.

FAQs

• Can I skip 400 grit? No—going from 60 to 3000 grit will leave deep scratches visible.
• Will 3000 grit make the door glossy? Gloss is determined by the final topcoat, not sanding grit alone.
• Can I sand the door while it's hanging? Yes, but removing it allows for more even results.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and restore your wooden door to a like-new condition.