Sanding Wooden Doors for Paint: Flawless, Long-Lasting Finish

Wooden doors face constant use and weather changes, so painting them requires thorough prep. Sanding removes old coatings, smooths imperfections, and ensures new paint adheres securely. A proper grit sequence makes all the difference.

Why Sanding Doors Matters

Glossy finishes, scratches, or dents prevent paint from sticking evenly. Sanding scuffs the surface and creates a smooth base for primer and paint. Skipping sanding risks peeling and uneven coverage.

Essential Tools

• Orbital sander for flat door panels
• Sanding sponge for beveled edges
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper
• Tack cloths and microfiber rags
• Primer and exterior or interior paint

Best Sandpaper Grits for Doors

• 100 grit: Strip old finish and rough surfaces (100 Grit (100-pack)).
• 150 grit: Smooth and refine surface (150 Grit (25-pack)).
• 220 grit: Final sanding for primer and paint (220 Grit (50-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Door

1. Remove hardware. Take off hinges, knobs, or tape them securely.
2. Start with 100 grit. Strip gloss and level rough spots.
3. Switch to 150 grit. Smooth scratches and refine edges.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Lightly sand for a paint-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth.
6. Prime and paint. Apply bonding primer, then durable paint coats.

Special Cases

Exterior doors need extra sanding to remove weathered finish. Veneer doors require caution—avoid coarse sanding that could cut through the thin layer.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Use sanding sponges for details and profiles.
• Sand lightly between coats of paint with 320 grit.

Aftercare

• Allow paint to cure fully before reinstalling hardware.
• Clean with non-abrasive cleaners.
• Touch up chips promptly to prevent peeling.

FAQs

• Do I always need to strip doors to bare wood? Not always—light sanding for adhesion is often enough.
• Can I use liquid deglosser instead? Yes, but sanding still produces better results.
• What primer works best? Bonding primer designed for wood surfaces.

Watch & Learn

With proper sanding, doors take paint beautifully and last longer. Explore our wood sanding sheets to get your doors paint-ready.