How to Sand a Wooden Door Before Painting: Smooth, Durable Results (80–320 Grit Guide)

Painting a wooden door without proper sanding can lead to peeling paint, uneven texture, and visible imperfections. This guide explains how to sand a door step-by-step so your paint adheres flawlessly and lasts for years.

Why Sand a Door Before Painting?

Sanding removes dirt, old finishes, and rough spots while creating a surface that primer and paint can grip. It also levels out imperfections for a professional look.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Drop cloths and painter’s tape
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Stripping old paint or varnish.
• 150 grit: Smoothing after heavy sanding.
• 220 grit: Pre-paint surface prep.
• 320 grit: Final finish before primer.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Door

1. Remove hardware. Take off handles, hinges, and other fittings to access the full surface.
2. Strip old finish. Use 80 grit (100-pack) to remove paint, varnish, or rough wood fibers.
3. Smooth the surface. Sand with 150 grit (25-pack) to remove deep sanding marks.
4. Pre-paint prep. Switch to 220 grit (50-pack) for a clean, smooth texture ready for primer.
5. Final finish. Lightly sand with 320 grit (25-pack) to create a fine, bonding surface for paint.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe the door with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
7. Prime & paint. Apply a suitable primer and then your chosen topcoat, sanding lightly between coats if necessary.

Special Cases

For veneered doors, avoid aggressive grits like 80 unless removing heavy finish; start at 150 grit instead.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the wood grain to prevent scratches.
• Use a sanding sponge for recessed panels and edges.
• Label your sandpaper by grit to avoid mixing them up mid-project.

Aftercare

• Let paint cure fully before reattaching hardware.
• Clean painted doors with a damp, soft cloth to preserve the finish.

FAQs

• Can I skip primer on a sanded door? Not recommended—primer improves adhesion and durability.
• Is hand sanding enough? Yes, especially for doors with intricate designs or details.

Watch & Learn

For a flawless painted door, stock up on the right grits. Shop all wet/dry sandpaper sheets now.