Sanding Wooden Doors Before Painting: Grit Guide for a Smooth Finish

Painting a wooden door without proper prep can lead to peeling, brush marks, and uneven coverage. Sanding is the crucial step that ensures the paint bonds well and looks professional. This guide explains the grit sequence and step-by-step process for sanding wooden doors before painting.

Why Sand Doors Before Painting?

Doors accumulate scratches, dents, and old finish over time. Sanding removes imperfections, evens out the surface, and creates the right texture for primer and paint to adhere properly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Vacuum or shop vac
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Painter’s tape and drop cloths

Best Grit Sequence for Wooden Doors

• 100 grit: Removes old finish or heavy imperfections.
• 150 grit: Smooths surface and blends repairs.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before primer or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wooden Door

1. Prep the area. Remove the door from hinges if possible and place it flat on sawhorses.
2. Initial sanding. Use 100 grit (50-pack) to strip old finish and level imperfections.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (100-pack) for an even surface.
4. Final sanding. Finish with 220 grit (25-pack) before applying primer.
5. Clean the surface. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
6. Apply primer. Coat evenly to seal the wood and improve adhesion.
7. Paint the door. Use smooth, even strokes for a professional finish.

Special Cases

For paneled doors, fold sandpaper to reach grooves and details. For damaged areas, apply wood filler before the final sanding pass.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to prevent scratches from showing.
• Use wet/dry sandpaper for a smoother finish on dense hardwood doors.
• If painting a previously painted door, focus on smoothing—not full paint removal.

Aftercare

• Let the final coat of paint cure fully before rehanging the door.
• Clean painted doors with mild cleaners to avoid damaging the finish.
• Touch up scratches promptly to maintain a fresh look.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I’m using primer? Yes—primer bonds best to a properly sanded surface.
• Can I skip 150 grit? You can, but it helps achieve a smoother finish.
• What if my door has deep dents? Use wood filler, then sand flush before painting.

Watch & Learn

With the right grit sequence, sanding a wooden door is quick and effective. Stock up on 100 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets to get perfect results every time.