How to Sand Wood Doors Before Painting or Staining (80, 120, 180, 220 Grit Guide)

Wooden doors face constant use, leading to scratches, dents, and old finishes that must be removed before painting or staining. Proper sanding ensures smooth results and long-lasting coatings. This guide walks you through sanding wood doors step by step using 80, 120, 180, and 220 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Doors Matters

Doors are high-contact surfaces. Sanding removes old paint or varnish, smooths imperfections, and creates the right surface profile for primers, stains, or polyurethane to bond effectively. Skipping sanding can lead to peeling paint or uneven stain absorption.

Tools You’ll Need

• 80–220 grit sandpaper – coarse to fine for progressive smoothing.
• Orbital sander – speeds up sanding on flat panels.
• Sanding block or sponge – reaches detailed moldings and edges.
• Vacuum & tack cloth – essential for removing dust.
• Primer, paint, or wood stain – for finishing after sanding.

Best Grit Sequence for Doors

• 80 grit: Strips paint, varnish, or heavy scratches.
• 120 grit: Smooths wood after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Prepares wood for stain or primer.
• 220 grit: Final smoothing for an even, paint-ready surface.

Step-by-Step Door Sanding

1. Begin with 80 grit. Remove paint and deep imperfections with 80 grit (50-pack).
2. Smooth with 120 grit. Refine the surface using 120 grit (25-pack).
3. Prep with 180 grit. Use 180 grit (25-pack) for stain or primer-ready wood.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Lightly sand for smooth paint or stain application using 220 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth before applying coatings.

Special Cases

For paneled doors, use sanding sponges to reach grooves and moldings. If doors have multiple layers of paint, consider using a chemical stripper before sanding to save time. On veneered doors, avoid sanding aggressively—use finer grits to prevent sanding through the veneer.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the wood grain to prevent scratches.
• Always sand edges and corners by hand for control.
• Seal immediately after sanding to avoid dust embedding into the surface.
• Replace worn sandpaper often to keep sanding efficient.

Aftercare

• Recoat with fresh paint or polyurethane every few years for protection.
• Dust doors regularly to keep finishes looking clean.
• Repair scratches by spot-sanding with 220 grit and touching up finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I’m repainting? Yes—light sanding ensures proper paint adhesion.
• Can I use a belt sander on doors? Not recommended—it removes too much material quickly.
• What grit should I stop at for staining? 180 grit is ideal for even stain absorption.

Watch & Learn

For smooth, professional door refinishing, shop our wood sanding collection.