How to Sand Wood Doors Before Painting or Staining (80–320 Grit Full Guide)

Wood doors are one of the most noticeable features in any home, and refinishing them can completely transform a room’s look. Whether you’re staining for a natural wood finish or painting for a modern style, the secret to long-lasting results is sanding. This extended guide will walk you through sanding techniques, grit sequences, tools, and pro tips for preparing wood doors the right way.

Why Sanding Doors Matters

Doors often accumulate dings, scratches, fingerprints, and layers of old paint or varnish. Without sanding, new coatings won’t bond properly and imperfections will show through. Proper sanding ensures:

• Removal of old finishes and surface contaminants.
• Smoothing of dents, scratches, and uneven patches.
• A clean surface profile that helps stain or paint adhere better.
• A professional-looking result with even color and texture.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Doors

• 80 grit: Heavy removal of paint, varnish, or rough patches.
• 120 grit: Intermediate smoothing after stripping finishes.
• 220 grit: Surface prep for primer or stain.
• 320 grit: Final sanding before applying topcoats.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets (80–320 grit).
• Orbital sander for large flat panels.
• Sanding block or sponge for edges and panels.
• Tack cloth and vacuum for dust removal.
• Drop cloths to protect surrounding areas.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wood Door

1. Remove the door. Take it off its hinges and place it flat on sawhorses or a workbench.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (50-pack) to strip away heavy finishes and rough imperfections.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (25-pack) for evening out the surface.
4. Refine with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) to prep for paint or stain.
5. Finish with 320 grit. Apply 320 grit (25-pack) for an ultra-smooth final touch.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth to ensure perfect adhesion of finishes.

Special Cases

For veneered doors, avoid coarse grits like 80 that can sand through the thin layer—start at 120 grit instead. For painted doors, 220 grit is often enough to scuff the surface for primer and new paint.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Number doors and hardware for easy reinstallation.
• Change sandpaper often—dull paper polishes instead of sanding.
• For carved or paneled doors, use sanding sponges to reach details.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to dry completely before reinstalling the door.
• Use gentle cleaners to maintain the finish.
• Touch up scratches promptly to prevent deeper damage.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove all old paint? For staining—yes. For repainting, just scuff sand with 220 grit.
• Can I sand doors without removing them? Yes, but laying flat prevents drips and makes sanding easier.
• What grit should I use between coats of paint? Lightly sand with 320 grit for smooth results.

Watch & Learn

Prepare your doors the right way: Get 80–320 grit sandpaper sheets in 25, 50, and 100 pack sizes for every step. Shop wood sanding sandpaper.

Closing Thoughts

Sanding a wood door is about patience and precision. By following the right grit sequence, working carefully on details, and thoroughly cleaning before staining or painting, you can achieve a finish that rivals professional work. Whether you want a rustic stain or a sleek painted look, sanding is the key to long-lasting beauty.