Refinish Wooden Door with 80, 320, and 3000 Grit Sandpaper for a Smooth Finish

A weathered or scratched wooden door can drag down the look of your home. Using a sanding sequence of 80, 320, and 3000 grit sandpaper, you can strip away old finish, smooth the surface, and prep for a beautiful new coat of paint or varnish.

Why This Method Works

80 grit removes peeling paint or varnish quickly. 320 grit smooths the surface and eliminates coarse marks. 3000 grit burnishes the wood for a refined, touch-friendly surface before finishing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 80 grit (100-pack), 320 grit (25-pack), 3000 grit (100-pack)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Dust brush or vacuum
• Microfiber cloths
• Paint or varnish and brushes

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 grit: Strip old finish and level damaged areas. (100-pack)
• 320 grit: Smooth surface for an even finish. (25-pack)
• 3000 grit: Burnish for a fine, polished feel. (100-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove the door from its hinges if possible and lay it flat on sawhorses for easier sanding.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 80 grit sandpaper to remove old paint, varnish, and surface imperfections.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 320 grit sandpaper to create a smooth, even surface ready for finishing.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 3000 grit sandpaper for a refined touch before applying paint or varnish.
5. Finish. Apply your chosen finish in thin, even coats, allowing adequate drying time between layers.

Special Considerations

For paneled doors, sand edges and corners by hand to avoid rounding them excessively.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for the best finish quality.
• Vacuum dust between each grit change to prevent scratches.
• Apply a wood conditioner before staining for more even color.

Aftercare

• Clean with a damp microfiber cloth—avoid abrasive pads.
• Recoat as needed depending on exposure to weather or sunlight.

FAQs

• Can I start with 320 grit? Only if the door has minimal wear and no old finish to remove.
• Will 3000 grit make it too slick? No—it enhances smoothness without creating an overly glossy surface.
• Does this work on MDF doors? Yes, but be gentle with coarse grits to avoid damage.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and bring your wooden doors back to life with a professional-grade finish.