How to Sand Wooden Doors for a Flawless Refinish

Wooden doors see constant use, and over time, finishes wear down or peel. Proper sanding is the first step in refinishing, ensuring even stain or paint adhesion. This guide explains how to sand doors flat and smooth for professional-looking results.

Why Door Sanding Matters

Doors are large, flat surfaces with edges, panels, and profiles. Uneven sanding can cause blotchy stain, peeling paint, or visible scratches. A careful grit sequence creates a consistent base for any finish—stain, paint, or clear coat.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for large flats
• Detail sander or sanding block for panels
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (80–320 grit)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Sawhorses or stands for stability

Best Grit Sequence for Wooden Doors

• 80 grit: Removes old finish, paint, or varnish.
• 150 grit: Smooths surfaces after coarse removal.
• 220 grit: Prepares for stain or primer.
• 320 grit: Final sanding for ultra-smooth finishes.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Doors

1. Remove door. Take the door off hinges and place it flat on sawhorses for stability.
2. Strip old finish. Start with 80 grit (25-pack) to remove coatings and level scratches.
3. Smooth the surface. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) for general smoothing.
4. Prep for finish. Use 220 grit (100-pack) to create a finish-ready surface.
5. Optional final pass. For painted doors or clear-coated hardwoods, finish with 320 grit for extra smoothness.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and tack cloth to remove dust before applying stain or paint.

Special Cases

Paneled doors require hand sanding in grooves to avoid damaging profiles. For exterior doors, use spar varnish or exterior-grade paint after sanding to protect against weather.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain, especially on stiles and rails, to avoid cross scratches.
• Use sanding sponges for molded edges and contours.
• Inspect under raking light to catch hidden scratches.

Aftercare

• Seal quickly: Apply finish soon after sanding to prevent dust contamination.
• Maintain doors: Clean gently—avoid harsh chemicals that damage finishes.
• Re-finish as needed: Light sanding with 320 grit before new coats prolongs door life.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand all the way to bare wood? Only if the old finish is failing—otherwise, scuff sanding is enough.
• Can I sand doors vertically? It’s harder—lay them flat for control.
• Should I sand between finish coats? Yes, light scuff sanding with 320 grit improves adhesion.

Watch & Learn

Sanding doors properly ensures a flawless refinish. With the right grit sequence and tools, you’ll prepare any wooden door for a beautiful, durable new finish.