How to Sand Wooden Doors for Refinishing (80, 120, 180, 240 Grit Guide)

Wooden doors are high-contact surfaces that develop scratches, dents, and worn finishes over time. Sanding is essential before painting, staining, or sealing to ensure durability and a professional look. With the right grit sequence, you can restore doors to a smooth, finish-ready surface. This guide explains how to sand wood doors step by step using 80, 120, 180, and 240 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Doors Matters

Doors often accumulate layers of paint or varnish that peel and crack. Sanding removes these coatings, smooths imperfections, and prepares the surface for new finishes. Without sanding, coatings may fail to bond and leave an uneven appearance.

Tools You’ll Need

• 80–240 grit sandpaper – coarse through fine for complete progression.
• Orbital sander – efficient on flat door panels.
• Sanding block or sponge – for edges, corners, and details.
• Vacuum & tack cloth – to clean between grit stages.
• Primer, paint, or stain – for finishing after sanding.

Best Grit Sequence for Doors

• 80 grit: Strips paint, varnish, and heavy scratches.
• 120 grit: Smooths surface after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Prepares wood for stain or primer.
• 240 grit: Final smoothing for a silky, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step Door Sanding

1. Start with 80 grit. Remove thick paint or varnish with 80 grit (50-pack).
2. Move to 120 grit. Refine the surface using 120 grit (25-pack).
3. Refine with 180 grit. Prepare wood for finishing with 180 grit (25-pack).
4. Finish with 240 grit. Lightly sand for smooth paint or stain application using 240 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe down before applying finishes.

Special Cases

For veneered doors, avoid sanding below 120 grit to prevent sanding through the veneer. For carved or paneled doors, use sanding sponges to reach detailed areas. Painted doors with multiple layers may require chemical stripping before sanding.

Pro Tips

• Remove door hardware before sanding for easier access.
• Sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches.
• Prime immediately after sanding for best adhesion.
• Replace sandpaper frequently—paint residue clogs sheets fast.

Aftercare

• Reapply paint or polyurethane every few years to maintain durability.
• Clean doors with gentle cleaners to preserve finishes.
• Touch up scratches by light sanding and refinishing.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I’m repainting? Yes—light sanding ensures better paint adhesion.
• What grit should I stop at before staining? 180–240 grit is best for even stain absorption.
• Can I sand veneered doors? Yes, but use caution—start no lower than 120 grit.

Watch & Learn

For smooth refinishing results, shop our wood sanding sandpaper collection.