Sanding Wooden Doors Before Refinishing: Grit Guide for a Fresh Look

Refinishing a wooden door can bring it back to life, but sanding is the foundation of the process. Proper grit progression removes old coatings, smooths scratches, and prepares the wood for stain, varnish, or clear coat. This guide explains the sanding sequence for doors before refinishing.

Why Sand Doors Before Refinishing?

Sanding eliminates surface flaws, opens the wood grain, and ensures that new finishes adhere properly. Skipping sanding can result in blotchy stain, peeling varnish, or uneven sheen.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or orbital sander
• Detail sander or folded sheets for grooves
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Protective gear (mask, gloves, safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Doors

• 80 grit: Removes old finish and heavy wear.
• 120 grit: Smooths surface and evens scratches.
• 180 grit: Refines texture for finish absorption.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before applying stain or varnish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Doors

1. Prep the door. Remove hardware and, if possible, take the door off its hinges.
2. First sanding pass. Use 80 grit (50-pack) to strip away old finish and level rough areas.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (25-pack) for a more uniform texture.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Apply 180 grit (100-pack) to prepare for stain or clear coat.
5. Final sanding. Use 220 grit (25-pack) to achieve a smooth finish.
6. Detail sanding. Fold sheets or use sponges for grooves and panel edges.
7. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
8. Apply finish. Stain, varnish, or clear coat for protection and beauty.

Special Cases

For antique doors, avoid aggressive sanding that can remove character. For softwoods like pine, stop at 220 grit to allow better stain absorption.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to prevent scratches from showing.
• Work in sections to maintain consistent results.
• Test finish on a hidden spot to preview the final color.

Aftercare

• Let finishes cure fully before reattaching hardware.
• Clean refinished doors with mild soap and water only.
• Touch up scratches promptly to extend the life of the finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between varnish coats? Yes—light sanding with 320 grit ensures adhesion between coats.
• Can I skip 180 grit? Not recommended—it balances the transition between medium and fine sanding.
• What if my door has deep dents? Fill with wood filler before final sanding.

Watch & Learn

Sanding properly ensures refinished doors look stunning and last for years. Stock up on 80 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next door restoration project.