How to Sand Old Curved Doors
Refinishing an old, curved door can help give it an updated, modern appearance. Painting a curved door is simple, but before you open a can of paint, you should sand the door to remove the old finish or just to scuff the surface so the paint will adhere. The curves in certain doors, either as part of the door or as part of the trim, can pose challenges for sanding, but the task is simple with the proper technique. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Purchase a soft sanding block that you can use to bend in the shape of the curve on the door. Many of these blocks are sold as sanding "sponges" and come in a variety of grits. If the door requires extensive sanding, begin with an 80-grit sanding block.
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Hold the sanding block in your hand and press firmly on to the door over the curve. Notice that the block will bend or fold enough to take the form of the curve. Sand the curve by making long, smooth strokes back and forth. To keep the form of the curve, avoid sanding too much in one concentrated area.
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Sand the door again with 180-grit sandpaper to give the wood a smooth finish. Once you have finished sanding the door with this grit of sandpaper, it is ready to be refinished.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have the resources to purchase a sanding block, hold a piece of sandpaper in your hand and cup your hand so it fits snugly around the curve of the door. Sand the door with your hand in this position.
Adopt the same techniques to sand curved trim on a door. Position your sanding hand and the sandpaper so that they fall into the curves of the trim. For example, a thin curve is suitable for wrapping a piece of sandpaper over your index finger and sanding in this manner.
Avoid using power sanders, such as belt or random-orbit sanders, for sanding curves. If you use a power sander, you risk flattening the curve and making it stand out.
