Best Detail Sander for Architrave: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Preparing architrave for painting is one of the most tedious jobs in any renovation. In York's older properties, we often deal with layers of gloss paint or varnish that have built up over decades. Doing it entirely by hand takes forever, but using a heavy belt sander will flatten the decorative curves and ruin the moulding.
The middle ground is a detail sander (often called a mouse sander). The pointed tip allows you to get right into the corners of the door frame, whilst the compact base lets you work over the Ogee or Torus profiles without gouging the timber.
In this review, I've selected three sanders suitable for architrave work: a solid budget corded option, a cordless model for easier movement around door frames, and a compact palm sander for maximum control.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Dust Collection Systems"
"Manufacturers claim the attached canister catches all the dust, keeping your room spotless."
On a detail sander, these are rarely 100% effective. While they help, you will still get fine dust in the air. Always wear a mask, especially in older houses where lead paint might be present in lower layers.
The Spec: "Vibration Control"
"Ergonomic grips prevent fatigue during long sanding sessions."
If you are stripping four door frames back to bare wood, your hand will still tingle. Take regular breaks. No tool completely eliminates vibration.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Detail Sander Electric: DEKOPRO 180W Mouse Sander Corded
DEKOPRO
For a simple DIY renovation of a spare room, you don't need industrial gear. This DEKOPRO corded sander offers 180W of power, which is surprisingly robust for the price point. It's ideal for homeowners needing to key the surface of existing gloss before repainting.
The Good
- Excellent price point for occasional use
- High 13000 RPM speed provides a smooth finish
- Includes a good starter pack of sanding sheets
The Bad
- Being corded means trailing a lead around door frames
- Dust canister is small and fills quickly
Installer Tip:
When sanding the vertical legs of an architrave, keep the cable over your shoulder. It prevents the plug catching on the door handle or the lead smudging wet filler.
Priced at £16.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonCordless Detail Sander: DEKOPRO 20V Sander with Dust Collector
DEKOPRO
In joinery, cables are often a nuisance, especially when working on door linings where you're constantly moving up, down, and around. This 20V cordless model solves that issue. The pure copper motor offers better durability than cheaper brushed motors, making it a solid investment for larger projects.
The Good
- Cordless design is perfect for navigating door frames
- Copper motor runs cooler and lasts longer
- Dust-sealed switches prevent common failure modes
The Bad
- Heavier than the corded version due to the battery
- Requires charging breaks on large whole-house jobs
Installer Tip:
Battery sanders are great, but sanding drains power fast. Use this for the tricky corners and finishing touches, but if you're stripping a whole staircase back to bare wood, you might want a second battery on standby.
Priced at £37.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonKATSU Tools Electric Detail Sander, 130W Palm Sander
KATSU Tools
Sometimes standard mouse sanders feel a bit top-heavy, which leads to accidental rounding over of crisp edges. This KATSU palm sander has a lower centre of gravity, offering greater 'feel' of the surface. It's the problem-solver for really tight spots or delicate period mouldings.
The Good
- Compact design allows closer contact with the workpiece
- Triangular pad is excelling for corners
- Lower power (130W) is actually better for delicate control
The Bad
- Not powerful enough for stripping large flat areas fast
- Vibration can be felt more in ‘palm’ style grips
Installer Tip:
Because this sits in your palm, you have great control over pressure. Use this to your advantage on the curved parts of the architrave—let the tool do the work and don't press down hard, or you'll flatten the profile.
Priced at £16.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What grit sandpaper should I use for architrave?
Can I sand lead paint in old houses?
Is a detail sander better than an orbital sander for architrave?
Do I need to hand sand after using a machine?
Can you fit new architrave instead of sanding the old one?
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