Which Sandpaper Grit for Drywall
Drywall sanding is a critical step that defines the quality of your finished walls. Even the smoothest joint compound application can look uneven if the sanding is not handled with care. Knowing which grit sandpaper to use for drywall to use at different stages ensures that your surface becomes paint-ready and professional. The process is not about force but about control.
When done correctly, drywall sanding levels joints, removes tool marks, and results in a flawless, perfectly smooth surface ready for painting.
Importance of Sandpaper Grit in Drywall Sanding
The grit number on sandpaper represents how coarse or fine the abrasive surface is. A lower number means the sandpaper is coarse and removes material quickly, while a larger number produces refined results. Choosing the right drywall sanding grit prevents damage such as paper face scratches, deep scratches, or uneven patches.
If the grit is too coarse, it can damage the drywall paper or leave swirl marks that show up under paint. If it’s too fine too early, it can miss imperfections. The goal is to move in a stepwise progression of grits for a seamless finish.
Drywall Sanding Grit Progression
Professional drywall finishers typically follow a progressive grit progression to achieve optimal results:
• 100–120 grit: Ideal for rough sanding to remove high areas after joint compound application. This grit should be used with care to prevent surface tearing.
• 120–150 grit: Perfect for blending seams once the major imperfections are removed. This grit provides the main shaping and blending phase.
• 180–220 grit: Used for final finishing before priming or painting. It creates a consistent surface without imperfections.
This sequence ensures each layer of compound is evenly finished, resulting in a long-lasting wall.
Must-Have Drywall Sanding Tools
Using proper tools is as important as selecting the right grit. Quality equipment helps maintain even pressure, reduces fatigue, and keeps dust under control.
Common tools include:
• Sanding block or hand sander for small areas
• Pole sander for high or wide wall sections
• Sanding sponges for corners and what grit sandpaper for drywall compound curved areas
• Perforated sandpapers for dust reduction
• Mask to prevent dust exposure
• Side lighting to identify flaws
These tools help ensure smooth, uniform results without damaging the drywall paper.
Step-by-Step Drywall Sanding Guide
Sanding drywall is a careful process. Following professional techniques prevents uneven finishes and ensures your work looks professional once painted.
1. Let the Joint Compound Dry Completely
Always wait for the compound to dry fully before sanding. Partially dried mud will smear and ruin your finish. Fully cured compound turns into fine dust when sanded, allowing for consistent texture.
2. Apply Light, Even Pressure
Avoid pressing too hard. Let the sandpaper do the work while maintaining steady strokes. Excessive pressure can expose tape.
3. Feather the Edges
Blend the joint compound smoothly into the drywall using gentle sweeping motions. Focus on edges rather than flat surfaces to create a invisible appearance.
4. Use Angled Lighting
Shine a light across the wall’s surface to highlight flaws that might not be visible head-on. This ensures all marks are addressed before painting.
5. Switch to Finer Grit for Final Passes
Once the wall feels flat and smooth, move to 180–220 grit sandpaper. This stage polishes the surface and prepares the wall for priming or painting.
Tips for Sanding Edges and Corners
Corners and edges need careful sanding. Use a fine-grit sanding sponge or folded sandpaper to reach these areas. Sand one side at a time with minimal pressure to avoid damaging the tape or paper.
For inside corners, a few light passes are usually enough to blend the edges without thinning the surface material. Gentle, even sanding is the key to maintaining joint integrity.
Common Sanding Mistakes to Avoid
Many DIY finishers make the mistake of being too aggressive or skipping crucial steps. To achieve a high-quality outcome, avoid the following:
• Removing too much compound
• Using coarse sandpaper that leaves deep scratches
• Applying uneven pressure
• Failing to identify imperfections
• Ignoring safety precautions such as dust masks
Patience, precision, and proper technique matter more than speed during drywall sanding.
Preparing Drywall for Painting
Before applying paint, ensure that the wall is completely free from dust and residue. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or a vacuum attachment designed for drywall dust. Check all areas under good lighting to confirm a consistent finish. Using 180–220 grit sandpaper for drywall before painting ensures a smooth and receptive surface for primer adhesion.
A properly sanded wall allows primer and paint to seal correctly, preventing visible marks and ensuring a professional result.
Conclusion
Mastering the correct drywall sanding grit to use at each stage can significantly improve the quality of your walls. Start with medium grit to remove rough patches, move to finer grits for blending, and finish with ultra-fine sanding for that professional surface.
By combining the right tools, lighting, and a steady approach, you can achieve a perfectly smooth drywall finish that looks seamless under any paint or lighting condition. Careful sanding and control are the true secrets to expert-level drywall finishing.