1 What is the Best Sandpaper for Drywall? Why You Need the Correct Grit Sandpaper 2 When Should You Sand the Drywall Mud? Drywall Sanding Tips Conclusion Sanding should be done when your joint compound is completely dry.

To remove any roughness, use 80 or 100 grit sandpaper. As an alternative, you can sand using a 100 grit sanding screen or a medium grit sanding sponge. Sand with even strokes, being careful not to push too firmly. If you’re using sandpaper, support yourself using a drywall sander.

Change from coarse to finer grit sandpaper as you sand. While you might begin by using 80-120 grit sandpaper to smooth out uneven drywall mud, you’ll need to move on to 150 grit and then use a finer 220 grit sandpaper for a clean finish.

Further information is provided below.

WHAT SANDPAPER IS BEST FOR DRYWALL? Start by smoothing out any ridges and rough spots in your drywall compound using coarse-grit sandpaper. Depending on how hard the joint compound is, this will be 80–120 grit. (The lesser the grit you need to use, the harder the mud job.)

Finish the drywall by sanding it with 150 grit paper to merge the joints and 220 grit paper to create a smooth surface after everything has been smoothed out.

REASONS WHY YOU NEED THE RIGHT GRAPEL SANDPAPER Using the proper grit sandpaper or sanding block is crucial when completing drywall joints. This is due to the likelihood that your initial drywall mud applications may be rough and ridged. Coarse sandpaper is used to smooth out the surface and reduce wrinkles.

Then, smoothing out all the seams in the same region with fine sandpaper, such as a 220 grit, makes your drywall ready for primer and paint.

WHEN SHOULD THE DRYWALL MUD BE SANDED? Before sanding, drywall mud must be totally dried. Normally, this takes 24 hours. You will need to repaint the wall if you attempt to wet sand the drywall mud before it is completely dried.

TIPS FOR SANDING DRYWALL Although drywall sanding is not difficult, there are some procedures you can take to achieve a finished product that looks professional.

Work your way up to finer sandpaper by beginning with coarse paper. The coarse sandpaper will first aid in distributing your drywall mud evenly. However, you can’t end there. To finish the drywall and make a flat surface, use finer grit sandpaper.

If the dust on your paper keeps building up, use a sanding screen. Sanding screens are a fantastic substitute for standard sandpaper. They function the same way, but because they let sanding dust pass through, they don’t clog.

Sparingly sand the drywall. Sanding is done to provide a flawless finish. The joint compound will break or the margins of the drywall will show through if you oversand.

Make even, gentle strokes. A groove will be visible even after painting your wall if you push too firmly or go over the same area too frequently.

For ceilings and challenging to reach locations, use a pole sander. Use a pole sander if you’re drywalling the ceiling; it’s your best option. You can easily (and comfortably) access high spots using pole sanders. This shouldn’t be mistaken for an orbital sander.

When using a hand sander, be careful. Don’t push too firmly and make sure your strokes are even when using a hand sander on drywall. With a hand sander, divots and excessive sanding are quite simple to produce.

CONCLUSION Do not rush the drywall sanding process if this is your first time. After the joint compound has fully cured, use coarse sandpaper to smooth off any rough edges. Then, using fine-grit sandpaper, combine the drywall mud with the wall to produce a seamless finish.