What grit sandpaper for drywall: A top ultimate guide 2024

For a high-quality finish on drywall finishing, there needs to be the right selection of grit sandpaper. There is sanding of the drywall with the right grit so as not to leave scratch marks, gouges, or a rough appearance. Every level of the procedure, from polish to smooth joint compounds, should have a set grit to ensure the best finishes. In this article, we will discuss the best sandpaper grits to use when you are working on drywall, , why the different grit sizes are utilized, and how to utilize them most effectively. With the aim of giving you the ideal finish on your drywall project, we will discuss the most common errors and most frequently asked questions.

What grit sandpaper for drywall?

The appropriate grit sandpaper is chosen with care to enable a smooth finish on drywall. Numbers are employed to describe the different grit sizes of drywall sandpaper. Lower numbers represent larger grit sizes, and higher numbers represent finer, smoother grit sizes.

The three most common sanding phases in sanding drywall are rough sanding, medium sanding, and finishing. Your grit will be based on where you are in your drywall project. What follows will detail appropriate grit sizes by phase:

Rough Sanding

Your first step will be to sand the joint compound to remove any large imperfections and excess material. To this process, a coarser grit—typically between 60 and 100—is employed. The intention is to flatten the surface and remove any ridges or high spots. A coarse grit is employed to flatten the surface quickly before completing it with finer grits.

To sand around, 60 to 80 grit should be utilized.

• The Reason For This Grit: The high grit will remove excess compound and leave the surface smooth but will not damage the drywall too much.

Mild Sanding

After the coarse sanding is done, the surface must be smoothened once more. It is time to use a medium grit, which is usually between 100 and 150. The surface is smoothened from the coarse sandpaper, and no defects or scratches become apparent with this grit.

Use 100 to 120 grit for medium sanding.

• The Reason Behind This Grit: A mid-grit helps put a smoother finish and prepares the surface for the final sanding by eliminating the sand marks that result from the coarse grit.

Final Finish or Fine Sanding

The final sanding step is needed for a smooth, finished finish. Finer grit, usually 150 to 220, is used in this. Fine polishing of the surface with fine-grit sandpaper enables any imperfection left behind to be removed and an easily paintable, smooth, seamless drywall finish to be gained.

150–220 grit is best when fine sanding.

• The Reason Behind This Grit: A proper grit will produce the finest finish without cutting the drywall surface before paint or primer work.

Comparison Table: Drywall Phases Sandpaper Grains

The Role of Grit Size in Drywall Sanding

You can achieve the desired finish on your drywall project by learning about the different sizes of grit and their characteristics. The main factors influencing grit size are the material being sanded and the purpose of the sanding. When it comes to drywall, the goal is to remove the joint compound without causing any visible scratches or surface damage.

• Lower Grit Numbers (Coarse): Apply coarse sandpaper (40 to 80 grit) on the rough surfaces, i.e., scraping or levelling surplus compound. Apply coarse grits first.
• Moderate Grit Numbers: 100 to 150 grit is most suitable for surface blending and ironing. Apply them in the middle step and remove the sanding marks left by the coarse grit.
• High Grit Numbers (Fine): Fine grits ranging from 150–220 are perfect for sanding drywall. They provide a flawless finish for the surface prior to painting.

Influence of Grit on the Sanding Process

The grit size makes a difference as it will determine the amount of material the sandpaper will take off. The coarser grit is what you would utilize for coarse, rough sanding since it will take off a great deal of material rather rapidly. But a finer grit will take off a tremendous amount less material when you’re just filling blemishes.

The Best Sandpaper Types for Drywall

In choosing sandpaper for drywall, aside from the grit size, it is also a good idea to consider the paper material and type. There are numerous types of sandpaper which can be employed when working on drywall:

Paper Sandpaper

• When sanding, it is better to employ sandpaper.
• Characteristics: Paper sandpaper is best utilized in application with drywall because it is easy to handle and leaves a smooth finish when using the correct grit.
• Pros: Inexpensive and fairly cheap.
• Cons: Paper sandpaper gets torn or weakened by water.

Mesh Sandpaper

• Dust control and maximum durability require best-fit mesh sandpaper.
• Features: Drywall is predominantly worked with mesh sandpaper because it is denser than paper and also increases dust attraction.
• Upsides are longer life and less clogging of dust.
• Cons: Slightly more costly than paper sandpaper.

Sponge Sandpaper

• The best operation from sponge sandpaper is on the nearly curved surface and wet sanding, too.
• Facilities: Sponge sandpaper is soft and ideal for surfaces requiring more precise sanding or wet sanding.
• Advantages: It can be reused, is flexible, and is ideal for contours.
• Disadvantages: Compared to standard sandpaper, it may be messier.

Drywall Sanding Mistakes

As vital as selecting the proper grit sandpaper is your sanding technique to create an even silky finish. When sanding drywall, people tend to do the following:

Use too coarse a grit for the final sanding

You will end up with scratches on your painted drywall if you sand too coarse a grit on the final step. Always reserve sandpaper of a higher grit for the final step so that you don’t destroy your work.

Too Much Sanding

Too much sanding will cause gouges or a rough surface. The moment you get a smooth surface, reduce the sanding so that you don’t destroy the drywall.

Inadequate Use of Sanding Sheets

It is hard to sand drywall. You might not be efficient if you only have a single sheet throughout the process. Use sufficient sheets of sandpaper so that you can replace them when necessary for each step.

Sanding drywall with the wrong kind of sandpaper

Certain sandpapers, such as regular paper sandpaper, tend to wear out too quickly when they are utilized for sanding drywall. Sand drywall using the appropriate type of sandpaper to perform long-lasting work.

Drywall Sanding Tools and Techniques

Although choosing the right grit for sanding drywall is crucial, tools and how you use them are also critical to achieving a smooth finish. In this section, we are going to outline some of the tools and methods that will enable you to professionally sand your drywall.

Sanding Tools

• Hand Sanding Block: It is simple to utilize to exert consistent pressure in sanding as it grasps the sandpaper. Although more time-consuming to employ when working on larger projects, it works best when used on small surfaces or for making touch-ups. On drywall, a hand sanding block would typically be employed in conjunction with fine or medium grit sandpaper.
• Pole Sander: Pole sander facilitates the rapid sanding of ceilings and high walls with ladderless movement. It comes with a broad, flat, wide pad and a pole on which it is mounted. It works best with humongous surfaces and even to level big surface areas or for sanding seams of drywall. With fine-grit sandpaper (150–220), you can completely smooth out a surface.
• Electric Sanders: An electric drywall sander is best suited for big drywall jobs in an effort to save time and effort. Electric sanders come equipped with dust collection arrangements on them to maintain mess to a minimum. Variable speed in certain electric sanders enables you to reduce or increase the sanding based on the surface and grit you are sanding.
• Sanding Sponge: A versatile sanding tool used for flat or shallow curved drywall surfaces. Sanding sponges work well in edges, corners, and tight spaces. Sanding sponges come in several grits.

Sanding Techniques

• Light Pressure: In order to prevent too deep scratches or sanding into the joint compound, light pressure must be applied in sanding drywall, particularly on the finishing job. Let the sandpaper do all the work, and use long, smooth strokes.
• Sanding in a Circle: Sanding in a circular back-and-forth direction can remove minor imperfections and force out joint seams. Don’t scrub as hard in one direction to create a smooth, even surface. Hold the sanding tool flat on the surface at all times to prevent uneven sanding.
• Sanding Between Coats: Gently sand the surface to take out ridges or raised edges before applying the second coat of joint compound. Sand only after the compound has dried completely to avoid marring the surface.
• Wearing a Dust Mask: Drywall dust is not healthy for your lungs, so sand while wearing a dust mask or respirator. The best thing to do is to use a filtering mask that will keep small particles out, like a N95 respirator.

How to Sand Without Producing Dust

Dust is the most unpleasant aspect of sanding drywall. There are a few ways to minimize the mess and prevent toxic inhalation, but it is nearly impossible to completely avoid dust.

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Use sanding tools with dust collection systems

Most of the dust is collected while you sand with dust collection systems in some electric sanders and handheld sanding tools. These systems, by keeping the amount of dust on your floor and in the air to a bare minimum, make cleaning very easy.

The Wet Sanding Method

Others effectively remove the dust by wet sanding. By lightly moistening the surface with a sponge or cloth, you can prevent the dust from being airborne. Sometimes, this method makes a mud slurry that must be cleaned off.

Protect floors and furniture

Protect the furniture and floors around you with plastic sheeting or drop cloths to catch any loose dust. This will be easier to clean up after the project. Secure the plastic in position with tape so it won’t move while sanding.

Put on a High-Quality Dust Mask

You should also wear a high-quality dust mask (one that is at least N95 or higher) to protect your lungs. Such masks guard against inhaling drywall dust’s adverse effects by stopping very fine particles of dust.

When to Hire a Professional to Sand Drywall

While most DIY’ers can sand drywall without issues, there are a couple of scenarios where it’s worth hiring someone to do it. They have the equipment and training to get it done right, particularly if you’re working on a large area or you want to ensure that you have a flawless finish.

You should hire a professional in the following situations

• Large Projects: If you’re dealing with a house or multiple rooms, the amount of sanding to be done could be more than you can comfortably manage. Someone professional will have it done in less time with more even results.
• Super High Finish: If you want that flawless, mirror-finish, professionals possess equipment and expertise that will ensure that the surface turns out flawless (especially if using a gloss or satin finish paint).
• Health Problems: If you are health aware or dust sensitive, it is likely advisable to call someone professional who carries appropriate dust control tools.

Sandpaper for Drywall FAQs

What type of grit sandpaper do I need to use to finish drywall?

Grit 150–220 sandpaper is the best to use in finishing drywall. It is the best to finish and paint over.

Do I sand drywall with normal sandpaper?

While you may sand drywall using regular sandpaper, you’ll find special drywall sandpaper to be best. It’s heavier and will typically do a better job.

Is wet sanding drywall necessary?

Wet sanding would be worthwhile if you’d rather have less dust and a nicer look. But sometimes it isn’t always a necessity, and you must use extreme care so you don’t destroy the drywall.

Is drywall sandpaper reusable?

Mesh or sponge sandpaper can be reused. Paper sandpaper will, however, eventually wear out and will have to be replaced after using it once or twice.

How is drywall sanded without making dust?

In order to avoid too much dust, either use mesh sandpaper or a sanding block with a vacuum attachment. Or, the drywall might be wet sanded, although that may be messy, too.

Conclusion

Selecting the proper grit sandpaper is the key to the drywall finish being smooth and improved. Being aware of the three grit sizes, coarse, medium, and fine, will enable you to complete each step of sanding effectively and with a great finish. Staying away from errors and selecting the right type of sandpaper will enable you to make your drywall finishing process easy to handle and fun.

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