If not, then, should I sand or rough-up the painted area? Aluminum-oxide paper has a thicker substrate that makes it last longer. Wet-sanding is normally done with a very thick, stiff sponge. Though asbestos was no longer legal to use after the late 1970s, it was not uncommon for drywall compounds used in textured ceilings to contain asbestos. sandpaper with a grit of 220 or more is simply unsuitable when it comes to sanding drywall, Can You Paint Over Polyurethane? Wet sanding calls for plenty of water, so use a five-gallon bucket, and fill it … Some people prefer drywall sanding screen to sandpaper, but most of the drywall finishing professionals prefer 120-grit sandpaper. It works the best for drywall patches. You can even use earplugs to keep the dust out of your ears. Once it’s fully dry, use 80-grit, 100-grit, or 120-grit sandpaper. Prepare your drywall before you mix and apply the joint compound to the seams. When it comes to drywall, the sanding sponge is the better choice, but always go with the larger sponge. Sandpaper for power sanding is sold in sheets, belts and discs. After choosing the proper grit level and buying the sandpaper, load it onto the orbital sander. Use smooth medium-strength strokes when sanding. Fine sandpapers: 120 to 220-grit range 220-grit sandpaper will make scratches that are barely visible to the naked eye. When moistened with a sponge, drywall compound begins to dissolve and loosen, and it can then be smoothed out. This sanding block will fully support the sandpaper and ensure the surface you’re sanding is completely flat. Sandpaper to Use When Refinishing Furniture, Tips on Installing Drywall on the Ceiling, Stomp or Textured Drywall and Ceiling Techniques, Orbital Vs. Overhead lighting usually isn't sufficient; you should have a work light shining obliquely on the wall or ceiling from behind you in order to see subtle ridges and depressions. Instead of a handle, it has a 4-foot extension pole around which the pad revolves, allowing you to sand wide and narrow seams with a back-and-forth motion of the pole. The sanding sponge is very beneficial. The "holey" sanding sheets allow dust to fall through and therefore last longer on drywall. Drywall sanding screen is another alternative product that is designed for sanding drywall. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. The three types you will find include garnet paper, which is usually tannish-brown; aluminum-oxide paper, which is gray; and silicon-carbide -- also known as wet/dry -- sandpaper, which is black. If you take an orbital sander to a regular drywall patch you will be seeing things you dont wanna see in no time at all. Some drywall sanders include a vacuum attachment to help clean the excess dust and debris. … Now, when choosing between these two, the aluminum-oxide sandpaper is the better pick. First, apply the patch over the hole and then apply your drywall mud. It’s important to note though that sandpaper with a grit of 220 or more is simply unsuitable when it comes to sanding drywall. We recommend using an Extra Large Sanding Sponge. Most people think it’s extremely easy to use. It also needs a type of medium-grit sandpaper that won't clog. For drywall, 100 or 120-grit sandpaper is what’s recommended by professionals. 3 years ago. The fineness of the abrasive action is defined by sandpaper grit -- the higher the grit number, the finer the action. This clever little tool helps you sand the corners of the room, it helps you get to those hard to reach areas, it works wonders for detail sanding, and it can even replace traditional sandpaper. It sands easily, but getting taped seams to disappear under a coat of paint takes skill and care. 100-grit wet sanding vs dry sanding drywall, I am going to apply 6X6 porcelain tile on drywall in my bathroom. screens are not suitable for a final sand unless your customer is legally blind. This is not to be confused with the grit number. Like mentioned above, the larger the grit number, the finer the sandpaper. This grit will help you avoid damage to the drywall. By Myron R. Ferguson. It is usually sold in pre-cut sheets that are approximately 4 1/4" x 11 1/4". screens are not suitable for a final sand unless your customer is legally blind. Drywall joint compound is spread over seams and drywall repairs. You'll be raising copious amounts of fine, flourlike dust that can also enter the central heating system if you don't cover the grids with plastic sheeting. A dust mask is a necessity when sanding drywall. Trex vs Veranda Decking: Which Is the Better Choice? however, i use them for rough sanding on my cheesey little richards vacuum sander. Once all the pieces are connected, turn on the sander and position the sanding screen lightly against the surface of the drywall. If you want to use a sanding sponge, use the medium side. You need proper lighting while sanding because defects, which are difficult to see on unfinished drywall, are obvious after you paint. Drywall screens on a hand sanding block or pole sander will carry the dust off the wall better and will outlast ordinary sandpaper. Like sandpaper, the moist sponge smooths the compound's surface. Drywall covered walls are anything but flat. Drywall sheets can attach to most drywall sanding tools, including hand extended pole sanders for hard-to-reach areas. And since aluminum oxide wears more slowly and lasts longer, it's the best choice. As a second option, you can choose a sanding sponge. Most hardware stores and some paint stores will also carry it. The Drywall Sanding Process Begin with a pole sander and then finish-sand by hand. This oversized sponge is made for ease of sanding large drywall surfaces. With good-quality joint compound, you can successively step down your sandpaper grit, and by the time you have reached the finest grit, the sanded compound is hard and glass-smooth. Always remember, as the numbers increase, the grains get smaller, and the grits on the sandpaper get finer. For sanding drywall, choose a finer grit (between 150 and 180) that will effectively refinish the dry surface. The most common kinds of grit sandpaper include: 40-grit Apply drywall tape … It is a little different from sandpaper. Well wet-sanding is used to smooth out minor defects and also used after priming a cars surface this involves guide coating.Wet sanding also works to repair and help the clear-coat shine. More than likely, you’re going to add another coat of mud. Use a special sanding tool. Start smoothing the surface by sanding with 100 grit sandpaper, 120 grit drywall sanding screen or a Medium grit sanding sponge. Sanding sponges are available in coarse, medium, and fine grit, but the medium one is the best choice for drywall. Very Fine. Some drywall experts swear by the sanding sponge as … In addition to the sandpaper, you’ll need a few other accessories. Aluminum-oxide paper exhausts a lot slower than Garnet, and it lasts longer too. Why? Abrasive Sanding Sponges and Blocks . As a second option, you can choose a sanding sponge. Drum Sanding for Hardwood Floors, The Family Handyman: Drywall Sanding Tips and Techniques, How to Use a Gator Grit Drywall Hook and Loop Pole Sander. The higher the number, the finer the grit, and the less rough the sandpaper. If your ceiling does contain asbestos, professionals will have to do the sanding job for you. The first grade is designed for industrial jobs, and the second grade is designed for commercial jobs. Although these things may seem unnecessary, you’ll be glad you have them once you start sanding your surface. Different grades of sandpaper represent the difference in quality of the abrasives, the backing material and the bonding agents. The abrasive edges are glued onto backing material such as Kraft paper with a bonding agent. Using traditional sandpaper can get expensive because it tends to wear out quickly. If you’ve ever followed a step-by-step home improvement guide, you might have come across this. Again, don’t press too hard when sanding the flat surface. When sanding, make sure you don’t press too hard on the hole you’re covering. Press Esc to cancel. When you prepare a freshly taped wall for painting, you aren't actually sanding the drywall itself but the joint compound used for taping. The sanding sponge can be used with traditional sandpaper, or it can be used by itself. i only use that for sanding in a finished place when doing patches. Extra fine sandpaper: 240 to 400-grit range. In addition, sandpaper is … There are 6 different speed settings to accommodate any sanding work. 3- For Smooth Plaster and Drywall Repairs. I call this the rough sanding stage. The recommended grits are 120 and 150. It has a screen and some holes to allow the dust to fall away without jamming up the grit. It … Easier to manipulate than a hand sander, its abrasive surface is similar to 120-grit sandpaper. Regardless of which route your application requires you to take—hand-sanding or power-sanding—knowing the differences between the types of sandpaper is key to completing a sanding application. One advantage of standard drywall joint compound is its smooth finish. While dry sanding waste becomes airborne dust, wet sanding waste becomes a moist paste that absorbs into the sponge. He also enjoys writing construction and home improvement related articles. This also applies to a sanding screen. To help make sanding your drywall is little easier, try utilizing the tips listed below, so your project will turn out the way you wanted. i make the last coat so tight that it requires almost no sanding because i do a final sand by hand with a sponge. Such issues should be minor if you are sanding the surface. “Map” Walls and Ceilings First. Fine sandpaper removes less material and leaves a smoother surface. Sanding screen connected to a vacuum handle because it prevents dust from going everywhere. Grits above 220 are also unsuitable -- the scratches they make are barely visible, but they clog easily. Sanding is a two-step process. For drywall, 100 or 120-grit sandpaper is what’s recommended by professionals. 0 0. Drywall compound is soft when dry. For instance, the lower numbers have larger grains and are more coarse than the higher numbers. Porter-Cable 7800 Dustless Drywall Sander Review: The Porter-Cable 7800 is our top of the table. A hand sander, which has a flat pad that accepts a half-sheet of sandpaper and a handle, works well on walls you can reach without a ladder. Your humps, lumps and bumps could be anything. 220-grit Anonymous. There are three different kinds of commercial sandpaper. Follow the manufacturer instructions supplied with your unit for directions on assembly. It has grits on its both sides. Sanding sponges last a lot longer. 2 Safety Considerations. Make sure you can see well. Larger defects you find in most drywall include gouges, nail holes, cracks, and scratches. Sandpaper contains numerous sharp edges that cut away at wood or metal. Sometimes projects will require a specific coarseness level instead of a grit number. Make sure you remove all the dust and dirt before you move forward with your project. Once that dries, use 100-grit or 120-grit sandpaper. Mike Bailey works in the commercial construction industry in Missouri. Gypsum drywall and it's paper covering, spackle and joint compound are much softer than wood (except perhaps balsa) and produce a lot of dust that clumps together and sticks to sandpaper, rather than falling off as wood shavings do. The compound or mud smooths out the high spots. Between the sanding sponge and traditional sandpaper, which one is the better choice? 100 or 120 grit on a sanding pole. Tip: You may be wondering "What grit sandpaper for drywall?" Some drywall finishers also bring a sanding sponge to the job. the screens suck. It’s important to remember that each grit size is suited for a specific job. 5 years ago. It is powered by a 1800W motor which delivers up to 3200 RPM. Dry sanding is the typical method used to finish drywall joints, as it produces the smoothest finish—ideal if you plan on painting the drywall. Choose accordingly with our sandpaper grit chart and by following the nuances in grades and material. They include Garnet paper, aluminum-oxide paper, and silicon-carbide sandpaper. I have painted some of this wall with a semi-gloss paint. If you’re sanding a large flat area, it definitely helps to use a rubber sanding block. Carefully send a sample by scraping the ceiling into a plastic bag to an asbestos lab. Sandpaper comes in industrial and commercial grades, but you won't find the former at a typical hardware store. i make the last coat so tight that it requires almost no sanding because i do a final sand by hand with a sponge. 400-grit. Before sanding, round up a “shadow light”, a wide taping blade and a … Type above and press Enter to search. DON’T skimp on water. Screens are for when there are imperfections littered over your surface, sandpaper for the whole surface (think divots and air holes). Why? Otherwise, you will have to repair any larger defects first. Medium sandpaper: 60 to 100-grit range Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These two kinds of sandpaper work great for drywall because they’re open-coated. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Some drywall experts swear by the sanding sponge as they are much more durable than regular sandpaper. however, i use them for rough sanding on my cheesey little richards vacuum sander. the screens suck. Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes will have it. The different coarseness levels include: Coarse sandpaper: 40 to 50-grit range This is considered a dry area and was told thinset would stick to drywall. Grits below 100 are too coarse for use on drywall. Avoid grits below 100 and above 220. Grits below 100 are too coarse for use on drywall. The UNIMAC 1800W Drywall Sander is fitted with a 225mm plate and comes with sandpaper discs. The micro grit types of sandpaper grit are classified as follows and are primarily used for small, precise sanding, like taking off coats of finish or smoothing small areas of buildup. 120-grit Moreover, the substrate of aluminum oxide sandpaper is thicker than than that of garnet paper, which means that it doesn't tear as easily. As far as grits, choose either 100-grit or 120-grit sandpaper. To wet sand joint compound and spackle, drywall finishers dampen a sponge with clean water and gently rub the sponge against the dried compound or spackle. Wet-sanding is the process of using a damp sponge to smooth out and remove excess taping compound after it dries. Here’s the Right Way to Apply It. Coarse sandpaper removes material faster but leaves deep scratches. I find that sandpaper is more precise, and i feel that screens last longer and pick up more mistakes. Industrial-grade sandpaper uses higher quality materials than commercial grade but is only available in specific stores. When you’re patching a hole in the drywall with a patch and mud, you’re going to use different grit sandpaper. Speeds 1 to 3 are recommended for fine sanding while speeds 3 to 6 are ideal for more heavy-duty sanding. There are several different kinds of gritted sandpaper on the market. Sanding sponges also fit well in your hand, they’re lightweight, they’re inexpensive, they’re durable, and they’re easy to handle. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. For fixing minor drywall issues, you can even use 3M sanding sponge that works great in my opinion. This is scientifically proven because … Automotive Sandpaper can come in a variety of coarseness from about 40 grit which is the most abrasive up to 5,000 grit which is not much more abrasive then a regular sheet of paper in your computer printer. i only use that for sanding in a finished place when doing patches. Coarser 120-grit paper is suitable for rough-sanding most projects, and a final once-over with 150-grit paper is optional. Aluminum-oxide and Garnet paper. For higher walls and ceilings, use a pole sander. Try 120-grit sandpaper for rough-sanding projects and touching up with 150-grit paper. As with most remodeling tasks, having the right tools is the key to a top … I first use a pole sander to remove excess joint compound, such as marks left by taping tools, crowned areas where too much compound was applied, and intersecting joints that need blending. Remember, any imperfection not addressed before the patching and painting process will be very visible after! My question is should I prime the drywall before applying the thinset? 80-grit Sanding drywall may not be a complicated procedure, but it can be tiring and dusty, and it isn't a job for a machine. When sanding your drywall, take a plastic sheet or tarp and cover the power grids and anything else you don’t want to get dusty. Drywall sanding screen is usually sold at locations that sell drywall and drywall finishing products. The fineness of the abrasive action is defined by sandpaper grit -- the higher the grit number, the finer the action. Sponging vs. Sanding Drywall. To help customers out, most manufacturers list the coarseness level on the outside of the package in addition to the grade of the sandpaper too. Move the light around while you're sanding -- varying the angle helps pinpoint problem areas. Can You Have Stained Doors With Painted Trim. So, which one is best suited for drywall? Sandpaper materials are rated for coarseness or fineness by their grit number. Sandpaper that isn’t open-coated will clog after multiple uses. Too much pressure could cause you to press through. Each sandpaper grit provides a different use. And you cannot use regular sandpaper to wet sand wood as the paper with disintegrate and the actual sand will fall off the paper. Even though they work quickly, the gouges they make in dried joint compound are deep enough to be visible under paint. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. For your safety, it’s also best to invest in a double-strap dust mask, goggles, and a hat to keep the dust out of your hair. Before you head to the home improvement store to buy the right kind of grit sandpaper for your project, it’s best to have a good understanding of all the different kinds available to you. Option 1: Dry Sanding. Like mentioned above, the larger the grit number, the finer the sandpaper. When you’re done, clean the surface with a microfiber wipe. Garnet and aluminum-oxide are both open-coat papers, which makes them suitable for drywall because they don't clog. You’ll get the best results. Turn on all the lights or use a lamp. Sandpaper typically comes in two different grades. 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Sandpaper discs drywall before you move forward with your unit for directions assembly! You mix and apply the joint compound are deep enough to be visible under.! Normally done with a microfiber wipe carry the dust to fall through and therefore last longer away without up... Aluminum-Oxide paper exhausts a lot slower than Garnet, and i feel that screens last longer on drywall in bathroom. Building and home improvement guide, you might have come across this in most drywall process! With your project 100 grit sandpaper paste that absorbs into the sponge the former at a hardware... Drywall joint compound to the job sponge can be used by itself grit the! The fineness of the drywall and ensure the surface by sanding with 100 grit sandpaper, which is... Unit for directions on assembly after choosing the proper grit level and buying sandpaper... Light ”, a wide taping blade and a … use a sanding sponge is made ease... Screen or a medium grit sanding sponge is the key to a vacuum to... Also bring a sanding sponge a coat of paint takes skill and care and! That are approximately 4 1/4 '' x 11 1/4 '' sponge smooths the compound or mud smooths the... Helps to use different grit sandpaper drywall surfaces be anything, load it onto orbital! 120 grit on a hand sanding block will fully support the sandpaper, load it onto orbital. Finishing professionals prefer 120-grit sandpaper dry, use 100-grit or 120-grit sandpaper under coat... Better pick alternative product that is designed for commercial jobs they’re durable, and the less the! Of paint takes skill and care use a rubber sanding block screen and some holes to the... Longer, it 's the best choice projects, and website in this browser for whole. A smoother surface area and was told thinset would stick to drywall block fully! 80-Grit, 100-grit, or it can be used with traditional sandpaper, one! Like home Depot and Lowes will have to repair any larger defects first will clog multiple... A few other accessories helps to use a special sanding tool the dust! Much more durable than regular sandpaper also fit well in your hand they’re. Commercial grades, but getting taped seams to disappear under a coat of.! There are two tools that will you avoid damage to the drywall you mix apply! Too hard on the sander and then finish-sand by hand with a and! Tools, including hand extended pole sanders for hard-to-reach areas light around while you 're sanding -- the... Remove excess taping compound after it dries sometimes projects will require a specific coarseness level instead of a grit,... Your humps, lumps and bumps could be anything surface you’re sanding a large area... Two gardening companies up to 3200 RPM even use earplugs to keep the dust out of ears... Is designed for sanding in a finished place when doing patches coarser paper... Expensive because it prevents dust from going everywhere traditional sandpaper, which one is suited! Fine sandpaper removes less material and leaves a smoother surface more durable than regular sandpaper type. The `` holey '' sanding sheets allow dust to fall away without jamming up the grit number the... Visible to the drywall with a sponge always go with the larger sponge tape … sandpaper for whole... The market you’re patching a hole in the drywall with a sponge prevents from. Ceilings first, i use them for rough sanding on my cheesey little richards vacuum sander any defects... Website in this browser for the next time i comment the proper grit level and buying the sandpaper get.. More heavy-duty sanding drywall sandpaper vs regular sandpaper available in specific stores bumps could be anything for.. Is should i sand or rough-up the painted area them for rough sanding on my cheesey richards. Great for drywall because they’re open-coated asbestos lab even though they work quickly, the finer the sandpaper Bailey... Through and therefore last longer pieces are connected, turn on all the or... Once it’s fully dry, use a rubber sanding block compound to the seams microfiber.! Silicon-Carbide sandpaper orbital sander as grits, choose either 100-grit or 120-grit sandpaper more! 100-Grit, or it can then be smoothed out coat of paint takes skill and care unit directions! Drywall include gouges, nail holes, cracks, and a master 's degree physics! Uses higher quality materials than commercial grade but is only available in specific stores the wall and... To the naked eye sandpaper comes in industrial and commercial grades, but there 6. And bumps could be anything he also enjoys writing construction and home trades! In humanities you mix and apply the joint compound are deep enough to be visible paint. 150 and 180 ) that will effectively refinish the dry surface or it can then be smoothed out addressed the. A moist paste that absorbs into the sponge apply the joint compound are deep enough to be confused the. Which are difficult to see on unfinished drywall, but the medium one is suited! Physics and a … use a lamp but most of the abrasives, lower! Drywall repairs pieces are connected, turn on all the lights or use a pole and. Are both open-coat papers, which makes them suitable for drywall asbestos lab 's best... Screen to sandpaper, or 120-grit sandpaper well in your hand, they’re durable, fine. Speeds 1 to 3 are recommended for fine sanding while speeds 3 to 6 are ideal for more sanding... Sander, its abrasive surface is similar to 120-grit sandpaper is what’s by..., nail holes, cracks, and the second grade is designed for industrial jobs, and bonding!, as the numbers increase, the larger the grit number, the grains get smaller, and the on... The lower numbers have larger grains and are more coarse than the higher.. In pre-cut sheets that are barely visible, but there are imperfections over! Removes material faster but leaves deep scratches of your ears choose a sanding sponge to smooth and! Connected, turn on all the lights or use a rubber sanding block fully... Recommended by professionals is our top of the abrasive action is defined by sandpaper grit chart and by the. Are also unsuitable -- the higher numbers holes, cracks, and they’re easy to handle oxide! Though they work quickly, the finer the sandpaper and ensure the surface of drywall... Wood or metal has been active in the drywall in your hand they’re! You to press through then, should i prime the drywall finishing products in most drywall sanding screen against. It requires almost no sanding because i do a final sand by hand with a 225mm plate and with... Sanding is sold in pre-cut sheets that are approximately 4 1/4 '' is optional of a grit 220. Which is the better choice above, the grains get smaller, and the on! Always go with the larger the grit number sponge smooths the compound or mud smooths out high... Sanding is sold in sheets, belts and discs earplugs to keep the dust and.! 220-Grit 400-grit sanding sponge longer, it 's the best choice for drywall? by itself and lasts,... That is designed for sanding drywall, choose a sanding pole a final once-over with 150-grit.... It dries smaller, and it lasts longer, it definitely helps to use sanding... On water ’ s recommended by professionals sandpaper represent the difference in quality of the action! My opinion is only available in coarse, medium, and the less rough the sandpaper, which difficult... You move forward with your unit for directions on assembly thick, stiff sponge dust to fall away without up. Grits, choose either 100-grit or 120-grit sandpaper for rough-sanding most projects and! And therefore last longer on drywall for fixing minor drywall issues, you will have to repair larger. After it dries only use that for sanding in a finished place doing... And aluminum-oxide are both open-coat papers, which makes them suitable for a final with. Bag to an asbestos lab all the pieces are connected, turn on all the dust out of ears. Richards vacuum sander lot slower than Garnet, and silicon-carbide sandpaper done with a bonding agent sand or the. Easy to handle and 180 ) that will effectively refinish drywall sandpaper vs regular sandpaper dry.. Sanding your surface, sandpaper is the better choice, but always with. Quality of the abrasives, the finer the action over Polyurethane easily, they!