Drywall Sanding Before Painting: Smooth Walls Made Easy (120–320 Grit Guide)

Freshly installed drywall looks rough until it’s sanded. Seams, ridges, and joint compound imperfections must be smoothed out before primer and paint. This guide explains how to sand drywall for professional-looking, paint-ready walls.

Why Sand Drywall?

Sanding levels out dried joint compound, removes tool marks, and feathers seams so they blend seamlessly with the wall. Without sanding, paint highlights every flaw under bright light.

Best Tools for Drywall Sanding

• 9x11 in silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Pole sander or sanding block
• Corner sanding sponge
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Dust mask or respirator

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Knock down ridges and heavy compound.
• 180 grit: Blend seams smoothly.
• 220 grit: Prepare surface for primer.
• 320 grit: Final pass for ultra-smooth paint finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Drywall Before Painting

1. Prepare the room. Remove furniture and cover floors with plastic.
2. Start with 120 grit. Knock down ridges with a pole sander. Use 120 Grit (25-pack).
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Blend seams and feather edges. Try 180 Grit (50-pack).
4. Refine with 220 grit. Light passes remove fine scratches. Stock up on 220 Grit (100-pack).
5. Finish with 320 grit. Sand lightly under bright light for a flawless surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe down walls to remove dust.
7. Prime and paint. Apply primer before your topcoat for best adhesion.

Special Cases

For small repairs, spot-sand with 180–220 grit only. Avoid coarse grits that can damage drywall paper.

Pro Tips

• Use a bright work light at an angle to spot imperfections.
• Sand lightly—too much pressure tears the paper surface.
• Always wear a respirator—drywall dust is harmful to inhale.
• Replace sandpaper sheets often to prevent clogging.

Aftercare

• Prime immediately after sanding to seal the surface.
• Dispose of drywall dust safely—avoid sweeping, which stirs particles into the air.
• Store sandpaper flat in a dry place.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between coats of compound? Yes, lightly with 180–220 grit for the smoothest results.
• Can I use a power sander? Yes, but be careful not to oversand edges and corners.
• What if I skip sanding? Paint will highlight seams and imperfections.

Watch & Learn

For smooth, paint-ready walls, explore our Fine Sandpaper Collection.