Sanding Drywall Joints: Get Smooth Walls Before Painting

Fresh drywall installation or patching always leaves seams and joints that need smoothing before paint. Sanding drywall joints is the secret to flawless, professional-looking walls. In this guide, you’ll learn the correct grit sequence, tools, and steps to achieve a smooth surface ready for primer and paint.

Why Sand Drywall Joints?

Joint compound (mud) often leaves ridges, bumps, or uneven transitions between panels. Sanding blends these areas into the surrounding drywall, creating a seamless finish. Skipping this step leads to visible lines, rough spots, and shadows after painting.

Tools You’ll Need

• Drywall sanding block or pole sander
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Dust mask or respirator
• Tack cloth or vacuum with brush attachment
• Work light to reveal imperfections

Best Grit Sequence for Drywall

• 120 grit: Initial sanding to smooth ridges in dried compound.
• 180 grit: Blending seams with the wall surface.
• 220 grit: Final pass for silky smooth finish before priming.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Drywall Joints

1. Check the joints. Shine a light across the seams to spot high and low areas.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to knock down ridges and uneven mud.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Apply 180 grit (50-pack) to feather seams into the drywall surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a flawless final pass.
5. Clean dust. Vacuum or wipe with a tack cloth to remove sanding residue.
6. Prime & paint. Apply drywall primer to seal before painting.

Special Cases

If sanding around repairs or patches, use a lighter touch to avoid removing too much compound. For small touch-ups, fine sanding with 220 grit is usually enough.

Pro Tips

• Sand in a circular motion to blend edges.
• Keep the work light low and at an angle—it highlights flaws you’d miss otherwise.
• Don’t oversand—exposing drywall paper causes more work.

Aftercare

• Prime immediately after sanding to lock down dust.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat to prevent curling.
• Dispose of drywall dust safely—don’t sweep, as it becomes airborne easily.

FAQs

• Can I skip sanding if I use self-leveling mud? No—light sanding is still required for a smooth finish.
• Do I need wet sanding? Optional, but it reduces dust. Use fine grit sheets dampened for final passes.
• What grit is best before primer? 220 grit ensures the smoothest surface without over-polishing.

Watch & Learn

Upgrade your drywall sanding with eQualle’s durable 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Available in 25, 50, and 100 packs, designed for wet or dry use. Shop medium grit sandpaper here.