Drywall Sanding Made Easy: Grit Guide for Smooth Walls and Ceilings

Perfectly smooth drywall is the foundation of a flawless paint job. Whether you’re finishing new drywall or repairing patches, sanding is the step that makes walls and ceilings look seamless. This guide explains the grit sequence, tools, and techniques needed to sand drywall effectively.

Why Sand Drywall?

Sanding drywall removes excess joint compound, smooths seams, and blends patches into the wall. Without it, painted surfaces show ridges, bumps, and uneven textures that ruin the finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Drywall sanding sheets or mesh
• Sanding pole or hand sander
• 320-grit wet/dry sandpaper for finishing
• Vacuum with drywall dust filter
• Dust mask, safety glasses, and drop cloths

Best Grit Sequence for Drywall

• 120 grit: First pass for rough compound sanding.
• 150 grit: Refines seams and patches.
• 220 grit: Smooths surface for primer.
• 320 grit: Final touch before paint for ultra-smooth finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Drywall

1. Prep the area. Cover floors and furniture; wear protective gear.
2. First sanding pass. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to knock down rough compound.
3. Smooth seams. Switch to 150 grit (100-pack) for consistent blending.
4. Refine with 220 grit. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) to prep walls for primer.
5. Final polish. Use 320 grit (50-pack) before paint for a glass-smooth surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a damp cloth.
7. Prime and paint. Apply drywall primer, then finish with your chosen paint.

Special Cases

For ceilings, use a pole sander to reduce fatigue. For small patch repairs, sanding blocks or folded sheets work best. Always use light pressure to avoid gouging drywall paper.

Pro Tips

• Shine a work light across the wall to highlight imperfections before painting.
• Use mesh sheets for faster dust removal on large surfaces.
• Avoid oversanding, which can weaken joints and expose tape.

Aftercare

• Prime freshly sanded drywall to seal the surface.
• Clean tools immediately after use to prevent buildup.
• Store extra sheets in a dry place to prevent curling.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between primer coats? A light sanding with 320 grit helps ensure smooth topcoats.
• Can I skip 220 grit and go straight from 150 to 320? It’s possible, but 220 grit provides the best transition.
• What’s the difference between sanding mesh and sheets? Mesh reduces dust, while sheets provide more even coverage.

Watch & Learn

Sanding drywall may be messy, but with the right grit sequence, you’ll achieve professional-looking walls and ceilings ready for paint. Stock up on grits from 120 to 320 for every stage of the process.