How to Sand Drywall Patches for a Seamless Wall Finish

Repairing holes or cracks in drywall with joint compound is only half the job—the real magic happens during sanding. Proper sanding makes patches invisible after painting, blending them perfectly with the rest of the wall.

Why Sand Drywall Patches?

When joint compound dries, it often leaves ridges, bumps, or uneven edges. Sanding smooths these imperfections and feathers the patch into the surrounding wall. Skipping this step results in visible patches that stand out under paint.

Tools You’ll Need

• Drywall sanding sponge or sanding block
• Dust mask and safety goggles
• Vacuum with HEPA filter
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Drywall Patches

• 120 grit: First pass to knock down dried compound.
• 150 grit: Blending patch edges with the wall.
• 220 grit: Final pass for a paint-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Drywall Patches

1. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to flatten ridges and rough spots on dried compound.
2. Feather with 150 grit. Smooth edges with 150 grit (50-pack) so the patch blends seamlessly into the wall.
3. Finish with 220 grit. Lightly sand using 220 grit (100-pack) for a flawless, paint-ready surface.
4. Clean up. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust before priming or painting.

Special Cases

For small nail hole repairs, sanding with just 220 grit is often enough. For larger patches, multiple rounds of sanding between compound layers may be needed.

Pro Tips

• Shine a work light across the wall—shadows highlight uneven spots.
• Sand in a circular motion for consistent blending.
• Use a sanding sponge in corners to maintain straight lines.

Aftercare

• Prime patched areas before painting to prevent flashing.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat and dry for future repairs.
• Dispose of drywall dust safely—it can irritate lungs and eyes.

FAQs

• Do I always need to sand after patching drywall? Yes—unsanded patches will show through paint.
• Can I use power sanders on drywall patches? Yes, but keep pressure light to avoid gouging.

Watch & Learn

Sanding drywall patches properly ensures a flawless wall finish. Stock up on the right sheets from our drywall sanding collection today.