Drywall Sanding Made Easy: Grits & Steps for Smooth Walls

Perfectly smooth drywall is the secret to professional-looking walls and ceilings. Whether you’re patching a repair or finishing a full remodel, sanding is what blends joints and prepares the surface for paint. Using eQualle 9x11 inch wet or dry sandpaper sheets in the right grit sequence ensures your walls look flawless under any light.

Why Sanding Matters for Drywall

Joint compound and patches leave uneven textures that will show through paint if not sanded correctly. Proper sanding eliminates ridges, feather-edges, and tool marks while creating a uniform surface ready for primer and paint.

Essential Tools

• eQualle Sandpaper sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry)
• Sanding pole or hand sander
• Dust mask and goggles
• Drop cloths to catch dust
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag

Best Grit Sequence for Drywall

• 120 grit: First pass for smoothing dried joint compound.
• 180 grit: Blending seams and feathering out patches.
• 220 grit: Final finish before primer for a paint-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Drywall

1. Inspect the surface. Mark any ridges, bumps, or uneven patches with a pencil.
2. First pass sanding. Use 120 grit (50-pack) to knock down rough areas and smooth joint compound.
3. Blend seams. Switch to 180 grit (100-pack) to feather out edges and make seams invisible.
4. Final finish. Use 220 grit (25-pack) for a flawless surface before priming.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum walls and wipe with a damp cloth to remove all dust before painting.

Special Cases

For ceiling work, use a pole sander with light pressure to avoid swirl marks. When sanding patches over painted walls, feather at least 12 inches past the repair for a seamless transition.

Pro Tips

• Shine a work light across the wall to highlight imperfections before painting.
• Sand with light, even strokes—pressing too hard can gouge drywall paper.
• Wear a dust mask at all times—drywall dust is fine and spreads easily.
• Always prime after sanding; drywall is porous and needs sealing.

Aftercare

• Store sandpaper flat and dry to prevent curling.
• Between coats of paint, lightly sand with 220 grit for a smooth finish.
• Dispose of used sheets properly, as drywall dust can clog vacuum filters quickly.

FAQs

• Do I need to wet sand drywall? Wet sanding reduces dust but is slower. It’s useful for small touch-ups.
• Can I skip primer after sanding? No, primer seals the surface and prevents uneven paint absorption.
• What’s the best grit for repainting existing walls? 220 grit is best for scuff-sanding glossy walls before repainting.

Watch & Learn

From first-pass sanding to final finish, eQualle sandpaper sheets deliver consistent results on drywall. Stock up on 120, 180, and 220 grit sheets to handle every stage. Shop drywall sanding sandpaper.