Prepping Drywall Ceilings for Paint (120, 180, 220, 320 Grit Guide)

Ceilings are often overlooked during renovations, but proper sanding is essential for a flawless paint job. Whether you’ve patched holes, installed new drywall, or just want to refresh the surface, sanding ensures the ceiling looks smooth and professional once painted.

Why Sand Ceilings?

Drywall compound leaves ridges and uneven spots that show up easily on ceilings, especially under direct lighting. Sanding blends patches, removes texture inconsistencies, and gives paint a clean, uniform surface to bond with.

Tools You’ll Need

• Drywall pole sander or sanding block
• Shop vacuum with dust filter
• Protective goggles and mask
• Fine sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Ceilings

• 120 grit (25-pack) — Levels ridges and dried compound.
• 180 grit (50-pack) — Smooths edges and blends repairs.
• 220 grit (100-pack) — Refines surface before priming.
• 320 grit (25-pack) — Final pass for a flawless, paint-ready ceiling.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Ceiling

1. Protect the room. Cover floors and furniture with plastic sheets to catch dust.
2. Level with 120 grit. Use 120 grit sandpaper on a pole sander to flatten ridges and compound lines.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit sheets to feather patched areas.
4. Refine with 220 grit. Apply 220 grit sheets for consistent texture across the ceiling.
5. Finish with 320 grit. Use 320 grit sheets for a smooth, paint-ready surface.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Remove all dust before priming and painting.

Special Cases

• Popcorn ceilings: Do not sand—remove or skim coat instead.
• Water-damaged ceilings: Cut out damaged drywall and patch before sanding.
• Textured finishes: Sand only lightly to preserve the look.

Pro Tips

• Always sand in circular motions for even blending.
• Shine a work light across the surface to reveal imperfections.
• Wear goggles—ceiling sanding creates heavy overhead dust.

Aftercare

• Prime ceilings immediately after sanding to seal dust.
• Use ceiling-specific paint for the best coverage.
• Inspect under different lighting angles before final coat.

FAQs

• Can I use a power sander on ceilings? A pole sander is safer—power sanders are too aggressive overhead.
• Do I need to sand between paint coats? Yes, a light pass with 320 grit improves adhesion.
• What if I see scratches after priming? Spot sand with 220–320 grit and reapply primer.

Watch & Learn

Sanding ceilings the right way ensures smooth, professional paint results. Stock up on fine grit sandpaper sheets to make your ceiling refinishing project easier and more effective.