How to Sand Drywall Taped Seams to Remove Ridges (Clean Finish)

If your project involves drywall taped seams and the goal is to remove ridges, the fastest path is a controlled grit progression and consistent pressure. These silicon carbide sheets handle wet or dry use, giving you flexibility for dust control or faster dry cutting.

Why Sanding Matters

Sanding removes unevenness and sets the surface scratch pattern. The right pattern improves adhesion and helps finishes lay flat, while the wrong grit (or skipped steps) can leave scratches that show through later.

Tools

• Sanding block (for flat areas)
• Foam hand pad (for contours)
• Vacuum/brush + microfiber cloth
• Painter’s tape (to protect edges/trim)
• Optional: spray bottle + clean water for wet sanding

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 150 grit
• 220 grit
• 320 grit
• 400 grit

Step-by-Step

1. Mask and clean. Protect nearby areas and wipe the surface so you don’t grind dirt into it.
2. Initial leveling. Start with 150 Grit (10) and use light, even strokes to remove highs and blend transitions.
3. Scratch refinement. Move to 220 Grit (10) and sand until the previous scratches are consistently replaced.
4. Final prep. Use 320 Grit (10) for a uniform finish suitable for coating, polishing, or the next step.
5. Inspect. Use angled light; if you see deep lines, step back one grit and rework the area.
6. Clean before finish. Vacuum and wipe thoroughly (and dry completely after wet sanding).

Special Cases

Curves: Wrap the sheet around a flexible pad to keep even contact.
Edges: Reduce pressure and feather strokes to avoid rounding.
Clogging: Switch to wet sanding and rinse/wipe slurry often.

Pro Tips

• Use overlapping passes—missed strips are the #1 cause of uneven sheen.
• Change direction slightly with each grit to reveal leftover scratches.
• Replace sheets when cutting slows; worn abrasive can burnish instead of smooth.
• Keep pressure light—let the abrasive cut.

Aftercare

• Remove all dust before coating to avoid defects.
• Store sheets flat and dry to prevent curling.
• If wet sanding, allow full drying time before primer/paint.

FAQs

• Do I have to use every grit listed? Don’t skip big jumps—each grit removes the scratches from the grit before it.
• How do I know when to move on? When the scratch pattern is uniform and the previous grit marks are gone.
• Wet or dry? Wet sanding reduces dust and helps prevent loading; dry sanding can cut faster on raw material.

Watch & Learn

Focus on the grit-by-grit scratch pattern change—once the surface looks uniform under angled light, it’s time to move up.

For consistent results, follow the sequence and keep your pressure steady—start with 150 Grit (10) and work up for a smooth, even finish.