How to Sand Drywall Joints for a Smooth Finish (120–240 Grit Guide)

Drywall finishing is one of the last steps before painting walls or ceilings. A professional-looking result depends heavily on how well you sand the drywall joints and patches. Done correctly, sanding eliminates ridges, lines, and uneven textures left by joint compound.

Why Sanding Matters in Drywall Finishing

Sanding smooths out joint compound, feathering it into the drywall surface. Without proper sanding, your paint will highlight imperfections instead of covering them. Sanding is the difference between a patchy amateur finish and a seamless professional one.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Drywall

• 120 grit: First pass for leveling ridges in joint compound.
• 150 grit: General-purpose drywall sanding.
• 180 grit: Blending seams and patches.
• 220–240 grit: Final finish before primer and paint.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding pole for ceilings and tall walls.
• Sanding block for corners and edges.
• Drywall-specific sandpaper sheets.
• Dust mask and vacuum or dust-extraction system.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Drywall

1. Inspect your work. Use a work light at an angle to highlight bumps and ridges.
2. Start with 120 grit. Knock down high spots using 120 grit (50-pack) sheets.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (25-pack) to even out broader areas.
4. Refine seams with 180 grit. Feather edges and blend patches using 180 grit (100-pack).
5. Finish with 220 grit. For a paint-ready surface, do a final pass with 220 grit (25-pack).

Special Cases

For ceilings, use a pole sander with vacuum attachment to minimize dust. For tight corners, fold a sheet and use it by hand. Avoid pressing too hard—this can damage the paper facing of drywall.

Pro Tips

• Shine a flashlight at a low angle to spot flaws.
• Sand lightly—over-sanding exposes drywall paper.
• Use fine grits before primer; primer will reveal any missed imperfections.

Aftercare

• Vacuum all surfaces to remove fine dust.
• Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Apply drywall primer before painting for uniform absorption.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between coats of joint compound? Yes, a light sanding keeps layers smooth and reduces final work.
• Can I use power sanders? Yes, but only with dust extraction—otherwise drywall dust spreads everywhere.
• What grit is best before painting? 220 grit gives the ideal smoothness for primer adhesion.

Watch & Learn

Get drywall sanding sheets now: Choose from 25, 50, and 100 pack options across all grits for a flawless finish. Shop medium grit sandpaper.