Drywall Sanding Made Easy: Grits, Tools, and Pro Techniques

Sanding drywall is one of the final and most important steps before painting or texturing walls. Done right, it leaves a perfectly smooth surface. Done wrong, it creates dust clouds, scratches, and uneven seams. This guide explains which sandpaper grits to use, the best tools, and step-by-step methods to get professional results.

Why Sanding Drywall Matters

Joint compound (mud) leaves ridges and edges that must be smoothed. Proper sanding blends seams, eliminates knife marks, and prepares the surface for primer and paint. Without it, flaws remain visible under lighting.

Essential Tools for Drywall Sanding

• Drywall sanding pole with swivel head
• Hand sanding block for corners
• Dust-collection vacuum or sanding screen
• Fine and medium grit sandpaper sheets
• Protective gear—mask, goggles, coveralls

Best Sandpaper Grits for Drywall

• 120 grit: Initial smoothing of mudded joints.
• 150 grit: Blending seams and feathering edges (150 Grit (100-pack)).
• 220 grit: Final pass for ultra-smooth finish (220 Grit (25-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding Drywall

1. Prep the space. Seal vents, cover floors, and wear safety gear to control dust.
2. Start with 120 grit. Knock down high spots and ridges from dried compound.
3. Feather with 150 grit. Smooth transitions at seams and edges so they disappear under paint.
4. Final pass with 220 grit. Use light pressure to avoid gouging while leaving a polished, paint-ready surface.
5. Check with light. Shine a work light along the wall to reveal imperfections and re-sand as needed.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum walls and wipe with a damp cloth before priming.

Special Cases

For textured walls, you may only need light sanding with 220 grit to knock off loose particles. When patching small holes, spot-sand the area without over-smoothing.

Pro Tips

• Use sanding screens for better dust control.
• Don’t oversand—removing too much mud exposes tape.
• Work in even, broad strokes rather than small circles.

Aftercare

• Prime immediately after sanding to seal the surface.
• Inspect after priming—touch up with 220 grit if flaws appear.
• Keep leftover sheets in a dry space for future patch jobs.

FAQs

• Do I need a pole sander? Yes, for ceilings and tall walls—it saves time and prevents uneven sanding.
• Can I use an electric sander? Yes, drywall sanders with dust extraction are ideal for large jobs.
• Should I wet sand drywall? Wet sanding reduces dust but is slower and best for small areas.

Watch & Learn

With the right grits and patience, your drywall will look seamless once painted. Browse the full drywall sanding sheets to get the best results for your project.