What Grit Sandpaper For Drywall?

Drywall sanding is one of the most important steps in achieving a smooth and even finish on your drywall projects. With numerous sanding options available, it’s crucial to choose the right grit sandpaper to ensure a professional-looking result.

The type of grit you choose depends on how you are sanding. It could be by hand or with a power tool. It also depends on whether it’s dry or wet sanding. Additionally, the material you are sanding will also affect your choice of grit.

Understanding Sandpaper Grit for Drywall

Sandpaper grits are classified by numbers, with lower numbers indicating coarse grits and higher numbers representing finer grits. For most drywall tasks, sandpaper with a grit between 150 and 220 is ideal.

Using a sandpaper grit that is too fine on your first pass might make it difficult to remove the joint compound, prolonging the process. Using a grit that is too rough can cause visible scratches on the drywall. This is not ideal, especially when finishing sanding.

Recommended Grits for Drywall:

• Manual Sanding: 120-150 grit for initial sanding.
• Power Sanding: 150-180 grit for effective compound removal and surface smoothing.

Manual vs. Power Sanding: Choosing the Right Grit

For small-scale drywall projects or when working within a budget, manual sanding is a viable option. Start with sandpaper around 100 to 120 grit to remove excess compound quickly. Once you have removed the majority of the compound, switch to a finer grit, such as 150, to achieve a smoother finish.

Power sanding can save time and effort on extensive projects or large areas of compound. Start with a finer grit, around 150, when using power sanders to avoid sanding too much or causing damage. After the initial sanding, use a finer grit, like 180 to 220, to achieve a polished surface.

Best Grit Sandpaper:

• Manual Sanding: Start with 120-150 grit.
• Power Sanding: Begin with 150-180 grit.

Wet vs. Dry Sanding: The Role of Sanding Sponges

Wet sanding is another option that offers distinct advantages, particularly for small projects or intricate areas like corners. Wet sanding involves using a sponge, typically with two sides—one medium grit and one fine grit. Start with the medium grit side to smooth out the surface, then finish with the fine grit side.

Wet sanding has the added benefit of reducing dust, as the water helps contain it. This method is less messy and is particularly useful in occupied spaces where dust control is a concern. However, it requires frequent rinsing of the sponge to maintain effectiveness.

Best Grit Sponge for Drywall:

• First Pass: Medium grit.
• Second Pass: Fine grit.

Different Types of Sandpaper for Drywall

Choosing the right sandpaper for your drywall project is important. It can affect the quality of the finish and how fast you finish the job. The right sandpaper can make a significant impact on the outcome of your project.

It can also help you work more efficiently. Several types of sandpaper are available, each suited to specific tasks and conditions. Here’s a look at three common types of sandpaper for drywall: paper-backed, foam-backed, and mesh sandpaper discs.

Paper-Backed Sandpaper

Paper-backed sandpaper is the traditional form that most people are familiar with. It comes in various weights, ranging from A to F, which determine its strength and suitability for different tasks:

• A Weight Paper-Backed Sandpaper: This is the lightest weight, ideal for finishing tasks where fine grits are required. People often use it for making final sanding passes on drywall to achieve a smooth finish.
• C Weight Paper-Backed Sandpaper: Medium weight, commonly used for sanding folded or flat areas, making it suitable for cabinet work and similar applications.
• D Weight Paper-Backed Sandpaper: Medium-heavy weight, providing a balance between flexibility and durability.
• E Weight Paper-Backed Sandpaper: Strong-heavy weight, the most common choice for belts and discs. Durable and ideal for more demanding sanding tasks.
• F Weight Paper-Backed Sandpaper: This heavy weight is primarily used for wide belts and polishing rolls in industrial applications. These applications include cabinet and furniture sanding.

Paper-backed sandpaper is popular because it is lightweight, which helps prevent overheating the surface or machine. This type of sandpaper is perfect for flat surfaces like walls. However, it is the weakest among the three types discussed here, prone to tearing, and not suitable for wet sanding. We recommend using foam-backed sandpaper for wet sanding.

Foam-Backed Sandpaper

Foam-backed sandpaper, also known as sponge-backed sandpaper, is the preferred choice for wet sanding. Especially useful for sanding tight corners or small patches after the initial sanding pass. The foam material traps particles when wet, making cleanup easier and reducing airborne dust.

This type of sandpaper is also versatile enough for dry sanding, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The foam can bend to fit different shapes, making it great for sanding uneven surfaces. Foam-backed sandpaper is great for smoothing out drywall imperfections like tape knife marks and swirls between coats, creating a smooth finish.

Mesh Sandpaper Discs

Mesh sandpaper discs are designed for use with electric sanders, especially in situations where dust extraction is a priority. This mesh material easily allows drywall dust to pass through and the sander can vacuum it to make these discs. This feature keeps the work area clean and makes the sandpaper last longer by keeping it cooler while in use.

Mesh sandpaper discs are more durable than traditional paper-backed sandpaper, offering a longer lifespan and more consistent performance. However, they are typically more expensive, which can be a consideration depending on the project’s budget.

Choosing The Right Sandpaper 

Each type of sandpaper—paper-backed, foam-backed, and mesh discs—has its own strengths and is suited to different aspects of drywall sanding. Paper-backed sandpaper is lightweight and commonly used, but it’s not suitable for wet sanding. Foam-backed sandpaper is ideal for wet sanding and contoured surfaces, offering flexibility and ease of use. Mesh sandpaper discs work well with electric sanders, removing dust efficiently and lasting longer, but they are more expensive.

Choosing the right sandpaper for your drywall project can improve the quality of your work. It can also make sanding easier. This will result in a professional-looking finish.

Additional Tools and Safety Tips for Drywall Sanding

If you opt for sandpaper over a sponge or power sander, consider using a sanding block. A sanding block ensures even pressure across the surface, making it easier to achieve a consistent finish. Always lay down a drop cloth or tarp to protect floors and furniture from drywall dust.

Drywall dust contains fine particles that can be harmful if inhaled or if they come into contact with your eyes. Therefore, it’s essential to wear protective goggles and a respirator or dust mask while sanding. Additionally, sealing the room with plastic sheets can prevent dust from spreading to other parts of the house.

After completing your sanding, it’s crucial to clean up any remaining dust. Wet sanding reduces dust, and using a power sander with a dust collection attachment can make cleanup easier.