Drywall Sanding Techniques for Professionals

Power Sanding

Power sanding cuts down on the amount of work you'll need to do manually, which can save you time and put less strain on your body. For power sanding, you'll need an automatic pole sander with a dust collection attachment or another kind of auto sander, like a vacuum hand sander. With one of these handy tools, you can sand areas quickly and efficiently.

Power sanders are great at reaching tall areas and are ideal for working in wide-open spaces, but you can use them no matter the location. You'll still need to manually sand near molding, trim, and other hard-to-reach areas, but auto sanders will handle the rest.

Wet Sanding

Another popular drywall sanding technique for professionals is wet sanding. Wet sanding eliminates drywall dust and the associated cleanup. It’s a fantastic option for sanding small patches or areas with tight corners.

To perform this technique, dip a sanding sponge in a bucket of water and squeeze out excess moisture. Using the coarse side of the sanding sponge, rub the drywall using small, circular motions. If the sponge starts to feel dry, dip it in the water and squeeze it out again. Once the drywall looks smooth and even, let it dry. You’re done, and thanks to a lack of drywall dust, you don't have to worry about cleanup.

Dry Sanding

Dry sanding is the most common drywall finishing technique because it creates the most even finish. However, one downside to dry sanding is that it produces a lot of dust. You'll need to crack open windows for ventilation and use plastic sheeting on the doors, floors, and any furniture prior to sanding to avoid a mess.

Once the work site is ready to go, you can start sanding. Attach fine-grit sandpaper to a sanding block and pull it taut before tightening the clamp. If you need to reach the ceiling or the upper portion of high walls, you may want to attach your sanding block to a pole for improved grip and reach. Using light pressure, sand down the joints and seams. Then, locate any gouges or grooves in the drywall using a handheld flashlight, fill them with joint compound, and smooth them with a putty knife. Once these areas dry, sand them. Next, prime the walls and sand them a second time. After that, all that's left is to clean up the dust.

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