Which Grit of Sandpaper Do You Use for Drywall Mud?

When it comes to achieving a smooth finish on your drywall, choosing the right grit of sandpaper is essential. Whether you are a professional or a novice, understanding the different grits and their purposes will significantly improve your work. This article will guide you through the process, from selecting the appropriate grit to the proper techniques.

Understanding Sandpaper Grits

Drywall sanding involves using sandpaper with varying grits to achieve the desired smoothness. The grit refers to the coarseness or fineness of the sandpaper. The higher the grit, the finer the abrasive particles, resulting in a smoother surface.

Choosing the Right Grits for Drywall Mud

The standard sequence for sanding drywall mud is as follows:

1. Coarse Grit (60-100 Grit)

Use coarse grit sandpaper initially to remove any major imperfections or high spots. This is the heavy-duty stage where you are majorly reducing the height of the textured compound.

2. Medium Grit (120-150 Grit)

Once the major imperfections are removed, switch to medium grit sandpaper. This helps in blending the edges of the mud with the surrounding drywall while maintaining a smooth surface.

3. Fine Grit (180-220 Grit)

For the final stages, use fine grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth and even surface before applying paint. This will ensure a professional finish.

Common Practices and Tips

Opted for a quick fix? Some might resort to textured spray to hide their mistakes, but a proper finish through sanding is always a better choice. Popcorn ceilings can also cover up many flaws but may not be the best option for a long-term, smooth finish.

Best Practices for Experienced Professionals

For professionals, the use of trowels for finishing drywall is highly recommended. Trowels can eliminate the need for most sanding. If sanding is necessary, a 220 grit screen is highly effective.

Standard Routine for Novices

Novices often start with a coarser grit, such as 100 or 120, to sand down rough areas. A 150 grit sandpaper is used to smooth the areas further and prepare the surface for priming.

I always recommend using a standard 12 taping knife to achieve a smoother finish with minimal sanding. In fact, I haven't used sandpaper in nearly 30 years, except for occasional wet sanding with a moist sponge.

The Art of Finishing Drywall

Techniques play a crucial role in the process of drywall hanging. Using nails instead of screws can also minimize the need for sanding. A proper nail-off should leave only a small dimple that can be easily filled.

Inside corners can be challenging but practice makes perfect. Typically, a smooth finish after the third coat is possible with consistent practice.

Conclusion

Remember, the key to achieving a perfect finish is practice. As they say, practice makes perfect. Whether you are using 120, 150, or 220 grit sandpaper, the right technique and patience will help you attain the smoothest and most professional finish possible. Happy sanding!