How to Sand Drywall

Preparing walls for a fresh coat of paint can make or break the project. An even wall is necessary for a smooth paint job. Properly taping, compounding and sanding drywall takes longer than painting, but these steps make the finished project something to make you proud. Sanding the drywall is not a difficult step in the process as long as you know what you're doing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hand sander
• Pole sander
• Sanding Sponge
• Package of 120-grit drywall sanding paper, precut to fit your sander
• Dust mask
• Goggles

1. Install 120-grit sandpaper in your sander. Make sure the paper is tight for better control when sanding. A hand sander will work for the smaller areas, but use a pole sander for the larger ones.

2. Put on goggles and a dust mask for protection.

3. Use light pressure when you're sanding drywall around the edge of seams and screws. For the center of seams, use enough pressure to remove ridges and bumps, or use a putty knife to rake off the ridges left by tools.

4. Sand every surface that has compound on it. Carry a pencil with you and put a circle around any problem areas.

5. Hold a flashlight next to the wall so you can see problem areas easier. You can try touching up some places with a sponge sander.

6. Fill any problem spots with more joint compound, then re-sand when dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a few drops of food coloring in the joint compound for touch-ups to help you spot them. You will need to cover these with a stain-blocking primer before painting to keep them from bleeding through, however.
• Re-apply mud to any areas with deep gouges.
• Make certain the mud is completely dry (usually 24 hours) before you sand drywall.

[surferguy]

on 8/24/2008 I have a house that was built in 1957,and the man that built it put swirls in the drywall and it is obviously painted. Basically it looks like you are looking down on a storm or hurricane,swirly. I want to sand it down and bring it up to a current look"smooth" How do I go about sanding this down in the most efficient way?