How to Use a 3M Sand Blaster Drywall Sponge
The 3M SandBlaster sanding sponges are small, angled blocks that have two different types of abrasive. One side has a fine grit, similar to 150-grit sandpaper. The other side is coarse grit, similar to 100-grit sandpaper. Both sides are useful for sanding drywall. Use the coarse side when you need to sand away a lot of material, but keep in mind that the sanding marks will appear through paint, so you will have to coat the area with joint compound after sanding. The fine grit does not leave marks that show through paint, so you can use this side for final touches before paint. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 3M SandBlaster sanding sponge
- Drop cloths (optional)
- Joint compound (optional)
Instructions
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Cover any valuables or furniture with drop cloths or sheets. Drywall dust is very fine, so it floats in the air for a long time and can spread all over a house. If possible, hang drop cloths from the ceiling to keep outside areas blocked off.
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Place the sanding sponge over the work area. If you are working in a tight corner, such as around moldings or windows, you can use the angled end of the sponge to get in closer.
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Sand the area by applying pressure and moving the sanding sponge rapidly. The harder you press, the more material you will remove---but you will also leave more marks. So keep an eye on your progress in order to avoid over-sanding.
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Use the coarse side for heavy sanding. For example, if there is a thick buildup of joint compound, as there may be after an initial rough coat, the coarse side will work well. If you leave marks, be sure to fill them in with a thin layer of joint compound.
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Use the fine side for light sanding. For example, if you have a project that is nearly ready to paint, the fine-grit side will work well. Also, the fine side is excellent for interior angles (less than 120 degrees) because it sands them just enough to make them sharp without ruining them. This side will not leave marks, so you can prime and paint as soon as you finish.
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Clean off the sanding sponge by gently rapping it against your palm. Do not attempt to wash it, as this may clog the sponge by re-activating the joint compound dust with water. Over time, the sanding sponge will lose its effectiveness. This is unavoidable. But proper care will maximize its lifetime, so clean it off after every use.
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