Short Answer: What Is the Best Way to Sand Drywall?
The best way to sand drywall is:
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Let the mud dry completely
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Use a sanding sponge for small areas
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Use a pole sander for long seams
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Apply light pressure
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Feather edges, do not dig into the wall
You are not trying to reshape drywall.
You are knocking down high spots and smoothing ridges.
Most sanding problems come from overdoing it.
Now let’s break it down properly.
Why Drywall Sanding Goes Wrong
Sanding is where beginners panic.
They see ridges.
They see lines.
They see uneven mud.
So they sand aggressively.
That is how you:
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Burn through drywall paper
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Create low spots
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Make seams worse
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Fill your entire house with dust
Drywall finishing is about thin coats and light sanding. If you are sanding heavily, the mud work probably needed another pass.
If you want my full drywall supply setup including sanding tools, it’s here:
https://shoplowes.me/4qXiCjQ
When Should You Sand Drywall?
Only after the mud is fully dry.
Not damp. Not cool to the touch. Fully dry.
If you sand early:
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The mud gums up
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You tear the surface
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You create texture problems
In Cleveland humidity, drying can take longer than expected.
Be patient.
What Is the Best Tool for Sanding Drywall?
It depends on the area.
You do not need one tool. You need the right one for the situation.
Sanding Sponge
Best for:
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Small patches
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Corners
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Tight areas
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Detail work
A medium grit sponge works well for most jobs.
What to look for:
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Durable foam backing
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Medium grit for general use
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Edges that hold shape
Sanding sponges give you control. They are forgiving.
If you are a homeowner doing patch repairs, this may be all you need.
Sanding Screen
Screens do not clog like sandpaper.
They work well on flat seams and larger patches.
What to look for:
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Open mesh design
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Compatible with hand or pole sander
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Medium grit
Screens are good when you are sanding multiple seams in a room.
They stay cleaner longer.
Pole Sander
Best for:
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Ceilings
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Long wall seams
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Full room finishing
A pole sander lets you stand upright and cover larger areas evenly.
What to look for:
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Swivel head
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Sturdy pole
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Secure attachment for screens
Do not press hard with a pole sander. Light, even strokes work best.
What Grit Should I Use to Sand Drywall?
For most drywall sanding, medium grit works best.
Too fine and you do nothing.
Too coarse and you tear the surface.
If you are knocking down heavy ridges, start slightly coarser. Then smooth with medium grit.
Do not jump straight to aggressive sanding.
How Do I Avoid Visible Seams After Sanding?
The secret is feathering.
You should sand:
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The center ridge lightly
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The edges wider and softer
If you sand only the middle of the seam, it will still show under paint.
Light passes across the full feathered area blend everything together.
If your seams keep showing, read:
[INTERNAL LINK]
How Do I Sand Drywall Without Making a Huge Mess?
Drywall dust is fine and invasive.
Here is how I control it on jobs.
Seal off the area
Use plastic sheeting over doorways.
Cover floors
Drywall dust spreads further than you think.
Use light pressure
Heavy sanding creates more airborne dust.
Clean as you go
Vacuum or wipe surfaces before priming.
You cannot eliminate dust entirely. You can minimize it.
If dust control is your main concern, read:
[INTERNAL LINK]
Should I Wet Sand Drywall?
Wet sanding uses a damp sponge instead of dry abrasive sanding.
It reduces dust but:
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Takes longer
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Can soften edges
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Can leave texture differences
For small patches, wet sanding can work.
For full rooms, dry sanding is usually faster and more consistent.
Common Drywall Sanding Mistakes
Sanding too early
You tear the surface.
Pressing too hard
You create low spots.
Over-sanding corners
You round them unintentionally.
Skipping primer
Unprimed patches absorb paint differently and reveal imperfections.
If you are still learning the mudding process, start here:
[INTERNAL LINK]
How Smooth Does Drywall Need to Be Before Painting?
It does not need to feel like glass.
It needs to:
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Feel flat under your hand
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Have no visible ridges in good lighting
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Transition smoothly into the wall
Run your hand across the seam. Close your eyes if you have to. You will feel high spots faster than you see them.
Flat paint hides minor flaws. Satin and semi-gloss reveal everything.
When to Stop Sanding
If you are chasing perfection, you will sand forever.
At some point:
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Prime it
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Let it dry
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Check under paint
Primer often reveals minor issues that you can spot patch.
Do not try to achieve perfection in raw compound.
Final Advice
If you are wondering what the best way to sand drywall is, remember this:
Light pressure.
Medium grit.
Wide feathering.
Full dry time.
Sanding is refinement, not demolition.
And if you are in Northeast Ohio and would rather skip the dust altogether, Colin Can Help handles drywall repair and finishing professionally.