What Grit Sandpaper Should You Use for Drywall

Sanding is a crucial step in creating a smooth, clean surface for your plasterboard project. You must choose the best sanding method for your job from the many available possibilities. First, think about whether power sanding (as opposed to hand sanding) and/or wet sanding (as opposed to dry sanding) are feasible for your project and budget. The method you use and the compound you are sanding will determine which grit sandpaper is best for a plasterboard project.

SANDING GRITS: WHAT ARE THEY?

The abrasive granules affixed to sandpaper are known as sanding grits. Grits are used to express the various sizes of these particles. A higher grit number means better sandpaper; a lower number means harsher sandpaper. The grit number is a measure of the size of the abrasive particles.

SANDING PROCEDURE FOR DRYWALL FINISHING

Sanding and compound reapplying are steps in the plasterboard finishing process. The objective is to create a level, smooth surface that paint can stick to and that, when completed, exhibits no traces of flaws.

This is a condensed description of the procedures you would follow when sanding Drywall.

• Initial Sanding: After the joint compound has fully set, sand off any noticeable imperfections, ridges, and tool marks. This procedure may entail multiple sanding steps and reapplying joint compound.

• Detail Sanding: At this stage, you can spot sand and tidy up corners, edges, and the vicinity of outlets using a hand sander or sanding sponge.
  Final Sanding: The entire surface is sanded using fine-grit sandpaper after significant flaws have been fixed.

TYPES OF SANDING GRITS

1. Coarse Grits (40–60)

The toughest sandpapers are coarse grits, which range from 40 to 60. They are used to remove heavy materials and shape them. Coarse grits are commonly used on plasterboard to smooth up rough surfaces or remove old paint before finer sanding.

Applications: trimming edges and removing thick coats of paint or joint compound.

2. Medium grits (80–120)

Medium grits—like 80 to 120—are frequently used in plasterboard constructions and have several applications. They can be used for preliminary preparation prior to applying a finer grit and for smoothing out areas by sanding down the plasterboard compound.

Applications: general surface preparation, joint compound, and smoothing plasterboard seams.

3. Fine Grits (150–180)

Final sanding is done with fine grits (150–180) prior to painting. They aid in removing any flaws and getting the surface ready for a great coat of paint.

Applications: final drywall compound sanding, painting surface preparation.

4. Very Fine Grits (220–240)

Final touch-ups and meticulous sanding are done with very fine grits, which range from 220 to 240. They ensure the smoothest surface, which is particularly important for coatings with a high sheen.

Applications: To provide a smooth surface, make last-minute touch-ups before painting.

5. Extra Fine Grits (320 and above)

Although they are not frequently used for drywall sanding, extra fine grits (320 and above) are helpful for polishing and extremely delicate touch-ups.

Applications: For extremely fine touch-ups and surface polishing.

TYPES OF DRYWALL SANDING TOOLS

1. Sanding Sheets

Pole sanders are usually used with sanding sheets. These sheets are ideal for large, flat surfaces and are available in a variety of grits. By attaching to the sander head, they enable effective sanding of high walls and plasterboard ceilings without the need for ladders.

Application: Sanding big, level surfaces.

2. Sanding discs

Power sanders are the intended use for sanding discs. They provide large areas with quick and effective sanding, which is especially useful when you need to remove a lot of material quickly. Sanding discs can be used for both initial sanding and finishing, and they are available in a variety of grits.

Application: Sanding significant areas quickly.

3. Sanding Sponges

Because of their flexibility, sanding sponges may follow the curves of the surface they are sanding. They are perfect for sanding by hand, especially around edges and corners. Sanding sponges come in various grits and can be used for rough sanding as well as finishing touches.
Application: Edges, corners, and hand sanding.

4. Hand Sanders

Hand sanders are simple tools that carry sheets of sandpaper and enable manual sanding. They are versatile and suitable for a variety of sanding jobs. They are excellent for intricate tasks and sanding small places where power tools might not be feasible.

Application: Smaller regions and detailed sanding.

WHY IS USING THE RIGHT SANDING GRIT IMPORTANT?

The proper sanding grit guarantees a flawless finish and protection of the plasterboard surface. Beginning with a medium grit (80–120) for initial sanding and ending with a fine grit (150–180) can achieve a professional finish without overspending or adding new flaws.

CONCLUSION

Knowing the different sanding grits and how to use them is essential for any drywall contractor wishing to achieve a polished, smooth surface. By selecting the appropriate grit for each stage of your Drywall job, you can ensure an exceptional result that will impress your clients.