What type of sandpaper to use on drywall?

Release Date:2023-04-17 14:47
Drywall is a popular choice for interior walls and ceilings because it is lightweight, easy to install, and provides a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering. However, even the best drywall installation can have imperfections that need to be corrected before painting or finishing. Sanding is an essential step in the drywall finishing process to create a smooth and uniform surface. But what type of sandpaper should you use on drywall? In this article, we'll explore the different types of sandpaper and which one is best for sanding drywall.

Drywall sanding is typically done in two stages: rough sanding and finished sanding. The rough sanding is done with coarser grit sandpaper, while the finish sanding is done with finer grit sandpaper. The rough sanding is used to remove excess joint compounds, and the finish sanding is used to create a smooth and even surface.

When it comes to sanding drywall, the most commonly used sandpapers are 120-grit, 150-grit, and 220-grit. 120-grit sandpaper is typically used for the rough sanding stage, while 150-grit and 220-grit sandpaper are used for the finish sanding stage.

It's important to note that using too coarse of sandpaper on drywall can damage the surface, while using too fine of sandpaper may not effectively remove imperfections. Therefore, it's essential to choose the appropriate sandpaper grit for each stage of the sanding process.

 
 
Aside from grit, there are different types of sandpapers available that can affect sanding performance. Here are some of the most common types of sandpaper:

1. Silicon Carbide Sandpaper: Silicon carbide sandpaper is a synthetic abrasive commonly used on drywall. It is a durable and long-lasting abrasive that can effectively remove imperfections.

2. Aluminum Oxide Sandpaper: Aluminum oxide sandpaper is a synthetic abrasive commonly used on wood but can also be used on drywall. It is a versatile abrasive that can effectively sand a variety of materials.

3. Garnet Sandpaper: Garnet sandpaper is a natural abrasive commonly used on wood but can also be used on drywall. It is a softer abrasive that is less likely to damage the surface being sanded.

4. Open Coat vs. Closed Coat Sandpaper: Open coat sandpaper has larger gaps between the abrasive grains, which makes it less likely to clog. It is ideal for sanding drywall because it is less likely to leave scratch marks. Closed-coat sandpaper has smaller gaps between the abrasive grains, which makes it more likely to clog. It is ideal for sanding metal or other hard materials.

In conclusion, when sanding drywall, it's best to use sandpaper with a grit of 120 for rough sanding and 150 or 220 for finished sanding. Silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, and garnet sandpapers are all good choices for drywall sanding. When choosing sandpaper, it's essential to consider both the grit and the type of sandpaper to ensure the best sanding results.
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