Professional drywall finishers primarily use a combination of specialized hand tools and specific grits of sandpaper to achieve smooth, flawless surfaces. Their arsenal typically includes pole sanders, hand sanders, and various sandpaper grits for different stages of the finishing process.
Essential Drywall Sanding Tools
For effective and efficient drywall sanding, pros rely on manual tools that offer control and precision.
- Pole Sander: This tool features a long handle attached to a sanding head, allowing professionals to comfortably reach high walls and ceilings without needing a ladder. It's ideal for covering large areas quickly and maintaining even pressure across seams.
- Hand Sander: For smaller areas, detailed work, or reaching tight corners and edges, a hand sander is indispensable. It provides direct control over the pressure applied, crucial for smoothing out specific imperfections.
Understanding Sandpaper Grits for Drywall
The type of sandpaper is as important as the tool itself. Professionals use a progression of grits to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. Sandpaper is typically used in sheets with these tools.
| Grit Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 100 or 120 | For initial sanding of rough areas. |
| 150 | For subsequent sanding and finer smoothing. |
- Semi-Coarse Paper (100 or 120 Grit): This is the starting point for addressing rough areas, ensuring that the initial coat of mud is leveled and any significant imperfections are smoothed out.
- Medium-Fine Paper (150 Grit): After the initial sanding, professionals switch to a finer grit like 150. This step further refines the surface, preparing it for priming and painting by eliminating any remaining minor imperfections and achieving a truly smooth finish.
Professional Sanding Techniques
Beyond the tools and materials, the technique employed by pros is crucial for superior results.
- Push-Pull Motion: When sanding, especially along seams, nail, and screw patterns, a consistent push-pull motion is applied. This method helps distribute sanding pressure evenly and prevents gouging the drywall.
- Even Pressure: Maintaining even and consistent pressure across the entire sanding area is vital. This prevents the creation of depressions or high spots, ensuring a uniform and flat surface ready for paint.
By combining the right tools with the correct sandpaper grits and precise techniques, professionals ensure a flawless drywall finish that stands up to scrutiny.
