What Grit Sandpaper for Drywall? A Complete Guide

Drywall sanding can make or break the final look of your walls. Whether you’re preparing your space for a fresh coat of paint or smoothing out imperfections, sanding is an essential step you simply can’t skip. But here’s the big question DIYers and pros alike often ask: What grit sandpaper for drywall works best?

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about selecting the right sandpaper grit for drywall, practical sanding techniques, and tips for achieving that flawless finish. By the end, you’ll have all the tools (and knowledge) you need to confidently tackle your drywall project.

Understanding Sandpaper Grit

Sandpaper grit refers to the level of coarseness or fineness of the paper. Grit is measured numerically, and here’s what you need to know about grit numbers to make an informed choice:

Low Grit (40 – 80)

This is the coarsest type, ideal for heavy material removal, like stripping paint or shaping surfaces. However, this grit is not suitable for drywall because it can leave deep scratches.

Medium Grit (100 – 150)

Medium grit is more refined and works well for smoothing moderately rough surfaces. For drywall, you’ll often begin sanding with this range, especially if you’re dealing with joint compound or plaster buildup.

High Grit (180 – 220)

A higher grit is finer and used for achieving a smooth surface before finishing. When it comes to drywall, you’ll often finish your sanding with paper in this range to remove any minor imperfections.

Extra Fine Grit (320 and above)

Extra fine grit is excellent for ultra-smooth polishing, though it’s rarely necessary for drywall.

When sanding drywall, grit selection depends on the stage of your project. Start rough (medium grit) and transition to fine grit to get the smooth results you’re after.

Best Grit for Drywall Sanding

If you’re wondering, “What grit sandpaper for drywall should I use?”, here’s the quick answer broken down by use case:

Initial Sanding (Removing excess joint compound)

Begin with 100 to 120 grit sandpaper. This range removes uneven spots or ridges without gouging the drywall.

Smoothing and Finishing

Once rough areas are smoothed out, move up to 150 to 180 grit for a refined surface.

Final Touches

For that perfectly smooth surface before painting, finish with 220 grit. This step ensures no scratches remain, giving your paint a flawless base.

Pro tip: Avoid using ultra-coarse sandpaper (such as 40 or 60 grit) entirely, as it will damage the drywall. Extra-fine grits above 320, on the other hand, are excessive and unnecessary.

Step-by-Step Sanding Guide for Drywall

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Sandpaper or sanding sponge (grits 120, 150, 220)
Dust mask or respirator
Goggles
Pole sander (for high walls or ceilings)
Hand sander (for corners and tight spots)
Vacuum (with a brush attachment) or damp rag

Step 2: Prepare the Workspace

Drywall sanding creates a LOT of dust. Protect your space and yourself by:

Covering furniture and floors with plastic sheeting.
Wearing a dust mask and goggles to protect against airborne particles.
Sealing vents and doorways to prevent dust from spreading.

Step 3: Begin with Medium Grit Sandpaper (100 – 120 Grit)

Attach medium-grit sandpaper to your hand sander or sanding sponge.
Start with one section of the wall and sand in circular motions to remove high spots or excess joint compound. Don’t rush—consistent pressure is key.

Step 4: Switch to Fine Grit Sandpaper (150 – 180 Grit)

After addressing ridges and bumps, switch to finer grit.
Sand along the seams and joints where the drywall panels meet until smooth and seamless.

Step 5: Inspect and Finish with 220 Grit

Wipe the wall with a damp cloth or vacuum it to remove all dust.
Run your hand over the surface to feel for rough patches.
Use 220 grit sandpaper for any remaining touch-ups on visible seams, screws, or edges.

By the end of this process, your drywall should feel silky smooth and be ready for paint or primer.

Tips for a Smooth Finish

To achieve professional results, follow these additional tips and techniques:

Choose a Sanding Sponge for Tight Corners

Sanding sponges are more flexible than traditional sandpaper and perfect for edges and corners.

Use a Light Source

Point a bright, portable light at the wall as you sand. Shadows will help you identify uneven areas.

Avoid Sanding Too Much

Over-sanding can weaken the drywall or expose the paper layer underneath, resulting in uneven paint finishes.

Employ Wet Sanding for Lower Dust

If you want to avoid excessive dust, wet sanding is a great alternative. Use a damp sponge with fine grit to smooth joint compound. However, this method is slower and less precise.

Work in Sections

Divide the wall into smaller sections and sand one at a time. This approach ensures you won’t miss any spots.

By following these tips, you’ll save yourself the frustration of having to go back and re-sand areas later on.

Sanding is Done. Now What?

An ultra-smooth drywall surface is just one step toward a flawless home improvement project. Once sanding is complete:

Wipe down the walls thoroughly to remove any lingering dust.
Apply primer to seal the drywall surface and prepare it for painting.
Finally, step back and admire your hard work before moving on to your next step.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Correctly choosing what grit sandpaper for drywall you need can make all the difference between a DIY disaster and a professional-quality finish.

By starting with medium grit, progressing with fine grit, and following the step-by-step process outlined above, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, successful project.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow DIYers! And for more in-depth tips and techniques, check out our full range of home improvement guides.

Happy sanding!