Ever stared at a stack of sandpaper, wondering which grit will make your drywall project shine instead of leaving it looking rough and uneven? It’s a common dilemma for DIYers and even seasoned pros. Choosing the wrong sandpaper can lead to endless frustration, wasted time, and a finish that just isn’t quite right. You might end up with dust everywhere and a surface that’s either too smooth to hold paint or still showing those pesky imperfections.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to clear the dust and show you exactly which sandpaper grit is your drywall’s best friend. We’ll break down the mystery of grit numbers, explain why some are better than others for different stages of your project, and help you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking up the perfect sandpaper, ready to achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish on your next drywall job.
Our Top 5 Sand Paper Grit For Drywall Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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8 Pack Sanding Sponge | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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8 Pack Sanding Sponge | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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3M Drywall Sanding Sponge | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Gator 7159 Hook and Loop Very Fine 150-Grit Drywall Sheet Sandpaper | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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8PCS Sanding Sponge | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Sand Paper Grit For Drywall Detailed Reviews
1. 8 Pack Sanding Sponge
Rating: 9.0/10
Tackle any sanding job with this versatile 8 Pack Sanding Sponge Assortment. This set gives you a great range of grits for smoothing wood, metal, and even drywall. The blocks are easy to hold and work with, making them perfect for both big projects and those tricky spots.
What We Like:
- You get four different grits: 60, 80, 120, and 220. This means you have the right sandpaper for rough jobs and for making things super smooth.
- The sponges are washable and can be used again and again, which saves you money and reduces waste.
- They are a good size, 4″ x 2.75″ x 0.65″, making them comfortable to hold and use for hand sanding.
- The sponges are tough and won’t fall apart easily. They are made with good materials that last.
- You can easily see which grit you are using because the numbers are printed right on the sponge.
- They work well on many different surfaces, like wood, metal, and drywall, for tasks like furniture finishing and polishing.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for hand sanding, they might not be the best choice for very large, flat areas where a power sander would be faster.
- The grit numbers are printed on, which is helpful, but sometimes with heavy use, the print might eventually wear off.
This sanding sponge set is a handy tool for anyone who likes to do DIY projects or needs to do repairs around the house. You’ll find them useful for many different sanding tasks.
2. 8 Pack Sanding Sponge
Rating: 9.3/10
Tackle your DIY projects with ease using this 8 Pack of Sanding Sponges. These 220-grit blocks are designed for a variety of tasks, from smoothing wood furniture to prepping drywall. They are washable and reusable, offering a cost-effective solution for your sanding needs.
What We Like:
- You get 8 sanding blocks with a fine 220-grit. They are reusable and washable.
- The blocks are a comfortable size (4″ x 2.75″ x 0.65″) for hand sanding. They fit well in your hand and can reach tight spots.
- These sponges are strong and last a long time. They won’t lose their grit because of how they are made.
- The grit number is printed on each sponge. This makes it easy to pick the right one for your job.
- They work on many surfaces like wood, metal, and drywall. They are good for finishing, polishing, and repairs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are good for fine sanding, a coarser grit might be needed for initial rough sanding.
- For very large flat areas, a power sander might be faster.
These sanding sponges offer great value and versatility for any home improvement enthusiast. They make sanding more manageable and efficient.
3. 3M Drywall Sanding Sponge
Rating: 9.0/10
Tackling drywall repairs just got a whole lot easier with the 3M Drywall Sanding Sponge. This handy tool is designed to help you achieve smooth, professional-looking finishes on your joint compound. Its dual-grit design means it works hard to remove bumps and imperfections, then gently smooths the surface to perfection. Plus, its flexible nature allows you to sand both flat walls and those trickier curved areas with ease.
What We Like:
- It’s great for moderate sanding and smoothing of joint compounds.
- The flexible sponge works well on flat or contoured surfaces.
- It has two grits: medium to remove, and fine to smooth.
- It’s perfect for detail sanding in small to medium areas.
- It conforms to surfaces for easy use.
- You can rinse and reuse it to make it last longer.
- The durable foam construction means it’s built to last.
- Its block shape makes it comfortable to hold.
- You can use it for wet or dry sanding.
- It’s also good for sanding wood, metal, and plastic.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very large areas, you might need more than one sponge.
- While reusable, the grits can eventually wear down with heavy use.
This 3M Drywall Sanding Sponge offers a versatile and effective solution for a variety of sanding tasks. It’s a solid choice for DIYers and professionals alike looking for a reliable smoothing tool.
4. Gator 7159 Hook and Loop Very Fine 150-Grit Drywall Sheet Sandpaper
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of sanding dust and rough patches? The Gator 7159 Hook and Loop Drywall Sandpaper is here to help. This sandpaper is designed to make your drywall projects easier and give you a smoother finish. With its very fine 150-grit, it’s great for getting those surfaces just right.
What We Like:
- The 120 and 150 grit is perfect for smoothing out drywall compounds and making them blend in.
- You can use these sheets on many different surfaces, not just drywall. They work on plaster, varnish, fiberglass, paint, and even metal.
- The sharp silicon carbide grain cuts fast and leaves a really smooth finish on drywall.
- The hook and loop system makes changing sheets super quick. No more fumbling around!
- The special coating keeps the grain stuck to the paper and helps it handle heat and moisture without falling apart.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sheets are a bit small at 4.5 x 10.5 inches, so for larger jobs, you’ll need more of them.
- While great for fine finishing, this grit might not be aggressive enough for removing heavy imperfections or old, thick paint layers.
Overall, the Gator 7159 Hook and Loop Sandpaper is a solid choice for achieving smooth, professional-looking finishes on your drywall and other projects. It offers convenience and good performance for its intended uses.
5. 8PCS Sanding Sponge
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of flimsy sandpaper that tears and wears out quickly? The 8PCS Sanding Sponge set is here to change your DIY game. These handy sanding blocks are designed to make your projects smoother and easier. They come with a variety of grits, so you can tackle everything from rough shaping to fine finishing. Whether you’re working on wood, drywall, or metal, these sponges are up for the job.
What We Like:
- You get a good mix of grits (60, 80, 120, and 220) with two blocks of each. This means you have the right tool for removing material, smoothing edges, and getting that perfect finish.
- The numbers on the blocks clearly tell you which grit you’re using. Smaller numbers mean coarser grit, which is great for taking off more material quickly.
- These sponges are not just a one-time use item. You can rinse them off and use them again and again, saving you money and reducing waste. They work well whether you sand wet or dry.
- The blocks are shaped to fit comfortably in your hand. The foam inside is soft but firm, and the abrasive material is on all four sides, making them easy to grip and use on any surface.
- They are super versatile! You can use them for woodworking, fixing drywall, crafting, working on cars, painting projects, and even sanding delicate items like models or glass.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are reusable, the coarsest grits (60 and 80) might wear down faster on very rough projects compared to dedicated sandpaper.
- For very large, flat surfaces, using multiple blocks might be a bit slower than a large sanding sheet.
This sanding sponge set offers excellent value and flexibility for a wide range of projects. They are a smart and practical addition to any toolkit.
Choosing the Right Sandpaper for Your Drywall Project
Tackling a drywall project can be rewarding, but it requires the right tools. Sandpaper is a crucial part of making your walls smooth and ready for paint. But with so many options, how do you pick the best sandpaper for drywall? This guide will help you understand what to look for, what makes good sandpaper, and how to use it like a pro.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for drywall sandpaper, keep these important features in mind:
- Grit Size: This is the most important feature. Grit size tells you how coarse or fine the sandpaper is. Lower numbers mean coarser grit, which removes more material. Higher numbers mean finer grit, which smooths the surface.
- Durability: You want sandpaper that lasts. Good sandpaper won’t fall apart after a few uses.
- Flexibility: Drywall sandpaper needs to bend easily to reach corners and curves without tearing.
- Dust Collection: Some sandpaper has special coatings or hole patterns that help reduce dust, making your job cleaner and easier.
Important Materials
The materials used to make sandpaper affect its performance and how long it lasts.
- Abrasive Grains:
- Aluminum Oxide: This is a very common and durable abrasive. It’s great for general sanding and works well on drywall.
- Silicon Carbide: This is a harder, sharper abrasive. It’s good for very fine sanding and can create a super smooth finish.
- Backing Material:
- Paper: This is the most common backing. It’s affordable and works well for most drywall tasks. Thicker paper is generally more durable.
- Cloth: Cloth-backed sandpaper is stronger and more flexible. It’s a good choice for heavy-duty sanding or when you need sandpaper to last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your sandpaper work better or worse.
- How the Grains are Attached:
- Open Coat: This means there’s space between the abrasive grains. This helps prevent the sandpaper from clogging up with dust, which is common with drywall mud. Open coat sandpaper lasts longer and cuts better.
- Closed Coat: The abrasive grains cover the entire surface. This provides a more aggressive cut but clogs more easily.
- Coating: Some sandpaper has a stearate coating. This special coating helps to reduce friction and prevent clogging. It makes the sandpaper glide smoother and last longer.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better materials and have stricter quality control. This usually means a higher quality product.
- Storage: Storing sandpaper in a dry place away from moisture helps it last longer. Damp sandpaper can lose its grit.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your sandpaper matters. Different grit sizes are for different jobs on your drywall.
- Coarse Grit (60-80 grit): Use this for initial shaping or removing rough patches. It removes material quickly.
- Medium Grit (100-120 grit): This is good for smoothing out joints and applying a second coat of mud. It’s a good all-around grit for drywall.
- Fine Grit (150-220 grit): Use this for the final smoothing before priming and painting. It creates a very smooth surface that paint will adhere to nicely.
- Extra Fine Grit (240+ grit): This is for very delicate smoothing or if you want an exceptionally smooth finish.
Using a sanding block or pole sander can help you achieve a more even finish and reduce hand fatigue. Electric sanders are faster but require more care to avoid over-sanding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drywall Sandpaper
Q: What are the best grit sizes for drywall?
A: For drywall, a good range is from 100-grit for initial smoothing to 220-grit for final finishing. You might use coarser grits for rougher spots.
Q: Should I use sandpaper with holes?
A: Yes, sandpaper with holes is often better for drywall. These holes help dust pass through, keeping the sandpaper from clogging up and making your job cleaner.
Q: What is the difference between aluminum oxide and silicon carbide sandpaper for drywall?
A: Aluminum oxide is a good all-around abrasive for drywall. Silicon carbide is harder and sharper, making it better for very fine, smooth finishes.
Q: How do I prevent my sandpaper from clogging too quickly?
A: Look for “open coat” sandpaper. This means there are gaps between the abrasive grains, which helps the dust fall away and keeps the paper from getting clogged.
Q: Can I use sandpaper for wood on drywall?
A: While you can, sandpaper specifically made for drywall often performs better. Drywall dust is different from wood dust, and drywall sandpaper is designed to handle it.
Q: How often should I change my drywall sandpaper?
A: Change your sandpaper when you notice it’s not cutting as well or when it looks dull or clogged. A dull sandpaper makes your job harder.
Q: Is there a difference between sandpaper sheets and sanding sponges for drywall?
A: Yes. Sheets are good for flat surfaces and use with sanding blocks. Sponges are flexible and great for corners, edges, and curved areas.
Q: What is “stearete” coating on sandpaper?
A: Stearate is a special coating that helps sandpaper cut more smoothly and last longer by preventing dust from sticking to the abrasive grains.
Q: Can I wash and reuse drywall sandpaper?
A: It’s generally not recommended to wash drywall sandpaper. The grit can be damaged, and the backing might weaken. It’s usually best to replace it when it’s no longer effective.
Q: What grit sandpaper should I use after I apply the first coat of joint compound?
A: After the first coat, a 120-grit sandpaper is usually a good choice. It smooths out the mud without being too aggressive.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!




