How to Wet-Sand Drywall: 6 Steps to a Smoother Finish
Swap the sandpaper for a sponge with this drywall sanding technique
- Safety glasses
- Disposable gloves
- Dust mask
- Five-gallon bucket
- Ladder (optional)
- Water
- Drywall sponge
Before you can paint drywall, you’ll need a clean, smooth surface—and that’s where wet-sanding comes in. While this method is a bit trickier to master than dry-sanding, the benefit is that it creates much less dust in the process. Keep reading to learn how to wet-sand drywall and turn your walls into flawless, paint-ready canvases.
Put on Protective Gear
Wet-sanding drywall produces much less dust than dry-sanding, but it’s still important to protect yourself while working. This means putting on safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask to limit your exposure to silica dust, which can lead to health issues over time.
Dampen the Sponge
Add clean water to your bucket, then dunk the sponge in it. When the sponge is fully saturated, wring out some of the water. Avoid squeezing out too much water, though, because drywall sponges can dry out quickly. It should feel damp—but not soaked.
Sand Uneven Spots
Photo: fotoduets / Adobe StockGently sand any bumpy or ridged parts of the drywall with the abrasive side of the sponge. Work in a circular motion, using broad strokes. Don’t use too much pressure in any particular spot, or you could end up with depressions in the drywall mud and problems with the drywall finishing.
As you work, rinse the sponge occasionally to get rid of excess drywall mud and keep it clean.
You may need to use a ladder to reach higher areas. If so, make sure to follow proper ladder safety while working.
Wet-Sand the Drywall
When you’re done sanding the uneven spots, rinse off the sponge and dampen it again in the bucket of water. With the sponge’s smooth side, feather the edges of the drywall mud outward to help it blend in with the rest of the wall. Use even pressure to avoid damaging or denting sections of the drywall.
Throughout the process, rinse and re-moisten the sponge often. This will keep the surface wet, which helps reduce drywall dust and delivers a smoother finish. If the water gets dirty, change it.
Let It Dry and Check Your Work
Once you’ve completed these two passes, let the wall dry completely. You may have to wait up to 24 hours for the re-moistened drywall mud to dry.
When it’s dry, inspect the wall for any remaining uneven spots. If you find any, you’ll need to use sandpaper to smooth them out. Don’t repeat the wet-sanding process again because it can make the drywall too wet and potentially damage it.
Clean the Area
Photo: Kadmy / Adobe StockAfter you finish, wipe down the area with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining dust or debris. Once everything is clean and dry, you can prime and paint the walls or apply the drywall texture of your choice.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Even if you aren’t an experienced DIYer, wet-sanding drywall is a simple enough project to tackle on your own. However, it’s time-consuming and requires patience—especially if you’re sanding drywall in multiple rooms or throughout an entire home.
Crystalline silica is a toxic dust that's often generated during drywall installation, which can cause respiratory issues if exposed over time. A professional drywall installation company has the right tools to protect your home and ensure safe air quality after your project is completed.
If you’re short on time, consider hiring a drywall installer near you instead of taking on this job yourself. On average, drywall pros charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several benefits to wet-sanding drywall, but the main perk is that it produces far less dust than dry-sanding. As a result, wet-sanding poses fewer health risks and makes less of a mess in your home. Plus, damp sponges are less abrasive than sandpaper, so there’s a smaller chance of scratching or damaging the drywall paper. Wet-sanding also creates a smoother finish than dry-sanding.
Wet-sanding and dry-sanding each have pros and cons. Dry-sanding is less messy, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to minimize dust (for example, if you’re sanding an occupied home or working with particularly dry or dusty drywall mud). However, dry-sanding is quicker because you don’t have to keep rinsing a sponge or wait for it to dry before painting.
It’s important to wait until the drywall is completely dry before painting the wall. This can take up to 24 hours. If you paint while the drywall is still wet, the paint could bubble, peel, or have trouble sticking to the wall. To speed up the drying process, you can turn on a fan, run a dehumidifier, or open windows.
- How to Sand Drywall and Drywall Mud Successfully
- How to Eliminate Drywall Dust During Your Next Project
- Tools for Drywall: A Complete List for DIYers
- 8 of the Most Common Drywall Problems and How to Solve Them
- 11 Must-Know DIY Drywall Repair Tips
- Who Installs Drywall? Get the Right Pro for the Job
- How to Repair Water-Damaged Drywall
- How to Dispose of Drywall When You’re Done With a DIY
- What Is Drywall Made Of?
- How to Patch a Hole in Drywall (From Small to Large)
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