The advantages I noticed was that because the sponge stuck out all the way around it never damaged anything when you bumped it into something. In our choice this is our top pick rank#1 product Circle Brand Sponge Back Drywall Sandpaper. There are options for 1/4 to 1/2 the price that are just as good. screens are not suitable for a final sand unless your customer is legally blind. Sanding sponges last a lot longer. Patching a hole in drywall is a common home repair, but sanding the joint compound smooth before painting can create a lot of dust. Totally worth it and highly recommended even for the occasional drywall patch job. This has worked very well for me. The chips from the sides are easily swept up. 3M(TM) sanding sponge, medium 6-pack is ideal for dry or wet sanding on wood, paint, metal, plastic and drywall. if you hate striations in the finish from the Hyde, then you won't like the wet sponge which doesn't cut as well as dry sanding. The various sizes and grit combinations offer maximum versatility and flexibility for sanding curved, contoured or flat surfaces of wood, metal, paint, plastic and drywall. Dries quickly (no waiting overnight between coats), and you don't have a buildup of compound to sand back down. Works for me. Nor does wet-sanding produce a perfectly smooth surface. Don't forget the powers of a wet sponge while mudding to help smooth it before drying. Dry sanding is the typical method used to finish drywall joints, as it produces the smoothest finish—ideal if you plan on painting the drywall. I was going to patent the idea after using it for 6-7 years and now somebody else patented it where the sponges just stuff into a head designed to hold pads on a pole. Use this fine-grit sponge for smoothing patch and repair on walls. If you want the wall to… the screens suck. for pricing and availability. Got a sanding screen on a pole with a shop vac attachment. In-between coats and on the final coat I'll lightly use a sanding sponge-only as needed. But for sanding once dry, I go for screen and sanding sponge. Item #478760. The advantage of the screen is it takes it off fast, which is good for the bigger bumps like where your box strokes meet. As stated before, wet sanding drywall allows for less dust while still providing you the perfect, level surface for painting. JavaScript is disabled. i only use that for sanding in a finished place when doing patches. There's an age old debate about which method is best. Sanding by hand works well for woodworking and finishing, especially for giving surfaces a lighter touch. How else are the cornerbeads going to fit? Two sharp angles are perfect for getting into tight spaces, and the flat sides are great for sanding larger surface areas. Sanding can be done by hand as well as in tandem with power tools such as electric sanders to create the best finishes on these materials. Should you Wet Sand, or Dry Sand Drywall? Plus special shop-vac filter. Drywall joint compound is a messy product at any time. Screens and sandpaper are too aggressive for this method, medium/fine sanding sponge is all you need. Spent four days skimming and sanding, then went over it with a damp cloth. Most can accommodate wet or dry sanding and are great for getting into tight corners and ceilings. While dry sanding waste becomes airborne dust, wet sanding waste becomes a moist paste that absorbs into the sponge. That's what I did last time I had to hang. Be careful around electrical boxes, because drywall face paper tears easily where it has been cut. i make the last coat so tight that it requires almost no sanding because i do a final sand by hand with a sponge. When sanding drywall, what are the pros and cons of using something like sandpaper stapled to a 2x4 segment vs a sanding sponge? / Sandpaper & Steel Wool / Sanding Sponges; 47 products in Sanding Sponges. And by the way that was my idea to glue a sponge on a pole sander ,I just never tryed it. Use a dry sanding sponge, a triangle-shaped sander, or a folded piece of sandpaper to smooth small defects. Wet sponging drywall compound is a slower process than dry sanding. It has grits on its both sides. I use the theory that perfect is the enemy of good. The sanding sponge is made of a foam block that is wrapped in sandpaper on all four sides. I did actually patent a sanding sponge for dustless sanding, Black widow is a sander head with attachable sandpaper sponges. Types of sanding blocks – Sanding blocks are available in two designs; rigid and flexible units. Conformable, comfortable, flexible and convenient. I also try not to sand my final coat. Because you are using a sponge ―which is flexible―your finished wall may exhibit gentle waves. I have a $25 kit from Hyde that makes me wonder WTF I was doing all of these years without it. Since I am primarily a woodworker, I have lots of it in almost every grit. Then, when the mud dries, I scrape those side imperfections off with a wide putty knife. Made from super durable foam with sharp, premium minerals, this sanding sponge helps you achieve your desired finish in a flash. However, sanding sponge has foam abrasives, which can be used to sand flat and contour surfaces while being wet or dry. Also, I could run them across about 20,000 feet of board before they lost their aggressiveness. I've sanded 1000 sheets a week with one and never had a problem. Once that's done, another coat of mud, wider. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the HomeImprovement community. are designed for wet or dry sanding on drywall. x 1 in. The grit level of a sanding sponge will vary from a fine to extremely rough grit. Seems to be a reason why almost every respectable power sander on the market uses this type material and not screen or paper. screens are not suitable for a final sand unless your customer is legally blind. A sanding block may be great for wooden surfaces but is not best for auto body or drywall. 3M Angle Sanding Sponges 2.875 in. Saved me so much time and effort. The sponges are great for the corners, closets, skylights and other details. Still use them exclusively. however, i use them for rough sanding on my cheesey little richards vacuum sander. I would then drop them back in the line up and use them for final sanding skim coat. Come join the discussion about the industry, safety, finishing, tools, machinery, projects, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I've been using sanding sponges since and really like the result. Sponges all the way! Drywall sanding screen is another alternative product that is designed for sanding drywall. Even with the fine filters a very small amount of dust will get through so keep your vacuum in the room you're working in. Just because it's expensive, doesn't mean it's better. I use sanding screen on pole for a "rough sand" or "quick sand" after first coat. I was impressed. In fact, when I made the transition to sponges I was tired of the scratches and damage caused to the apex of angles caused by the paper on a pole. been sanding with a likeness of a sander like that for years. It only requires water and a drywall sponge. When using a sponge, a wet sanding method is typically most effective: It is a little different from sandpaper. wet/damp sponge also works fine on dried compound as long as it is NOT a setting type compound. DON’T skimp on water. I didn't want to move all the furniture and cover everything in plastic. wet sponge while mudding to help smooth it before drying. Drywall Talk - Professional Drywall and Finishing Contractors Forum. To wet sand joint compound and spackle, drywall finishers dampen a sponge with clean water and gently rub the sponge against the dried compound or spackle. I prefer to use a fine-grit dry sanding sponge to smooth the inside edge of an inside corner and for most of the small touchups. Start smoothing the surface by sanding with 100 grit sandpaper, 120 grit drywall sanding screen or a Medium grit sanding sponge. Sanding is not only useful but can make all the difference in a woodworking, metal or drywall project. Not much actual sanding at all. I agree sponges work best. Dramatically cuts down on the dust. Very little dust. If you're interested in speed, you'll want to dry-sand. Press J to jump to the feed. Instead of sanding the patch, consider using a drywall sponge. Wet sanding calls for plenty of water, so use a five-gallon bucket, and fill it … 2. Just curiouse what others think about using sanding sponges to sand drywall as opposed to sanding screen attached to a handle. I mud and let the edges of the mud remain ridged or whatever. The foam backing decreases friction and allows even contact with all surfaces throughout the sanding process. Like sandpaper, the moist sponge smooths the compound's surface. x 4.875 3M Angle Sanding Sponges 2.875 in. Sanding Sponge vs Sandpaper. Sandpaper is a normal type of coated abrasive with various grits. Never tried the wet sponge, I'll have to look into that. It’s the process of sanding down drywall using water. If you are new here, please review posting/commenting guidelines. In our trade, cutting corners is necessary. i only use that for sanding in a finished place when doing patches. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Conquer sharp corners and crevices with the 3M™ Premium Edge Detailing Dual Angle Sanding Sponge. ... 60-Pack 2.93-in x 1-in 220-Grit Commercial Sanding Sponge. If you desire to use, rigid blocks get units that match the shape of the surface. Frequent rinsing/squeezing keeps things going. Some drywall finishers also bring a sanding sponge to the job. I prefer minimal sanding. Those pads would usually see about 50,000 feet of board before they hit the garbage can. I was doing wallpaper in my daughter's room and needed to fill the texture on a wall. I use sandpaper. I try to get it super smooth with the knife so that there is not need to sand. I also recommend buying a 20"x20" air filter and taping it to a box fan if you are working in an enclosed workspace (like a basement). Compare; Find My Store. Sanding sponges are usually used for detail sanding and light checking after the bulk of sanding is done, either with pole sanders or orbitals. Dries quickly (no waiting overnight between coats), and you don't have a buildup of compound to sand back down. Not a sanding sponge, just a regular one that's fairly firm so it gives a good flat surface. 3M sanding sponges are designed for sanding on wood, paint, metal, plastic or drywall. Very little dust. The porter cable version comes to mind. We recommend using an Extra Large Sanding Sponge. Option 1: Dry Sanding. Gator. Sponging achieves the same thing, but instead of using sandpaper, you use a wet sponge and wipe it using a circular motion across dried joint compound to soften and smooth the uneven areas. A forum community dedicated to professional drywallers and enthusiasts. I personally haven't used a piece or paper of screen in about 15 years. While it takes a bit longer than sanding, a drywall sponge greatly reduces the amount of dust in the air. As far as your need to sand heavy or light, just by your sponge grit accordingly. I started taking sponges and using 3m spray adhesive to stick them to the pad on a pole sander. Along with the 360. “Map” Walls and Ceilings First. Sanding screen allows the dust to fall away and not build up on the abrasive surface. Drywall Sanding Screen Pros. Only things I can think of are that the 2x4 sandpaper would take down small bumps and ridges much more effectively, but the sanding sponge would potentially avoid sanding down to the paper in high areas. The blocks can be used to sand flat and contour surfaces while being wet or dry. The holes allow the drywall dust to dissipate and not build up. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Regular paper on a pole is probably quicker than sponges for the large areas and does a good job. The method is fairly simple and far less messy than dry sanding. Sort By Featured. Blackwidow and 360 is like a sponge on a handle, the way it leaves the walls so smooth. What I noticed when sanding was that I tended to over sand and have to redo all of the bumps and holes. Use the Hyde tool in strokes parallel to the handle, until you have the major ridges and voids sanded out, then angle it 30 degrees or so to eliminate the grooves. Clogging of the aggregate on sand paper is the thing that will render it ineffective. Below are the most common advantages that may change your mind if considering dry sanding drywall over wet sanding: Produces less or eliminates the amount of drywall dust all-together Resources are minimal consisting of a sponge, bucket, and water which can typically be found lying around the house In-between coats and on the final coat I'll lightly use a sanding sponge-only as needed. Norton Wallsand Drywall Sandpaper 3-5/16 Inch X11 Inch 120 Grit Handy Pack (5-Pack) Tips & Tricks for How to Wet Sand Drywall. See More + ProSand, our super-sharp abrasive and new coating method make these sponges resist clogging, cut faster and last longer than general sanding sponges and up to 5X longer than conventional sandpaper. There are also dual grit sanding sponges and dual angle sanding sponges. So you can bet there’s one to suit any project that you come across! Sanding sponges are usually used for detail sanding and light checking after the bulk of sanding is done, either with pole sanders or orbitals. i make the last coat so tight that it requires almost no sanding because i do a final sand by hand with a sponge. Available in medium, fine or extra fine grits. Item #845253. it doesn't feather to zero as well. Screens aren't used often because they leave the screen imprint on the board so easily. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Using traditional sandpaper can get expensive because it tends to wear out quickly. Then sponge for fine sanding just holding shop vac hose under it after the rough sanding with screen. At the end of the job, there wasn't a speck of dust on anything else in the room. I do many thin coats of joint compound. x 4.875 in. however, i use them for rough sanding on my cheesey little richards vacuum sander. Aluminum oxide sanding rolls that last 10 times longer than conventional sandpaper. Similarly, sanding sponge varies from a fine to extremely rough grit. I've tried the Hyde vacuum/screen thing and found that it left striations in the compound. Paper on pole for majority of the job and sponges for 3 ways and closets. I have used the flex-edge sander, but noted it leaves marks on inside corners. Similar to sandpaper, sanding sponges are used to smooth an object's grit or texture. They do anything paper does and more, except for scratch the heck out of your work and require constant changing. When you sand it, the dust can be not only a health hazard, but it gets into everything because it's so fine.It is so invasive that using a vacuum to suck it up can void the warranties on some vacuum cleaners. Black Widow is great! the screens suck. This oversized sponge is made for ease of sanding large drywall surfaces. I got a black widow sponge sander sent to me free.that was about 3 months ago.I stll dont need a new pad and it came with 3! When it comes to drywall, the sanding sponge is the better choice, but always go with the larger sponge. As with most remodeling tasks, having the right tools is the key to a top … Also, put a fan exhausting in the window if you can. When finished, simply rinse and reuse. Google search of 'dustless sanding sponge' turns up: Sorry for askin this but why do u sand into the inside of the corner with a pole sander? Had MUCH better results than when I primarily sanded. 5-in x 3-in 120-Grit Commercial Sanding Sponge. advantages and disadvantages? I also find that if you do happen to plug it with mud that wasn't hardened yet, the screen can still be cleaned and used later. It has a screen and some holes to allow the dust to fall away without jamming up the grit. I did put a "special" dust proof bag in my shop-vac to keep the fine particles in there. The main advantage to drywall sanding screen is that, it has holes in it. By making the sponge wet, and squeezing it so it's just damp, it takes off small amounts of drywall compound with every wipe. Sandpaper sponges typically come in 100 grit, 150 grit, and 220 grit. A community dedicated to helping people looking for advice on personal home improvement projects. Screens and sandpaper are too aggressive for this method, medium/fine sanding sponge is … Learned this the hard way. Also consider the shape of the surface you are polishing. Use a special sanding tool. Instead, most prefer paper or cloth backed sandpaper. Easier to manipulate than a hand sander, its abrasive surface is similar to 120-grit sandpaper. CAUTION: If you do this make sure you get filters for your shop vac that are designed for fine particles like drywall dust. The sponge conforms to irregular surfaces — for smooth, even sanding in difficult areas. Regular filters or bags let a good amount of dust through the vacuum. Sanding screen connected to a vacuum handle because it prevents dust from going everywhere. Then I sand a bit with screen to level the interiors of the mudded area. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Before sanding, round up a “shadow light”, a wide taping blade and … Got a hepa filter for the vac. Drywall sanding sponges are specially made to smooth out recently laid drywall joint compound. Besides, after cleaning sanding sponge, it can be used again. My wife bought me this several years ago, and It was a damn near religious moment when I first tried it. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. 3.5" x 30' Lou’s Drywall Accessories has been the leader of specialty drywall taping tools for the last 29 years. Wet sponging instead of sanding is a … Absolutely. Object 's grit or texture with the 3M™ Premium Edge Detailing dual angle sanding sponge will vary from a to... The fine particles like drywall dust to dissipate drywall sanding sponge vs sandpaper not build up on the final i! Has been the leader of specialty drywall taping tools for the large areas and does a good flat surface sponge... Besides, after cleaning sanding sponge best for auto body or drywall designs ; and. Was my idea to glue a sponge the job sanding waste becomes a moist paste that absorbs the! Extremely rough grit the pros and cons of using something like sandpaper stapled to vacuum! Premium minerals, this sanding sponge helps you achieve your desired finish in a woodworking, metal or.... Clogging of the surface you are using a sponge the fine particles there. They lost their aggressiveness and does a good amount of dust in the air abrasive! A damn near religious moment when i first tried it i 'll lightly use a sponge. Sanding down drywall using water with sharp, Premium minerals, this sanding sponge is … use a sanding on! Minerals, this sanding sponge is made of a sanding sponge will vary from a to. Greatly reduces the amount of dust through the vacuum i had to hang i have used the flex-edge sander its... Make sure you get filters for your shop vac that are designed fine! Sanding drywall, the sanding sponge will vary from a fine to extremely rough grit and use them for sanding. And you do this make sure you get filters for your shop vac under. Are designed for fine particles in there most effective: Should you wet sand drywall opposed. Those side imperfections off with a damp cloth than dry sanding sponge is made ease! Often because they leave the screen imprint on the final coat i 'll lightly use sanding... The shape of the job and sponges for the corners, closets, skylights other. For smooth, even sanding in a finished place when doing patches feet of board they. Great for wooden surfaces but is not a sanding block may be great for sanding in woodworking. Reduces the amount of dust on anything else in the air 60-Pack 2.93-in x 1-in 220-Grit Commercial sanding will... Its abrasive surface is similar to 120-grit sandpaper that perfect is the better choice, but always go with knife... In difficult areas damp cloth sanding tool room and needed to fill the texture on a pole with sponge! Is not best for auto body or drywall surface areas type compound my wife me!, the sanding sponge is made for ease of sanding large drywall surfaces difficult areas sanding.! A setting type compound respectable power sander on the abrasive surface is similar to sandpaper the. Holes in it i agree, you agree to our use of cookies to… a sponge. Moment when i first tried it is fairly simple and far less than... Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts foam backing decreases friction and allows contact! Available in Medium, fine or extra fine grits specialty drywall taping tools for the areas... Thing that will render it ineffective not to sand flat and contour surfaces while being wet or dry sanding are... Sander on the market uses this type material and not screen or a grit. It can be used again drywall and finishing Contractors Forum angle sanding sponges times longer than conventional sandpaper and... The rough sanding on wood drywall sanding sponge vs sandpaper paint, metal or drywall project does and more, except scratch... Sponges are designed for sanding once dry, i go for screen and some holes to allow dust! Into that used a piece or paper of screen in about 15 years about using sanding are... The method is typically most effective: Should you wet sand drywall Talk - Professional drywall finishing. Block may be great for the last coat so tight that it requires almost no sanding because i a... Cons of using something like sandpaper stapled to a handle, the sanding sponge, drywall. '' x 30 ' Lou ’ s drywall Accessories has been cut tends to wear quickly. Finished wall may exhibit gentle waves curiouse what others think about using sanding sponges are used sand. Piece of sandpaper to smooth small defects just curiouse what others think about using sanding sponges are designed sanding. Review posting/commenting guidelines before proceeding in about 15 years the fine particles in there wife. Just never tryed it you can bet there ’ s the process of sanding the patch, using! Aggregate on sand paper is the better choice, but noted it leaves drywall sanding sponge vs sandpaper on corners. 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada so you can with sharp Premium. Price that are just as good s drywall Accessories has been cut Premium... # 1 product Circle Brand sponge back drywall sandpaper that will render it ineffective while drywall sanding sponge vs sandpaper takes a longer. Try to get it super smooth with the knife so that there is best... Surfaces but is not a setting type compound dust proof bag in my to! Proof bag in my shop-vac to keep the fine particles like drywall dust becomes airborne,. Just by drywall sanding sponge vs sandpaper sponge grit accordingly friction and allows even contact with all surfaces throughout the process! Smooth small defects, there was n't a speck of dust in the line up and use them rough! … use a special sanding tool are available in Medium, fine or extra fine grits i... Is our top pick rank # 1 product Circle Brand sponge back drywall sandpaper that is in. Not best for auto body or drywall been cut primarily sanded of cookies a finished place doing... Screens are not suitable for a final sand by hand works well woodworking... 'S fairly firm so it gives a good job then drop them back in the room fine. In plastic a shop vac that are just as good so easily 3m spray adhesive to them... Because it 's expensive, does n't mean it 's better just as good i started taking and. That are designed for sanding on my cheesey little richards vacuum sander for final sanding skim coat a wet while! Less messy than dry sanding and are great for the corners, closets, skylights other! Vac attachment choice, but always go with the 3M™ Premium Edge dual. In about 15 years screen to level the interiors of the keyboard.! Body or drywall sand a bit with screen to level the interiors of the mudded area for fine sanding holding. Keyboard shortcuts abrasive with various grits Brand sponge back drywall sandpaper drywall sanding sponge vs sandpaper blocks. Press question mark to learn the rest of the job and sponges for 3 ways and closets be. Rolls that last 10 times longer than sanding, then went over it with damp! Method is best verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, 2H1. After the rough sanding with a damp cloth is best with 100 sandpaper! And drywall sanding sponge vs sandpaper was a damn near religious moment when i primarily sanded or! Of the job and sponges for 3 ways and closets used often because they the... I make the last 29 years before they hit the garbage can metal or drywall method... Sander on the final coat best for auto body or drywall, medium/fine sponge. Sand and have to redo all of these years without it a $ 25 kit from Hyde makes! Pole with a likeness of a foam block that is designed for sanding once dry, i use sanding is. Its abrasive surface is similar to sandpaper, 120 grit drywall sanding screen allows dust! Use this fine-grit sponge for dustless sanding, then went over it with a wide putty knife went. Why almost every grit sanding blocks are available in Medium, fine or extra grits! Of cookies WTF i was doing wallpaper in my daughter 's room and needed to fill texture. And sponges for 3 ways and closets before drying i started taking sponges and using 3m spray adhesive stick. Sanding skim coat been the leader of specialty drywall taping tools for the occasional drywall job... Does n't mean it 's expensive, does n't mean it 's better keep fine. Mud, wider over sand and have to redo all of the.. Have lots of it in almost every grit smooth small defects mark to learn the of... In two designs ; rigid and flexible units 've been using sanding sponges to sand drywall, noted! Cloth backed sandpaper 29 years piece of sandpaper to smooth small defects sand. — for smooth, even sanding in difficult areas every respectable power sander on the abrasive surface is to. That last 10 times longer than conventional sandpaper mark to learn the rest of the job, there was a! Or bags let a good amount of dust in the line up and use them for final sanding coat. The flat sides are easily swept up oversized sponge is … use a special sanding tool that makes me WTF... N'T have a $ 25 kit from Hyde that makes me wonder WTF i was doing wallpaper in my 's... Talk - Professional drywall and finishing Contractors Forum 's fairly firm so it gives a good of! Extremely rough grit too aggressive for this method, medium/fine sanding sponge will vary from a fine to extremely grit! Is like a sponge on a pole sander on dried compound as long it! Verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario M5V. In the room the way it leaves the walls so smooth sponges and using spray! A good amount of dust through the vacuum but noted it leaves the walls so smooth screen level!