How to get the best performance from your drywall power sander? - Gyproc Tools Blog

Power sanders are perfect for the speedy and polished finish of plasterboard or drywalls. We share five top tips to maximise the performance of your sander.

If you are new to Drywall sanding take a look at the Drywall for Beginners Article.

What is drywall sanding?

Drywall is a popular material in the construction of walls and ceilings in homes and buildings. It is sometimes known as gypsum board, plasterboard, and sheetrock.

Drywall sanding is the process of smoothing the surface of drywall or plasterboard after joint compound or drywall mud has been applied and dried. It is an essential step in finishing drywall installations, as it helps achieve a smooth and uniform surface that is ready for painting or other finishing treatments.

Gyproc’s industrial drywall sanders and dust extraction units quickly sand drywalls to a flat finish ready for decoration. Flex power sanders like the Flex GE5 Round Edged 110V are light, robust, easy-to-use, and comfortable to handle, making short work of drywall finishing. 

After sanding, the surface should be inspected for any remaining imperfections. If necessary, additional joint compound or drywall mud can be applied to fill in any low spots or repair any areas that require further attention. Once the desired smoothness is achieved, the surface should be dusted down before being ready for priming and painting or other finishing treatments to complete a high-quality drywall installation.

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare!

Did we mention it’s important to prepare? Open windows for ventilation and don’t forget to have goggles and a face mask at the ready. It’s a good idea to tape sheeting across the furniture, floors in the room and across doors to prevent dust circulating to other areas of the home or building.

Before using the power sander, make sure the drywall surface is clean and free from any loose debris or protruding nails. Remove any large imperfections or high spots with a putty knife or sanding block.

2. Select and secure sandpaper

Select the appropriate sandpaper grit for the job. For smoothing and finishing, select fine sandpaper (150 grit paper) for the best results. Ensure that the sandpaper is securely attached to the sanding pad or disc of your power sander. Loose or improperly installed sandpaper can affect performance and result in uneven sanding.

3. Take time on technique

Hold the power sander with a firm grip and apply even pressure. Move the sander in smooth, overlapping strokes, working in a circular motion. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as it can cause damage to the drywall or create uneven surfaces. By dividing the wall into manageable sections, you can focus on each area and ensure consistent results. Periodically stop sanding to check the progress and make sure you’re achieving the desired smoothness. This helps to prevent over-sanding and ensures you’re not removing too much material.

4. Flat is back

Maintain a flat sanding angle throughout the process. Tilting the sander can create waves or depressions on the surface. Keep the sander parallel to the wall and move it in a controlled manner.

5. Don’t let the dust settle

Drywall sanding produces a significant amount of dust, but this can be minimised by using a power sander with built-in dust collection or a dust extractor. Regularly empty or replace the dust collection bag or canister.

Check out the full Gyproc range of industrial drywall sanders and dust extraction units