Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind

- Dry sanding with a shop vac is a game changer, no question.
- I’ve tried wet sanding in rentals—always ended up with water stains on the subfloor. Not worth it.
- That LED panel tip is gold. I used to miss stuff too, then wonder why the paint looked weird later.
- Ever tried those sanding sponges? I find they help with corners, but maybe that’s just me.
- Still searching for a method that doesn’t leave dust everywhere... but dry sanding’s the lesser evil so far.

Dry sanding with a shop vac definitely keeps the worst of the dust down, but I’ve actually had some luck with wet sanding—just gotta be careful.

I’ve tried wet sanding in rentals—always ended up with water stains on the subfloor. Not worth it.

Title: Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind

I only do it for touch-ups though, not whole rooms. Less dust, less cleanup, but yeah, don’t skip the drop cloths or you’ll regret it.

I get the appeal of wet sanding, especially for quick fixes, but honestly, I’ve had better luck just dialing in my mud work so there’s barely anything to sand in the first place. If you feather out your joints and don’t overload the mud, you can get away with a super light dry sand—almost just a polish with a fine grit. Way less mess, and you don’t have to worry about water stains or soggy corners.

I know some folks swear by sanding sponges for corners, but I’ve actually switched to those flexible sanding pads. They bend just enough to get a nice curve without gouging the mud. Plus, they don’t seem to clog up as fast as the regular sponges. For the big flat areas, I’m with you on the pole sander—just gotta keep it moving or you’ll dig in.

One thing I’ll push back on: plastic sheeting is great, but I’ve had it bunch up and actually make things worse underfoot. I started using those canvas drop cloths instead. They soak up any stray drips and don’t slide around. Not as cheap, but I’ve reused the same ones for years.

Honestly, the biggest game-changer for me was just slowing down on the mudding step. If you get that right, sanding becomes almost an afterthought. Less dust, less hassle, and you don’t end up chasing your tail with cleanup.

Couldn’t agree more about slowing down on the mudding step—it really does make all the difference. I used to rush through it, thinking sanding would fix everything, but that just led to more frustration and endless dust. Now, I spend a bit more time feathering out the joints, and it’s almost shocking how little sanding I need afterward.

I’ve also had the same issue with plastic sheeting. It’s cheap, but it turns into a skating rink if you’re not careful. Canvas drop cloths are a bit of an investment, but you’re right—they’re way safer and last forever.

The switch to flexible sanding pads is a smart move too. I always struggled with sponges getting torn up in corners, but those pads flex just enough without digging into the mud. It’s funny how the right tools and a bit of patience can turn a dreaded chore into something almost satisfying... well, as satisfying as drywall can get, anyway.

Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind

Funny you mention the canvas drop cloths—I finally caved after slipping on plastic one too many times. Never going back. And I totally get what you mean about slowing down on the mudding. In my old house, the walls are so wavy that rushing just made everything worse. I used to think more sanding would fix my mistakes, but honestly, it just made a bigger mess. Now I take my time, and it’s way less stressful. Flexible sanding pads are a game changer, though I still keep a block handy for the really stubborn spots. Drywall’s never going to be my favorite job, but it’s a lot less painful these days.