I get what you mean about the flexible sanding blocks—they’re messy, and I’ve definitely ended up looking like a snowman after a few hours. Still, I’ve actually had better luck with those than rigid blocks, especially on corners and curves. But honestly, I’ve started using a damp sponge for the final pass. Cuts down on the dust, and it’s easier to control. It doesn’t work for every stage, but it’s worth a shot if you’re tired of breathing in drywall clouds.
But honestly, I’ve started using a damp sponge for the final pass. Cuts down on the dust, and it’s easier to control.
That’s a solid tip. I’ve done the same thing with a barely-wet cellulose sponge—makes a big difference for cleanup, especially if you’re working in a lived-in space. The only time it’s bitten me is when I got a little too enthusiastic and ended up gouging the joint compound. Learned my lesson: light pressure and let it dry fully between passes.
If you’re trying to keep things green, there are some recycled-content sanding blocks that hold up pretty well, and they seem to shed less grit than some of the cheap ones. Still messy, though... no way around it.
Have you ever tried those sanding screens instead of paper? They rinse out and last longer for me, but I’m not sure if they’re any better for controlling dust. Wondering if anyone’s found a combo that works well for both dust and getting into those tricky inside corners without making a huge mess.
- Tried those sanding screens a few times. They do last longer and you can rinse them, but honestly, I get more airborne dust with them compared to regular paper.
- Corners are always a pain. I usually end up folding an old sanding sponge in half to get in there, or just use the damp sponge trick if I’m feeling patient.
- One thing that helped: using a vacuum attachment on the sander. Not perfect, but it’s cut down on cleanup for me. Still messy work, but at least I’m not tracking dust everywhere.
- Haven’t found a magic combo yet—just a lot of trial and error...
Corners are always a pain. I usually end up folding an old sanding sponge in half to get in there, or just use the damp sponge trick if I’m feeling patient.
Man, corners are where drywallers go to lose their sanity. Ever tried those corner sanding blocks? They’re supposed to help, but half the time I just end up making a mess and muttering under my breath. Anyone ever actually get a perfectly smooth inside corner without having to touch it up three times? Or is that just a unicorn we’re all chasing?
Corners really are the bane of a good drywall job. I’ve tried every gadget out there—those corner sanding blocks, special sponges, even some weird plastic scraper thing a contractor swore by. Honestly, it’s almost never perfect on the first go. I get why people obsess over it, though. A sharp, clean corner just makes a room feel finished.
Here’s the thing: I’ve watched pros work, and even they end up doing at least two rounds in the corners. The trick, from what I've seen, is patience with the mudding phase—don’t overload the joint compound and let each layer dry fully. Rushing it always comes back to bite you.
I will say, if you’re flipping or renting and not doing high-end finishes, sometimes “good enough” really is good enough. Most folks don’t inspect corners under a spotlight unless they’re looking for flaws. But yeah, getting that unicorn-smooth corner? Still chasing it after all these years...