Haha, I feel this one. My first drywall experience was basically a slapstick comedy sketch—hose snagging on every corner, mud splattering everywhere, and me questioning every YouTube tutorial I'd ever watched. Eventually figured out that keeping the hose behind me and moving slower actually saved more time (and sanity) than rushing around. Still ended up covered head-to-toe in dust though...guess that's the drywall initiation ritual everyone has to survive.
Honestly, drywall dust isn't mandatory—I've found using a damp sanding sponge cuts way down on the mess. Sure, it takes a bit longer, but my lungs (and sanity) thank me every time...
Totally agree about damp sanding. I've done plenty of jobs both ways, and trust me, after one particularly dusty remodel, I swore I'd never dry-sand again. One quick tip: wring out your sponge just enough so it's damp but not dripping—too wet and you'll risk gouging the compound. Takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it's a game changer. My clients notice the difference too...no fine dust settling around their homes afterward.
"wring out your sponge just enough so it's damp but not dripping—too wet and you'll risk gouging the compound."
That's exactly the tricky part I'm still trying to master. My first attempt at damp sanding was a bit of a disaster—I ended up with these weird shallow grooves because I didn't realize how much water was too much. Thankfully, it was just a small closet, so no biggie. But now that I've got a bigger room coming up, I'm determined to get it right this time.
Quick question for those who've gotten the hang of it: Do you find certain sponge types or brands make a noticeable difference? I've been using a basic hardware-store sponge, but I'm wondering if upgrading to something more specialized might help me get smoother results. Or is it really just about technique and practice?
Honestly, I'm loving the idea of ditching dry sanding altogether. The dust situation is no joke—spent days cleaning up after my last project, and I still find random dust spots months later. Damp sanding sounds like a lifesaver, especially since I'm working in a space I actually live in.
I've found that those denser, specialty sanding sponges from paint stores do make a subtle difference—less likely to leave grooves. But honestly, technique matters more. Took me a whole hallway to finally get the hang of it...my arms still hurt thinking about it.
