I’ve actually gone back and forth between sponges and the shop vac sander too. You’re not alone—those sponges can make a mess if the mud isn’t totally cured or if you use too much water. I found the vacuum sander way less messy, but it does feel awkward for tight spots. Ever run into the hose knocking stuff over or getting tangled up? I swear, half my time is spent untangling cords... Still, anything to keep dust out of my lungs and off everything else.
Ever run into the hose knocking stuff over or getting tangled up? I swear, half my time is spent untangling cords...
Man, the hose situation is real. I’ve actually started looping it over my shoulder like a fireman just to keep it out of the way, but then I end up bumping into door frames or getting stuck on ladders. It’s a circus act at this point. Still, I’ll take that over clouds of dust any day—my last reno, I was finding dust in my coffee mug for weeks.
I’m not totally sold on sponges either. Maybe it’s just me, but I always end up with weird streaks or soft spots if I’m not super careful about how wet it is. The vacuum sander at least gives you a consistent finish, even if you have to wrestle with the cord monster.
Curious if anyone’s tried those mesh sanding pads with a hand block? They’re supposed to cut down on dust a bit and let you get into corners. Worth the hype, or just another gimmick?
Mesh pads on a hand block are actually pretty decent for touch-ups and tight spots, especially if you’re dealing with inside corners or around trim. They don’t clog up as fast as regular paper, but they won’t cut dust like a vacuum sander. I’d say they’re not a total gimmick, just not a full replacement either. I still end up dragging out the hose for bigger areas, even if it means tripping over it now and then... part of the job, I guess.
Getting smooth drywall joints without losing your mind
Mesh pads are a lifesaver for those awkward spots where the sanding pole just won’t fit. I totally agree, they don’t clog up as quickly as regular sandpaper, which is great when you’re working around delicate trim or inside corners. That being said, I’ve found they can leave a slightly rougher finish if you’re not careful—especially if you press too hard. My go-to is to use mesh pads for detail work, then do a quick final pass with a fine-grit sanding sponge to really blend everything out.
And yeah, the vacuum sander is awesome for bigger areas, but dragging that hose around always turns into some kind of obstacle course in my house. I swear, I spend as much time untangling the hose as I do actually sanding... but at least it keeps the dust from coating every surface. If anyone’s struggling with corners, try folding your mesh pad over a putty knife for extra control—it’s a weird little trick that actually works pretty well.
If anyone’s struggling with corners, try folding your mesh pad over a putty knife for extra control—it’s a weird little trick that actually works pretty well.
That’s a solid tip. I’ve tried something similar, but sometimes the mesh still tears on me if I’m not careful around sharper edges. Has anyone found a mesh brand that holds up better, or are they all pretty much the same?
Also, I hear you about the vacuum sander hose—mine constantly gets caught on door frames and furniture. I’m starting to wonder if it’s even worth the hassle for smaller rooms. Has anyone actually found a good way to keep the hose out of the way, or is it just one of those things you have to deal with?
One thing I’ve noticed: after my final sanding pass, even with all the dust control, there’s always a super fine layer of dust left on the walls. Do you guys do a damp wipe-down before priming, or just trust the primer to grab whatever’s left?
