Let’s be honest. Sanding is considered the most challenging and most time-consuming aspect of any construction or renovation project. Even with power tools such as an electric sander, sanding takes so much time and effort. However, sanding is a crucial task as it prepares a surface for better traction and an overall polished look and feel. So why not opt for the best sanding paper for drywall for your next renovation project?
Sanding is typically done to prepare a surface for coating by ridding it of flaws and imperfections such as bumps, gouges, and ugly brush marks. However, sanding is not as easy as passing rough sandpaper over the surface. Instead, it is a meticulous task that requires different types of sandpaper grits to properly prepare furniture or wall for coating without the risk of further scratching and damaging the surface. Taking this into consideration, check out our list of the best sandpaper for drywall to get a better idea of what product is best suitable for you.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M Large Area Drywall Sanding Sponge | Listed as one of the best-selling and top-rated sandpaper products in the market nowadays, the 3M Large Area Drywall Sanding Sponge is specially designed to be the best sandpaper for drywall. | ||
| ALEKO Sanding Disc Pack | If you’re looking for the best sandpaper for drywall for your electric sander, the ALEKO Sanding Disc Pack is arguably the best sanding partner for a clean and polished finish. | ||
| Fandeli Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets | Crafted for professional and heavy-duty use, the Fandeli Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets provides amazing performance and durability suitable for every working surface. | ||
| PORTER-CABLE Drywall Sander Pad Pack | Widely considered the best sandpaper for drywall, the PORTER-CABLE Drywall Sander Pad Pack features a patented design that ensures effective and efficient performance. | ||
| Wooster Brush AeroSander Drywall Sandpaper | Notable for its unique shape and design, the Wooster Brush AeroSander Drywall Sandpaper is created to provide efficiency and quality that is nothing compared to traditional sandpaper products. | ||
| DEWALT Orbit Sandpaper | The DEWALT brand has long been an established name in the industry. Thus, it is no brainer that the DEWALT Orbit Sandpaper will perform well under all circumstances. | ||
| WELLGO Multipurpose Sanding Block Pack | Considerably one of the best-selling and top-rated sanding blocks in the market nowadays, the WELLGO Multipurpose Sanding Block Pack includes all the sanding grit types that you would need for your project. |
A Detailed Review on the 7 Best Sandpapers For Drywall
3M Large Area Drywall Sanding Sponge
Listed as one of the best-selling and top-rated sandpaper products in the market nowadays, the 3M Large Area Drywall Sanding Sponge is specially designed to be the best sandpaper for drywall.
Product Highlights
Coming from one of the longest-running and trusted brands in the industry, the 3M Large Area Drywall Sanding Sponge measures at roughly 5 inches and is made with quality aluminum-oxide for its abrasive material. Perfectly suitable for sanding drywall, this sanding sponge comes in fine and medium grit and is durable enough to last for longer compared to other sandpaper material.
The Good
Available for single or packs, what is even more exciting with the 3M Large Area Drywall Sanding Sponge is that it comes in both fine and medium grit featured on either side of the sanding sponge. Furthermore, this sanding sponge can be rinsed and reused.
The Bad
Despite being considered the best, several reviews for the 3M Large Area Drywall Sanding Sponge mentioned several issues, particularly about the product’s durability. Some users complained that the sponge breaks fast and that the sanding grit has a weak bond and comes right off the sponge after a couple of uses. Also, there are complaints that the sponge’s size is still too small to use and grip over wall surfaces.
PROs
- Strong and durable material suitable for sanding drywall
- Made with aluminum-oxide material
- Can be rinsed and reused
CONs
- Issues with product durability
- Sanding grit comes right off the sponge
- Size too small for some to grip properly
ALEKO Sanding Disc Pack
If you’re looking for the best sandpaper for drywall for your electric sander, the ALEKO Sanding Disc Pack is arguably the best sanding partner for a clean and polished finish.
Product Highlights
Dubbed as the industry’s standard for the drywall sander sandpaper discs, the ALEKO Sanding Disc Pack includes ten pieces of quality sanding discs made with high-quality material crafted for strength and durability. Renowned for removing material quickly and beautifully, this sandpaper disk is compatible with a variety of ALEKO sander products and other brands.
The Good
Coming from one of the most trusted brands in the industry, the ALEKO Sanding Disc Pack is known for its capacity to remove and polish material quickly. It also lasts longer and produces notably less dust and debris compared to other sandpaper products. Aside from that, this sandpaper is also strong and durable enough to withstand repeated removal and re-application numerous times.
The Bad
Reviews for the ALEKO Sanding Disc Pack complained that the disc is not as durable as advertised. Furthermore, it is unfortunate that this sanding disk does not fit all electric sanders for more versatility and flexibility.
PROs
- Relatively inexpensive
- Impressive sanding performance
- Strong and durable material
CONs
- Issues with product durability
- Does not fit all electric sanders
- Comes in 240 sandpaper grit only
Fandeli Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets
Crafted for professional and heavy-duty use, the Fandeli Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets provides amazing performance and durability suitable for every working surface.
Product Highlights
Made with high-quality aluminum-oxide material, the Fandeli Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets uses super heavy paper to last longer on all surfaces, whether it’s wood, metal, or drywall. Measuring at 9 inches by 11 inches, this sandpaper pack is known for its durability and its less-clogging feature.
The Good
From its 85 years of experience, the Fandeli brand is sure to provide quality materials crafted to provide the best possible performance. Aside from its quality and versatility, the Fandeli Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets impressively includes (5) 80 grit sheets, (10) 120 grit sheets, and (10) 220 grits sheets that is sure to last long and perform well at all times.
The Bad
Unfortunately, several reviews for the Fandeli Multipurpose Sandpaper Sheets complained that the sandpaper is notably thin and that it wears and tears fast after several uses. Furthermore, users also noted that the sandpaper clogs fast, unlike how it was advertised
PROs
- Suitable for all surfaces
- Lasts long
- Fewer specks of dust and clogging
- Sheets can be cut into sizes of ½, 1/3 or ¼
CONs
- Sandpaper clogs fast
- The paper used is notably thin
- Material wears and tears fast.
PORTER-CABLE Drywall Sander Pad Pack
Widely considered the best sandpaper for drywall, the PORTER-CABLE Drywall Sander Pad Pack features a patented design that ensures effective and efficient performance.
Product Highlights
Crafted using high-quality aluminum-oxide for its grain material, the PORTER-CABLE Drywall Sander Pad Pack is sure to provide strong and durable sanding and polishing performance over various surfaces. Specifically designed to be compatible with the PORTER-CABLE 7800 drywall sander, this sander pad is also suitable for other PORTER CABLE equipment and some coming from different brands.
The Good
Aside from its material, the PORTER-CABLE Drywall Sander Pad Pack is also designed to be stronger and more durable by adding foam pads that support the shape of the pad and provides better and even material removal. Also, the foam pads help in the overall durability and longevity of the sander pad.
The Bad
While there isn’t much to say about the PORTER-CABLE Drywall Sander Pad Pack, some would say that the sander pad pack is relatively expensive compared to other sandpaper products. Furthermore, the 100 grit of the product may be too fine to sand drywall fast.
PROs
- Made using high-quality aluminum-oxide material
- Compatible with a variety of devices
- Suitable for all surfaces
- Foam-backed
CONs
- Too expensive
- Fine grit type takes a long to sand drywall
Wooster Brush AeroSander Drywall Sandpaper
Notable for its unique shape and design, the Wooster Brush AeroSander Drywall Sandpaper is created to provide efficiency and quality that is nothing compared to traditional sandpaper products
Product Highlights
Available 80- and120-grit variants, the Wooster Brush AeroSander Drywall Sandpaper features a triangular shape that is said to provide 30-percent faster and better performance compared to traditional or typical sandpaper products. This design also resists clogging and can withstand daily wear and tear for a long time.
The Good
Coming from one of the industry’s rising brands, the Wooster Brush Aerosunder Drywall Sandpaper is a specially designed sandpaper compatible with the 1801 AeroSander. It uses an extremely durable material that is resistant to slipping, tearing, curling, and clogging and features a Velcro-brand hook and loop design to fasten and remove the pad faster and easier.
The Bad
There is not much to say about the Wooster Brush Aerosunder Drywall Sandpaper except that, unfortunately, the sandpaper is only perfectly compatible with the 1801 AeroSander. Furthermore, some users complain that it is difficult to find refills for this specific sandpaper product.
PROs
- Unique design for better quality performance and efficiency
- Uses high-quality and durable material
- Resistant to slipping, tearing, curling, and clogging
CONs
- Compatible with the 1801 AeroSander only
- Difficult to find refills
DEWALT Orbit Sandpaper
The DEWALT brand has long been an established name in the industry. Thus, it is no brainer that the DEWALT Orbit Sandpaper will perform well under all circumstances.
Product Highlights
Crafted using quality aluminum-oxide material that ensures strength and durability, the DEWALT Orbit Sandpaper is a step up compared to traditional sandpaper products as it features a stearate coating reduces gum-up and resin adhesives that help decrease heat build-up.
The Good
Aside from its design and material, what is even more impressive with the DEWALT Orbit Sandpaper is that it has been tried and tested that it is extremely durable and efficient in removing material and polishing surfaces. Several reviews second the notion that this sandpaper lasts longer and works better compared to other sandpaper products
The Bad
Some product nitpicks for the DEWALT Orbit Sandpaper is that the holes for this sandpaper pad do not align precisely for some electric sander equipment. Furthermore, some complained that the hook and loop feature is not as strong and secure as it is supposed to be.
PROs
- Effective and efficient performance
- Uses strong and durable material
- Suitable for a variety of surfaces
CONs
- Suitable for a variety of surfaces
- Hook and loop feature not as secure
WELLGO Multipurpose Sanding Block Pack
Considerably one of the best-selling and top-rated sanding blocks in the market nowadays, the WELLGP Multipurpose Sanding Block Pack includes all the sanding grit types that you would need for your project.
Product Highlights
Measuring at 3.9 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch, the WELLGO Multipurpose Sanding Block Pack includes six pieces of sanding sponges of different grit types, including 60G, 80G, 100G, 120G, 180G, and 200G. Suitable for various surfaces and purposes, this sanding block is made with brown alumina material and can be used for sanding wood, metal, and drywall.
The Good
Aside from its versatility, what is even impressive with the WELLGO Multipurpose Sanding Block Pack can be used either wet or dry and can also be washed and recycled for future use. Furthermore, its sponge design features an improved water storage function that greatly reduces flushing and improves efficiency.
The Bad
Truth be told, there isn’t much to say about the WELLGO Multipurpose Sanding Block Pack. However, several reviews mentioned that the sanding block is suitable for smaller projects only and that it is difficult to use the block for sanding smaller and tighter spaces.
PROs
- Includes six pieces of different grit types
- Easy to use and handle
- Washable and reusable
CONs
- Suitable for smaller jobs and projects only
- The design makes it hard to get to tighter spaces
Conclusion
Choosing the best sandpaper for drywall is not as easy as you think. While sandpaper is a mere tool used to scratch and rough up a surface, it is still safe to say that not all sandpaper products are made the same, and there are several factors to consider when shopping for the best sandpaper for drywall.
Generally, sandpapers fall under two primary grades – industrial and commercial. Commercial grade sandpaper is the most common type that is readily available in hardware stores and supermarkets. Commercial or second-grade sandpapers are further categorized into three varieties based on the material used – garnet paper, aluminum-oxide paper, and silicon carbide sandpaper. Between the three, garnet and aluminum-oxide paper is suitable for drywall sanding as they are open-coated and does not clog up quickly. All in all, it is essential to consider the quality, material, grit type, design, and durability of the product to get the most out of the best sandpaper for drywall. Find out more about sandpapers.