Not a professional? If you're keen to understand more about dry lining and the processed involved, let us cover the basics to help you along your DIY journey, starting with a few frequently asked questions.
What is Drywall?
Drywall, also known as plasterboard, wall board or gypsum board is used as an internal wall covering. Drywall is made by sandwiching a gypsum plaster mixer between two sheets of paper to form a stiff board, ready for installation. Drywall boards are supplied in various sizes and installed by fixing to wall studs. Once the boards are fixed into place, the wall is ready for final prep and decoration like wallpaper or paint.
What is a Drywall Sander?
A drywall sander is a tool designed to smooth out plastered surfaces. The sander is used to smooth out the joins between each board, which are filled with a jointing compound. While standard sandpaper can be used, a drywall sander makes this job easier. When sanding drywall, you will have a large surface area to cover, which makes hand sanding difficult. Drywall sanders are ideal for the job. The sanding disc is large and flat, and operated using a pole, so you can easily cover a large surface area without stretching or bending. Most modern drywall sanders are also electric, which eliminates the need for manual sanding.
Why Use a Drywall Sander?
There are many benefits to using a drywall sander. Whether you are a professional or trying your hand at a DIY drywall project, drywall sanders are far more efficient than traditional hand sanders.
• Easier
Manual sanding is a repetitive and physically demanding task, even on small areas. Drywall sanders help take the strain out of traditional sanding methods. Many drywall sanders are electrically powered, but even manual drywall sanders make sanding easier. Their large surface area and pole mounted operation means the user can easily cover the whole wall without straining and stretching.
• Faster
Electric drywall sanders allow the user to cover a large area in a fraction of the time compared to traditional hand sanding methods.
• More Efficient
If faster and easier working wasn't enough to convert you, drywall sanders also help to make the task more efficient. Some drywall sanders even come with a vacuum attachment to help keep your workspace mess free.
Drywall Sanders - Our Top Choices
With so many options now available, finding a drywall sander that meets your needs and budget can be a challenge. Below, we’ve selected our top picks to suit every budget and project, whether you're a professional or a DIY enthusiast.
Why We Like It: The Stanley Pole Sander ensures fuss-free drywall sanding. Non-electric, this sander is a budget option that retains quality and comfort for the user. Built for durability, this sander has heavy-duty, ribbed aluminium body that stays flat and rigid. The wooden handle offers comfort and control. Finally, the sturdy clamp securely holds most sandpapers and sanding screens, allowing you to choose the best option for your application.
Fuss Free Features:
• Efficient Clamp Design: Quickly and easily switch out sandpapers to suit your needs. • Robust Aluminium Body: The durable design remains strong and rigid at every use. • Bi-Material Handle: For comfort and ergonomic control
Ideal For: Quick sanding jobs, DIY-ers and anyone looking for a reliable, budget solution
Why We Like It: The Vitrex LRS700 is a versatile drywall sander that balances power and flexibility, making it ideal for various sanding tasks. It features a powerful motor that ensures efficient power transfer to the sanding pad for smooth operation. The sander's variable speed control allows for consistent and even sanding, while the extendable arm makes it suitable for both confined spaces and larger areas like walls and ceilings.
• Enhanced Features:• Extendable Reach: With an adjustable arm length from 110cm to 165cm, this sander is perfect for tight spaces and high ceilings alike. • Durable Construction: The robust drive system ensures long-lasting performance, and the detachable brush segment allows for easy access to edges. • Effective Dust Extraction: The double dust extraction system, featuring a brush outer ring and eight-hole interval, keeps your workspace clean and prevents abrasive surface clogging. For full dust control, it connects seamlessly to a vacuum cleaner. • Portable Design: The sander folds easily into a storage case, making it convenient to transport and store.
Ideal for: DIY Enthusiasts, Home Renovators, Medium to Large Drywall Projects
Why We Like It:The Flex GE 5 Sanding Set is perfect for regular drywall projects. It includes the versatile Flex GE5 sander, a powerful VCE3 vacuum, a handy sander case, and a flexible hose pipe.
The Giraffe® wall and ceiling sander features electronic speed control, a flexible sanding head, and effective dust extraction. Its lightweight design and ergonomic guide tube make it easy to handle for both professionals and DIYers. The included vacuum cleaner offers strong suction, automatic filter cleaning, and works for both dry and wet tasks, ensuring a clean and efficient sanding process.
High End Features:
• Gimbal-mounted sanding head: a flexible, yet sturdy sanding head means easy and efficient sanding across the whole wall. Quickly and easily change positions as you work, and the sander will support you every which way! • High Performance Dust Extraction: Helps to keep your work area dust free. Ideal for professionals who pride themselves on a clean workspace and professional finish. • Flex Technology: The tool has a special flexible drive shaft that makes it both strong and easy to use. This design, known as "FLEX technology," has been trusted for many years. It reduces the weight on the head of the sander, making it easier to handle and control. • Electronic Control and Soft Start: Start gently, maintain a steady speed and adjust as needed using the adjuster wheel.
Ideal for: Professional Dry Liners and Plasterers, Painters & Decorators, Large Scale DIY Projects
Types of Sanders for Drywall
You can choose from several types of sanders for drywall:
Hand Sanders: These are straightforward and good for small tasks. Pole Sanders: Ideal for reaching high spots without needing a ladder. Electric Sanders: More powerful, these make sanding large areas much quicker.
Each type has its own benefits. It’s important to pick one that fits your needs.
How to Get a Professional Finish
To get a professional finish on your drywall, follow these tips:
1. Start with Coarse Grit: Use coarse grit sandpaper first to remove bigger imperfections.
2. Use Finer Grits: Switch to finer grit sandpapers for a smoother surface.
3. Check Regularly: Keep an eye on your work to make sure you’re not over-sanding any spot.
4. Clean the Surface: Wipe off the dust after sanding before you start painting.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a smooth, professional finish on your drywall.
