What Kind of Sandpaper Do I Need to Get Paint Off the Walls?

Rough Grade

• Rough grades of sandpaper are best for removing thick, peeling paint. Sandpaper grades with low numbers contain larger particles of grit, while the grades with high numbers are finer and contain less roughness. Sandpaper grits between 80 and 100 are suitable for the initial sanding. You can use these grades of sandpaper right after you scrape or brush loose pieces of paint with a paint scraper or wire brush. This rough sandpaper works to remove most of the paint, although you may switch to a medium-fine grade of sandpaper when small sections of the underlying surface start showing through under the paint.

Finishing Sandpaper

• Finer grades of sandpaper allow you to remove the thin sections of remaining paint without a high risk of damaging the surface beneath the paint. A 220-grit sandpaper works well as the finishing touch prior to repainting. Use this fine-grit sandpaper to smooth down any tiny bumps or irregularities between the old paint and the bare wall surfaces.

Tools

• Hand-held power sanders save time and effort, although they are not suitable for all paint removal projects. Use a random orbital sander to minimize scratch patterns and swirl marks. Avoid using belt sanders to remove paint. Although belt sanders can quickly remove thick layers of old paint, they can damage the underlying surface. When using an electric sander, select the type of sandpaper manufactured to fit your power tool. Sanding sponges also come in a variety of sandpaper grits, allowing you manually sand your walls with less hand fatigue. A sanding block also provides an easy method for holding pieces of sandpaper.

Tips

• Avoid sanding too deeply on painted wallboard. Using too rough of sandpaper or excessive amounts of pressure can damage your walls by cutting into the underlying wallboard, creating gouges and dips that require patching. Change pieces of sandpaper as soon as they begin to show signs of wear. Wear a dust mask when sanding to avoid inhaling particles of paint. Wipe down your walls with a piece of tackcloth prior to applying your new finish.