Thursday, February 18, 2010

Sanding walls, old paint drips, rough drywall?

I just bought a house, and some of the rooms have rough patches, like the drywall wasn't sanded very good. Also there are some paint drips in some spots, like they put the paint on too thick. Is is okay to sand, and should I use drywall sand paper even though it's painted?





Also, There is a part of the home (hallway) that has textured walls (almost like a popcorn ceiling), but it's the first three feet up the wall. Can that also be sanded down?Sanding walls, old paint drips, rough drywall?
Yes, by all means, you can sand it. You will want to start out with 80 grit and work up to 220. That way you can get the rougher and harder stuff before you smooth it out. As for the rough patches, I know from experience that it could also be from using the wrong size sheetrock. Be very careful in these places. If it is the same size sheetrock, you are fine. Just make sure that you use the same technique that they used for the rest of the way to make sure that it won't stand out.


As for the textured portion, you can sand it down as well. But personally, the best thing to do is determine that it is a popcorn style texture. If it is, then I would use a scraper on it first, that way everything comes off first and then use the 80 and then 220 grit paper.Sanding walls, old paint drips, rough drywall?
The popcorn finish can usually be ';stripped.'; Go to the hardware store and tell them you need the tool for stripping it. They'll know what it is. It looks like a metal square attached to a broomstick-handle. Get a water-squirting bottle, spray the popcorn and let it soak a bit. Then scrap it off. I've even used a wide putty knive to remove the finish.





I would try sanding the patches and the paint first. Be prepared to add more plaster or mud to the patches though, cause chances are it'll probably need some filling. If the paint won't thin down to a nice smooth are thatt can be repainted, try a heavier grade sandpaper. Be careful though, some of the heavier ones can remove material quickly.





Good luck

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