As a painting contractor of 20 years I DO USE sponges for drywall sanding. Not for the final finish but it works well for hot mud between coats. I like to sponge quick set/hot muds once they just have started to harden, you can feather out the edges, take down the highs, and get it ready for air dry mud which I dry sand.
works great to erase hot mud. i erased a TON of hot mud from a bad taping job someone did... worked much faster than drysanding it, would have been there hours, sponge did the job in 20-30 minutes
Wet sanding works but this video does not show how to do it properly. I patched drywall in my bedroom while sleeping in it and used wet sanding methods so I wouldn't introduce drywall dust into my sleeping space. My patches were glassy smooth and didn't generate even one speck of dust. There is a technique, and it definitely requires a lot of finesse. You need to use a soft grout sponge and squeeze out as much water as possible. I use a cosmetic-grade beauty salon style mister to lightly spritz the surface and then work the sponge gently in a widening circular motion. The finished result was fantastic, but it is time consuming and will never be feasible for production work. It is appropriate in a domestic situation where the occupants do not want any dust in the environment.
This guy was a joke! You can tell he was against it and he showed no real effort. I dry sand by preference, but have wet sanded and it worked well when done correctly.
tons of still standing historic buildings in lath and plaster with perfectly smooth walls and ceilings were finished by wet sanding, in restorations we use the same technique.
Dude. I was trained by a guy who was the " I've been wet sanding for 20 years" professional you're talking about.... he didn't use that sponge, and to this day, I always wet sand, and do not use, that sponge. A regular sponge, like the one you first had is fine. Even better... for a patch... 3M makes a wet sanding sponge that is abrasive on one side like a sand paper, ans a smooth sponge on the other .... that you can keep cleaning and keep using for wet sanding all patch work. Which is what I do. It really is the technique that matters the most. Watching you half heartedly attempt wet sanding with that garbage sponge that I agree is a huge scam...for homeowners and rookies... but you weren't really trying to get good results. The sanding on top is nice and all.... but for patching, a 3M wet sanding sponge from Sherwin Williams is better... cheaper... and if you know what you're doing, faster than a machine connected to a vac. I haven't even considered the need to make a video to prove that... but perhaps now it's time. I have done gigantic patches without anything more than a 3M wet sanding sponge and continue getting word of mouth referrals in my area based on the finished results. I appreciate the video but yeah, wet sanding isn't for everyone.... but when you get it right. .. it's my preffered method for going dustless. I have a video on my channel of me doing a same day patch and paint... if you find it, that was all done with a bucket of water, and a couple different grit 3M wet sanding sponges. It looked better than the original finished wall. It's all about taking the time to learn how to do it well. As one person already mentioned, it really should be done while it's drying, not completely dried .. you can do this with any level of easysand... 5, 20, 30, 45 or 90 minute... depends on how good you are applying it etc. Wet sanding for patch repairs, is the only way I do them.... in Bergen County, NJ.
absolutely agree with you. This is a ridiculous attempt to debunk a method that actually produces superior results if you take the time to learn how to do it properly. Wet sanding requires a level of finesse and process. If you do your work right and consistent from the start wet sanding works perfectly.
100% correct. You can go over all purpose ( Black lid)after it dries though. Pro told me once and he was right... Good drywallers don't have to sand. I don't have to sand unless it's a big ugly area or I'm in a hurry to get in and out of an empty unit. Final coat of mud, which I call the 'scratch coat', almost finishes the patch perfectly. Muds thinned down enough to spread then scrape off. It Fills all the imperfections mainly and dries within 10 minutes then I wet sand to perfection.
What is the clown talking about. It would take a popcorn texture to hide the imperfections of wet sanding? I'm not a Pro drywaller. I do consider myself a decent jack of all trades though. I don't have the time to let each in individual layer probably dry and between steps. I use 20-minute mud and wet sand 100% of time. Sometimes even a little help from my heat gun to speed it up more so I can even prime and paint. Then out the door in a couple hours. I think my clients would go ape s*** if I had to return 2-3 times masking the area and making a mess of dry sanding. Besides I wouldn't make any money. Nor any clients left if I charged per trip. I haven't a heard any complaints yet when I do quick drywall jobs. I still charge $225+ for small holes that electricians, plumbers, HVAC guy's make to access area's. Dry sanding only when time to complete the job is not a factor.
Yup I had a job; doing commercial work in apartment units with people living in them, 7-17 holes per unit. Patches needing to be made directly over peoples desks; sanding sponge was the only way I could minimize dust in a fast efficient and clean way.
I been finishing drywall professionally for 35 years. On walls we used to want extra smooth. We would use a smooth wet sponge on it & not rinse it out very often. This was done after regular sanding and will spread a thin coat of mud around all over the board once it dries. Its quicker to skim coat everything now with the big level 5 blades.
Agreed. It can be used for instances like u mentioned and u do not rinse as u mentioned also. It takes getting used to and knowing when to do it. But for the best results a full skin coat is always preferred and produces a much smoother finish to any job. In a nutshell? I agree 100% with everything u said. I’ll add this… with todays new sanders? There is zero reason to wet sand.
This reminds of “How to prepare kale: Throw out the kale, make nachos, enjoy your evening eating delicious nachos.” Throw out that sponge, use your festool, enjoy your evening admiring a job well done.
Haha, I bet that is nice! I'm currently finishing my basement. I suck at drywall. A festool would be nice but it's not in the budget! Is there a good sander for this I could buy in the 100-200 range?
@@nathangilbert1344 not that connects to a vacuum I don't think. Speculating but I would bet money that you get what you pay for. The festool Mirka and Dewalt sanding systems are huge bucks but that's because the vacuums are amazing and the Sanders are amazing and don't eat the drywall. Drywall is a tricky thing to sand with a powered tool. I would think just do it like everyone else and sand with a flashlight a sanding sponge and a sanding pole.
@@Matt-my7pz Hey Matt, thanks for the response. I figured the orbital sanders and what not would be too much. Those systems are just too much for someone who won't do drywall again for potentially and hopefully years.
Wet sanding works fantastic for certain things. It is a completely different technique and the rag or sponge can not be very wet. Really good for feathering the edges of a patch when there is a bit of paint texture on the surrounding area. That said, wet sanding can also be like a belt sander in the wrong hands; very easy to destroy your project. I would say the big rig with a vac hose VC is using would be the best option.
That lower half after your wet sponge sanding looks like one of my bedroom walls (which is why I’m now skim-coating everything and started following your page and I’ve learned so much!).
I think the term "wet sanding" is the issue. I am knocking on 70 years old and in the commercial drywall business almost all my life. You younger guys have the benefit of power vacuum sanders but in the "olden times" you had a pole sander or a hand sander and no matter which you used they made a hell of a dusty mess. I worked my way through college in the late 70s patching drywall, repairing water damage, and finishing drywall hung by homeowners or carpenters. Most of the time I was either in someones living space or office space and dust was the enemy. I could and still can wipe down the edges and blend in the field of a patch, butt joint, or factory joint easily. I still do it a lot after I wet and remove the popcorn ceiling texture then re-skim the joints. But, I am not sanding.....I am blending. Interestingly, I sprayed a lot of popcorn in existing homes in those days because and made pretty good money for a college kid. Now I am retired and make pretty good spending money taking it back off and getting them ready for paint again..... drywaller retirement plan !!
It takes practice. It takes a VERY light touch. You are using too much much water. Don’t use the white side unless the surface is rough. Your final mud coats are already smooth. I was taught by a pro who knew how to use the sponge.
The wet sanding technique is used when you are doing patch work with multiple coats of hot mud and you need to knock down the edge that you could not feather properly, into existing texture. You still need to sand it as usual. I have never seen a professional sand there whole job with a sponge.
It's "their" and you've never seen it probably because you've never seen a commercial job where making dust was an exclusion in your contract. I can make a wet-sand job look better than a dry-sand job, it just takes more time and a higher skilled laborer to wet sand it. In my own home, I wouldn't have anything less than wet-sanded drywall.
The few times I've done this, it was before I knew how to feather the mud before it dried, I'd take a wet songe and feather out the edges then. Also, I've never heard of using a "drywall sanding sponge". I used the grout one you held up. Lastly, trying to wet sand an already dry wall sounded like a really bad idea and was, and I feel like no matter if it was hidden or not, there was no way you were gonna leave it like that!
I have used a wet T-shirt to get a wall super smooth. For someone who doesn't really have good skills at putting the compound on, it worked well. If you are good enough with a trowel, or in a hurry, it would be inefficient, but it worked well for me because I could do a touchup here and there between other tasks. Totally tears up the shirt material in no time.
Wet sanding isn’t ideal for large jobs but is perfect for small home jobs with furnished rooms with electronics. Never had mine turn out to be noticeable.
I love wet sanding but my sponge is not wet, just damp - and it doesn't have a rough side. I don't dunk it into the water after the initial wetting and wringing out. In my homes, I do dry sand, but I wet sand too - especially the final coat. This produces a clean smooth finish that fills in any tiny holes and smooths out the transition from new sheetrock/joint compound into the painted plaster walls. I have been wet sanding since a friend who was a pro, finished my husband's first office in our home. We were as poor as church mice, but he taught us well. Priceless! Glad I found your videos!
Just wanna thank you for years of confidence building DIY videos. I’ve watched hours and hours of content and always enjoy it and come out knowing more than before. The only place I ever use a sponge is on wall patches that the walls are already painted. I just use a regular dish sponge on the VERY outside edge like 1/4” . I find it helps make sure I get rid of the tiny ridge left from sanding due to the texture from a paint roller that sanding can’t get to.
I've seen a pro use a damp sponge once. It was a regular sponge and he used it to feather the edges on each of his coats. (I think he only did two coats). It didn't look to bad after paint but, it was in a poorly lit hallway and it was work, so I didn't pay that close of attention.
Wow - my results were just the opposite of your results?!?! I have had good success using drywall wet sanding sponges. I love the results and the reduction of dust. I get mine from Home Depot. What rating is your sponge there?…17-grit ?!?! 😱
Me too!! I wouldn't dare sand in an occupied unit. I spread the mud thin enough on my final coat and wet sand for a perfect finish. He isn't doing it right but it's all good.
I’m not sure, but I wonder if that “Canadian Sponge” may be a bit different (rougher) from what we get in Wisconsin. Also, I really soak my sponge first, then spend a big effort to squeeze nearly all the water possible out of it before use (“slightly moist” as opposed to any level of “wet”). I use a very light touch pressure to my wall surface; but In the video it doesn’t look any different in pressure than I use. Maybe I’m just a lucky-newb. . . Or too dumb to realize it’s doing a lousy job for me?!?!
I've been finishing for 21 years...never had any luck with wet sanding either...I've heard people say their finishing was so good they didn't have to sand...can't imagine what it looked like
I was that good when I worked with mud full time. Those days are over! We're remodeling our 40 year old house. One last room to bring up to level 5 and I'm done. I'm too old for this sh*t anymore.
Wet sanding works actually quite well with fast set, you should give it a try! But use an ordinary sanding sponge instead. It'll bring up a bit of cream on the surface you can wipe off with your knife, and you can even use it to fill minor imperfections. Oh, and you won't have to worry about getting white lung👍🏻
Wet sanding isn't for big areas. It's for patches in occupied units. Also microfiber works very well and grout sponge. And yes, I've been doing it 20+ years and you can't find my patches. If you want to know how to do it just look it up on the internet. Real pros use wet sanding on patches for a no mess smooth coat. Real pros don't use heat guns either lmao....If your good you don't have to sand much at all. I think Vancouver Carpenter is in Canada right? Well the Mud must suck up there. But I'll say this, You can do it his way and it'll all work out. This man knows his methods very well. I've learned a lot. Don't make me make a video to show you lol.
You gotta use it in between coats before the mud is completely dry. And just use a regular yellow sponge. It's the best way to blend edges into existing texture.
Nope. Believe it or not, I can actually live with a lot. The other side is the gym and I wanted it perfect. This side has no illuminating skylights and will be covered.
This job is 100% full plaster coverage . I just did 15 new sheets all corners and joints . I only sanded high lines , everything else was sponge. Almost completely dustless and perfect. Oh and I'm twice your age , been taping from 23-61 years old so far. I'll challenge you any day at it
Wet sanding works pretty well on setting-type compounds and hot muds. I think it's actually on the instructions of the bag if I'm not mistaken. I've never tried it for air drying muds and I probably never will! Dry sanding is still superior, but wet sanding is great for smaller repairs and for feathering edges and lift offs on hot muds. It even helps to smooth out some of those nasty air bubbles. You can still mess it up if you play with it too much and it turns to clay on the wall and peels off. I'm just a humble sparky though and all of my drywall repair techniques I've learned from you, Ben! You even got me started on my skating renaissance in my 30s!
Wet sanding works well when you are patching a wall. For instance I put my curtain rod holes in the wrong place. Fill the holes. Wait to dry. Wipe it with any old sponge and you can prime and paint. Anything else, it doesn't work. You will get marks all over it. Doesn't work with hot mud either.
I tried it once and I found the same as you…it just absolutely gouged my finish. Where the mud got wet it really dug in and took a lot off. Where it was dry it did hardly anything. Sanding screens seem to work well for a first pass or so and then after that just normal sandpaper.
So, at least as I was taught, was to wet sand before the mud finishes setting up. Works great for removing edges and lift offs as well as feathering, the downside is your limited on time. If wait too long then you in the position where you are now, too early and you’ll remove to much and have to recoat. Should be called damp sponging before mud sets but it doesn’t sound the sound the same I’ve seen it done mostly where Mudding walls in hospitals or other areas where you can’t have any dust what so ever. Love the videos though! :)
Tell us how you really feel Ben :[huge grin] Also, your daughter definitely gets her sense of humor from you. That choking and gasping gag was fantastic.
sponges work well for feathering edges on textured walls. it also works great when you need to get a lot of hot mud off the wall if there are errors. but for a fine finish, dry sanding is better.
I work in film, and we have some very talented and experienced plasterers. I have witnessed the wet method done right, and it leaves a beautiful finish. The best part is ... no dust. It's a method that is incredibly useful, especially in this field. I don't think he used the sponge you've got. Of course I wouldn't expect you to master it on your 1st try.
@@Adelicows Executive is absolutely right. This guy in the video is clueless. I've used this method for over 30 years (when it's called for). You don't learn how to do ANYTHING right on your first try.
I have been using the sponges to blend a freshly completed patch into an existing textured wall or ceiling and have had no issues. My Pops had taught me to tape and float to have little to no sanding needed.
Ok you missed the point. I just got in from doing this today, again. Had to channel wall for electrical change and often do for plumbing. Cut out finished dry wall, along studs but inside the screw line. Make changes, back block open seam line, apply painters caulk to all edges, re-install finished wall board. Screw like You have shown before. Apply All-Purpose Joint compound to cover seams and screws. Wait 30mins to an hour, next day best. Then use Barely Damp mason sponge to remove JC from painted surface. Now take same sponge Without rinsing! Dab JC along seams and over screw holes to match texture. I do want to thank all of you have used Hot Mud in the Seattle area, fixing your Inevitible cracks pays my bills. Hot mud does Not withstand over years of seasonal expansion/humidity variance, structural settling.
Often enough I use a damp towel for some of my "wet sanding." Between coats, etc. I don't use it for finish sanding, but then again, I don't use a course grit sandpaper for my finish sanding, either. I consider it just one more tool to have in my arsenal. It has its place.
Love all ur videos mate.im A drywall finisher. In the U.K.and Ireland you can get special drywall sponge made by Refina.its a very fine sponge.it does work , however you have to get the timing right. Just before the drywall sets .too soon and you will ruin the drywall.personally the best is traditional sanding!
Wet sanding is suppose to be done right after the mud kicks off. Ironically it is not really for sanding per say. It is to fill in the voids by making a sluce coat. You still need to sand though most of your big problems are taken care of before you get to that stage.
@@vancouvercarpenter I definitely found my results were dependent on getting the right amount of moisture in the sponge and limiting my moistening to the actual high spots
2 guys in 2 days patched an area of a ceiling that burglar's broke threw to enter. They didn't dry sand anything and they did it while the employees were working. They were nice couldn't see anything and the ceiling was well lit. Wet sanding works you just don't have the technique down.
That's so funny your daughter said "Merman"! While this Mermaid is sitting here watching your videos! Lol! I love it when she's the camera girl! Great personality!
Normally, we do wet-sanding (not drywall, but in general), when there are no imperfections to remove, but we want glossy finish. I have no idea how that would apply to a drywall which is not painted yet…
I have one from Wall Board Tools but I don't use it soaking wet. 🌧 I spray mine with a water bottle. I only rinse the sponge in a bucket to remove buildup and blot the sponge to remove most of the water. I only use this on small areas or patches. I would never attempt to use the sponge on a large area. I wear a mask and using a dusty sanding pole on most of my work. 😷 Would love to have that Festool.
I work maintenance in a mental institution so I do about 3 repairs a day and learned to use a wet rag instead of sandpaper because I don't want to hear from cleanup about dust. I get great results,much better than a sponge. Now would I use it on a side job? Nope, sandpaper will always come out better
It left scratches because you applied mud like a pro. Now if you were a shitty drywaller like myself and you just slapped on mud and scraped it down with a bent, rusted, 10 year old scraper then that wet sponge would moisten the top enough to look smooth after I half-ass slap some contractor grade paint on it. Landlord specials mate.
1st time at DIY drywall repair and was about to run out to buy a drywall sponge. So glad I watched your video 1st. Thank you for saving me from messing up my already not perfect wall!
It's a lot easier to use an old sponge that's loaded up with dust, so it doesn't take so much away and so it gives you more control over the amount of water. A spray bottle for getting the wall wet gave me better luck than the bucket. It's also better for those earlier coats if you're just trying to keep things from getting dusty. I'm not saying it's going to turn out the same as with a skilled pole sander, but that's how it worked out for me when I used it.
I think you took it wrong. This technique has different application than doing large surfaces. You can use wet sponge to smear small very uneven areas with some ridges to make them relatively flat. That prevents dusting and safe effort of sanding. Once the area is smoothed with sponge you can bring it to perfection with fine sand paper, just small touch.
A crew redid my mom's windows but when they did they tore alot of sheetrock around the edges of the moldings. How can I redo it without taking off all the paint they put over it.
I tried it once as well, I felt it basically smears your mud and removes a lot of your thin top coat. It’s like hitting the rewind button on your final coat. I have wondered since though.. “did I not do it right?” Thanks for shutting that voice up and keeping me from trying it again!
I'm sure I didn't do it "right". I might mess around and see if I can figure out the technique. One thing we can say for sure is it is not a beginner friendly method.
Wet sanding is not good for large areas I recommend a plasterers blister brush this a brush with felt pads this what plasterers used behind the trowel when applying finish coat . I moisten brush only not dripping wet and go over the compound. Again can’t be too wet this obviously works great with hot mud.Yes eliminates most of not all sanding only as good as the person doing it, Maybe look them up.
I have found, personally, that when doing patchwork on heavy textures like thicker crows foot, popcorn ceilings etc.. it has helped to let the mud get mostly set up and wet sand the edges inside of the texture rather than letting it dry and using a sanding sponge to try and get into the nooks and cranny's. other than that, nope.
That's what it's for. I don't think anyone "sands" a whole wall with a sponge. It's for patching and really helps with patching textures. He doesn't work with textures at all, so he has no experience with using a sponge.
question (sorry for my ignorance) but should you wear a mask when saying drywall. I had a small hole in my drywall that I covered up with spackle (put too much on) so when I went to sand, there was a decent amount of dust. I did not wear a mask so I am worried if I should have.
By the way, the Canadian walls are terrible compared to what they have in Greece. I worked for two years with Greek painter while waiting for my immigration to Canada. They do not use drywall over there. Just stucco an then mud put on the wall with mud knives. Once it is dry you sand the whole wall. Than another layer of mud followed by sanding. and than again and again, sometimes for times. Then they paint the wall, which is than sanded and small patch repairs are done followed by sanding. Then another coat of paint and same procedure of sanding and patching smallest imperfection, and sanding. finally two coats of paint. The result is almost shiny wall. You look at the wall at angle and is like mirror.
I extremely wish wet sanding was more efficient, even if it means some serious elbow grease. It takes the dust out of the equation and that is sometimes a big deal.
You have to use a wet sponge before the mud cures. Use it before and after. You'll still need to do a finish dry sanding if you want perfect results, but the dampness makes for the smoothest and best cohesive bond.
My issue with wet sanding has more to do with my technique of skim coating. I use a knife, not a trowel and tend to apply a very thin coat of mud which dissolves at the edges when it gets hit by the wet sponge. It really isn't practical for me to use that method.
I always take a piece of sandpaper to a new sanding block or paper to get the super sharp tips off for this exact reason. I also like using used floor sanding or concrete sanding paper
Absolutely agree with you Ben! Those things do more damage than even aggressive sand paper. The only time that thing comes in handy is when I've done a repair on a textured wall or ceiling and I use it to feather in the new to the old.
It works best if you chase your wet sponged work with a knife and no, if you use good feathering technique you won't just move your ridges from one place to another.
If you've gotta remove the usual amount of mud when dry sanding it won't work well if at all. It does work for bare bones removal. You've gotta be very skilled if you intend to do a whole room with a damp sponge. Can't pile the mud on gotta be a perfectionist.
I started using the wet sander with that regular sponge. I didn't know that there was an actual wet sanding sponge . I've always been a sandpaper guy and then I even pushed back with the sponge sandpaper units. And then I tried the wet sponge because it says on the bucket use a sponge so I tried it. I was just like you in the beginning it was difficult in a pain in the ass, once I got the hang of it it has its place when you don't want to have any dust I will admit the other sanding method is better but it does take a little finesse and that sanding sponge that they say is for sanding is shit I just use the regular sponge that you pulled out first and it works great. I found that with that sanding sponge you had to go over with the opposite side and flatten out the ridges. Remember you weren't a superstar sander the first day you tried it were you? Yes I've been watching all your videos so I know how to mud and drywall and all that shit thanks for what you do
I’ve never seen anyone use that type of “drywall sanding sponge” when doing this. It’s always been the standard “grout” sponge. You were worried about people complaining about the grout sponge but that’s actually the sponge everyone’s talking about..
I realize this site is probably full of people that think spraying texture on drywall is akin to worshiping the devil, but where I'm from it's the norm. When making repairs or tying back into existing textured drywall a wet sponge is used to feather the drywall mud into the texture. It makes blending the texture of the new drywall into the old very easy.
I used a Sanding screen on a pole for a kitchen ceiling that I was repairing, after water damage from the bathroom above. Because it was a small patch, I didn't want to fuss with plastic sheets for protection. I sprayed a little water up on the patch and hit it with the screen sander - it wasn't great, but it got the job done with no dust.
I tried this after doing mud directly on drywall. Same horrible results. I'm going to try it where I had to fill in areas after painting and wish me luck!
I use it to keep dust down, it works great for me using a regular kitchen type sponge, the mud should be nearly dry and the sponge nearly wet, not dripping wet, but more than damp. You move over the area lightly at first, you see the very top layer of mud getting softer, at that point go in circles using a light touch. It may not be for a finish coat but it works great in a garage and/or shop type area. If you've done a good job mudding (flat, no bumps or ridges) it'll work for a finish coat.
Ben that's great! Just call it custom work and put something in front of it like you said you were going to do. Also get rid of those sanding sponges so one of the kids doesn't wash the car with them. Cheers...
I use it in small areas only on a wall where I'm going to spray texture on. Works great once you get the hang of it. Beats dry sanding any day and I use that same sponge. No dust to clean up.
A dude at home depot (contractor) told me to wet sand when I told him I was sick of sanding and all the dust etc being at the finishing stages. I’m like, ok but how? Thank you for demonstrating exactly what I figured would happen. 😂
its to be used when doing a patch on a painted wall, since the paint will resist the water it allows you to basically melt the compound around the edges
I have only wet sanded/cleaned small screw holes or removed excess around areas. It is not a great technique for smoothing large areas! I also just use a smooth sponge.
After watching many of your videos, I had a good idea of how to patch full sheets and small bits. I did not do a good job on some areas, but was able to go back and make them look presentable. Wet sanding small areas, around, light switches/corners/ cabinets, was appropriate for me. New floors/cabinets were in, so taped off the floor, and wet sanded. After the wet sanding, dabbed the area with a wet cloth to remove any lines and add a light texture. Then spayed texture and painted. Not a pro job, but something to reduce the amount of residual dust in the house.
Every time I have tried it I just throw the sponge across the room!!! What a joke. Not sure why they sell them or why the bucket mud says its actually a method of sanding. Keep up the good work on the videos!
I only need to patch some holes in a wall with the old lath and horsehair plater mix and thought that wet sanding would save me on dust in the room but I did not know about those pole sanders with the dust bag. Now I have another excuse for a new tool.
I did wet sand once in a job where they had computer servers and they couldn't have any dust at all. So it was a commercial setting where smoothness was less important than complete dust control. I did NOT use the rough side of that sponge as you did. I soaked it, used a putty knife to wipe down ridges similar to how plaster work. Afterwards I sponged in a circular pattern just to smooth it out. It "worked" well enough for the application and it was way smoother than what you did. I don't recommend wet sanding but you were definitely doing it the wrong way.
As a painting contractor of 20 years I DO USE sponges for drywall sanding. Not for the final finish but it works well for hot mud between coats. I like to sponge quick set/hot muds once they just have started to harden, you can feather out the edges, take down the highs, and get it ready for air dry mud which I dry sand.
That’s the only reason I wet sand. You are spot on for the hot mud “sanding”
works great to erase hot mud. i erased a TON of hot mud from a bad taping job someone did... worked much faster than drysanding it, would have been there hours, sponge did the job in 20-30 minutes
What’s hot mud
I like using sponges, keeps the dust down.
Damp, not wet.
The side of your mud bucket says specifically that you can wet sand.
Wet sanding works but this video does not show how to do it properly. I patched drywall in my bedroom while sleeping in it and used wet sanding methods so I wouldn't introduce drywall dust into my sleeping space. My patches were glassy smooth and didn't generate even one speck of dust. There is a technique, and it definitely requires a lot of finesse. You need to use a soft grout sponge and squeeze out as much water as possible. I use a cosmetic-grade beauty salon style mister to lightly spritz the surface and then work the sponge gently in a widening circular motion. The finished result was fantastic, but it is time consuming and will never be feasible for production work. It is appropriate in a domestic situation where the occupants do not want any dust in the environment.
this is exactly right. very light touch. big flat sponge. very very little water.. you are smoothing it out vs sanding it off. time consuming for sure
This guy was a joke! You can tell he was against it and he showed no real effort. I dry sand by preference, but have wet sanded and it worked well when done correctly.
tons of still standing historic buildings in lath and plaster with perfectly smooth walls and ceilings were finished by wet sanding, in restorations we use the same technique.
Dude. I was trained by a guy who was the " I've been wet sanding for 20 years" professional you're talking about.... he didn't use that sponge, and to this day, I always wet sand, and do not use, that sponge. A regular sponge, like the one you first had is fine. Even better... for a patch... 3M makes a wet sanding sponge that is abrasive on one side like a sand paper, ans a smooth sponge on the other .... that you can keep cleaning and keep using for wet sanding all patch work. Which is what I do. It really is the technique that matters the most. Watching you half heartedly attempt wet sanding with that garbage sponge that I agree is a huge scam...for homeowners and rookies... but you weren't really trying to get good results. The sanding on top is nice and all.... but for patching, a 3M wet sanding sponge from Sherwin Williams is better... cheaper... and if you know what you're doing, faster than a machine connected to a vac. I haven't even considered the need to make a video to prove that... but perhaps now it's time. I have done gigantic patches without anything more than a 3M wet sanding sponge and continue getting word of mouth referrals in my area based on the finished results. I appreciate the video but yeah, wet sanding isn't for everyone.... but when you get it right. .. it's my preffered method for going dustless. I have a video on my channel of me doing a same day patch and paint... if you find it, that was all done with a bucket of water, and a couple different grit 3M wet sanding sponges. It looked better than the original finished wall. It's all about taking the time to learn how to do it well. As one person already mentioned, it really should be done while it's drying, not completely dried .. you can do this with any level of easysand... 5, 20, 30, 45 or 90 minute... depends on how good you are applying it etc. Wet sanding for patch repairs, is the only way I do them.... in Bergen County, NJ.
absolutely agree with you. This is a ridiculous attempt to debunk a method that actually produces superior results if you take the time to learn how to do it properly. Wet sanding requires a level of finesse and process. If you do your work right and consistent from the start wet sanding works perfectly.
100% correct. You can go over all purpose ( Black lid)after it dries though. Pro told me once and he was right... Good drywallers don't have to sand. I don't have to sand unless it's a big ugly area or I'm in a hurry to get in and out of an empty unit. Final coat of mud, which I call the 'scratch coat', almost finishes the patch perfectly. Muds thinned down enough to spread then scrape off. It Fills all the imperfections mainly and dries within 10 minutes then I wet sand to perfection.
What is the clown talking about. It would take a popcorn texture to hide the imperfections of wet sanding?
I'm not a Pro drywaller. I do consider myself a decent jack of all trades though. I don't have the time to let each in individual layer probably dry and between steps. I use 20-minute mud and wet sand 100% of time. Sometimes even a little help from my heat gun to speed it up more so I can even prime and paint. Then out the door in a couple hours. I think my clients would go ape s*** if I had to return 2-3 times masking the area and making a mess of dry sanding. Besides I wouldn't make any money. Nor any clients left if I charged per trip. I haven't a heard any complaints yet when I do quick drywall jobs. I still charge $225+ for small holes that electricians, plumbers, HVAC guy's make to access area's. Dry sanding only when time to complete the job is not a factor.
Yup I only wet sand and only with a regular sponge.
Yup I had a job; doing commercial work in apartment units with people living in them, 7-17 holes per unit. Patches needing to be made directly over peoples desks; sanding sponge was the only way I could minimize dust in a fast efficient and clean way.
I been finishing drywall professionally for 35 years. On walls we used to want extra smooth. We would use a smooth wet sponge on it & not rinse it out very often. This was done after regular sanding and will spread a thin coat of mud around all over the board once it dries. Its quicker to skim coat everything now with the big level 5 blades.
Agreed. It can be used for instances like u mentioned and u do not rinse as u mentioned also. It takes getting used to and knowing when to do it. But for the best results a full skin coat is always preferred and produces a much smoother finish to any job.
In a nutshell? I agree 100% with everything u said.
I’ll add this… with todays new sanders? There is zero reason to wet sand.
This reminds of “How to prepare kale: Throw out the kale, make nachos, enjoy your evening eating delicious nachos.” Throw out that sponge, use your festool, enjoy your evening admiring a job well done.
Hahaha
Hahaha
Haha, I bet that is nice! I'm currently finishing my basement. I suck at drywall. A festool would be nice but it's not in the budget! Is there a good sander for this I could buy in the 100-200 range?
@@nathangilbert1344 not that connects to a vacuum I don't think. Speculating but I would bet money that you get what you pay for. The festool Mirka and Dewalt sanding systems are huge bucks but that's because the vacuums are amazing and the Sanders are amazing and don't eat the drywall. Drywall is a tricky thing to sand with a powered tool. I would think just do it like everyone else and sand with a flashlight a sanding sponge and a sanding pole.
@@Matt-my7pz Hey Matt, thanks for the response. I figured the orbital sanders and what not would be too much. Those systems are just too much for someone who won't do drywall again for potentially and hopefully years.
Wet sanding works fantastic for certain things. It is a completely different technique and the rag or sponge can not be very wet. Really good for feathering the edges of a patch when there is a bit of paint texture on the surrounding area. That said, wet sanding can also be like a belt sander in the wrong hands; very easy to destroy your project. I would say the big rig with a vac hose VC is using would be the best option.
That lower half after your wet sponge sanding looks like one of my bedroom walls (which is why I’m now skim-coating everything and started following your page and I’ve learned so much!).
I think the term "wet sanding" is the issue. I am knocking on 70 years old and in the commercial drywall business almost all my life. You younger guys have the benefit of power vacuum sanders but in the "olden times" you had a pole sander or a hand sander and no matter which you used they made a hell of a dusty mess. I worked my way through college in the late 70s patching drywall, repairing water damage, and finishing drywall hung by homeowners or carpenters. Most of the time I was either in someones living space or office space and dust was the enemy. I could and still can wipe down the edges and blend in the field of a patch, butt joint, or factory joint easily. I still do it a lot after I wet and remove the popcorn ceiling texture then re-skim the joints. But, I am not sanding.....I am blending. Interestingly, I sprayed a lot of popcorn in existing homes in those days because and made pretty good money for a college kid. Now I am retired and make pretty good spending money taking it back off and getting them ready for paint again..... drywaller retirement plan !!
It takes practice. It takes a VERY light touch. You are using too much much water. Don’t use the white side unless the surface is rough. Your final mud coats are already smooth. I was taught by a pro who knew how to use the sponge.
The wet sanding technique is used when you are doing patch work with multiple coats of hot mud and you need to knock down the edge that you could not feather properly, into existing texture. You still need to sand it as usual. I have never seen a professional sand there whole job with a sponge.
It's "their" and you've never seen it probably because you've never seen a commercial job where making dust was an exclusion in your contract. I can make a wet-sand job look better than a dry-sand job, it just takes more time and a higher skilled laborer to wet sand it. In my own home, I wouldn't have anything less than wet-sanded drywall.
The few times I've done this, it was before I knew how to feather the mud before it dried, I'd take a wet songe and feather out the edges then. Also, I've never heard of using a "drywall sanding sponge". I used the grout one you held up. Lastly, trying to wet sand an already dry wall sounded like a really bad idea and was, and I feel like no matter if it was hidden or not, there was no way you were gonna leave it like that!
Oh I left it like that😂
@@vancouvercarpenter hahaha
100 years from now someone is going to pull those cabinets and say "what monster wrecked this wall with wet sanding?"
I have used a wet T-shirt to get a wall super smooth. For someone who doesn't really have good skills at putting the compound on, it worked well. If you are good enough with a trowel, or in a hurry, it would be inefficient, but it worked well for me because I could do a touchup here and there between other tasks. Totally tears up the shirt material in no time.
I found the same thing to be true. A damp rag worked well for me.
Wet sanding isn’t ideal for large jobs but is perfect for small home jobs with furnished rooms with electronics. Never had mine turn out to be noticeable.
lols... first time i’ve seen a western canadian get grumpy, like ever 😂
I love wet sanding but my sponge is not wet, just damp - and it doesn't have a rough side. I don't dunk it into the water after the initial wetting and wringing out. In my homes, I do dry sand, but I wet sand too - especially the final coat. This produces a clean smooth finish that fills in any tiny holes and smooths out the transition from new sheetrock/joint compound into the painted plaster walls. I have been wet sanding since a friend who was a pro, finished my husband's first office in our home. We were as poor as church mice, but he taught us well. Priceless! Glad I found your videos!
Just wanna thank you for years of confidence building DIY videos. I’ve watched hours and hours of content and always enjoy it and come out knowing more than before. The only place I ever use a sponge is on wall patches that the walls are already painted. I just use a regular dish sponge on the VERY outside edge like 1/4” . I find it helps make sure I get rid of the tiny ridge left from sanding due to the texture from a paint roller that sanding can’t get to.
I've seen a pro use a damp sponge once. It was a regular sponge and he used it to feather the edges on each of his coats. (I think he only did two coats). It didn't look to bad after paint but, it was in a poorly lit hallway and it was work, so I didn't pay that close of attention.
Wow - my results were just the opposite of your results?!?! I have had good success using drywall wet sanding sponges. I love the results and the reduction of dust. I get mine from Home Depot. What rating is your sponge there?…17-grit ?!?! 😱
Me too!! I wouldn't dare sand in an occupied unit. I spread the mud thin enough on my final coat and wet sand for a perfect finish. He isn't doing it right but it's all good.
I’m not sure, but I wonder if that “Canadian Sponge” may be a bit different (rougher) from what we get in Wisconsin. Also, I really soak my sponge first, then spend a big effort to squeeze nearly all the water possible out of it before use (“slightly moist” as opposed to any level of “wet”). I use a very light touch pressure to my wall surface; but In the video it doesn’t look any different in pressure than I use.
Maybe I’m just a lucky-newb. . . Or too dumb to realize it’s doing a lousy job for me?!?!
I've been finishing for 21 years...never had any luck with wet sanding either...I've heard people say their finishing was so good they didn't have to sand...can't imagine what it looked like
I was that good when I worked with mud full time. Those days are over! We're remodeling our 40 year old house. One last room to bring up to level 5 and I'm done. I'm too old for this sh*t anymore.
Wet sanding works actually quite well with fast set, you should give it a try! But use an ordinary sanding sponge instead. It'll bring up a bit of cream on the surface you can wipe off with your knife, and you can even use it to fill minor imperfections.
Oh, and you won't have to worry about getting white lung👍🏻
Wet sanding isn't for big areas. It's for patches in occupied units. Also microfiber works very well and grout sponge. And yes, I've been doing it 20+ years and you can't find my patches. If you want to know how to do it just look it up on the internet. Real pros use wet sanding on patches for a no mess smooth coat. Real pros don't use heat guns either lmao....If your good you don't have to sand much at all. I think Vancouver Carpenter is in Canada right? Well the Mud must suck up there. But I'll say this, You can do it his way and it'll all work out. This man knows his methods very well. I've learned a lot. Don't make me make a video to show you lol.
I would love to see a video on how to do it right.
You gotta use it in between coats before the mud is completely dry. And just use a regular yellow sponge. It's the best way to blend edges into existing texture.
I will bet any dollar amount you skimmed that and sanded it even though it was covered up
Nope. Believe it or not, I can actually live with a lot. The other side is the gym and I wanted it perfect. This side has no illuminating skylights and will be covered.
This job is 100% full plaster coverage . I just did 15 new sheets all corners and joints .
I only sanded high lines , everything else was sponge. Almost completely dustless and perfect. Oh and I'm twice your age , been taping from 23-61 years old so far. I'll challenge you any day at it
Maybe if you'd maintained a happy attitude throughout the wet sanding...
Wet sanding works pretty well on setting-type compounds and hot muds. I think it's actually on the instructions of the bag if I'm not mistaken. I've never tried it for air drying muds and I probably never will!
Dry sanding is still superior, but wet sanding is great for smaller repairs and for feathering edges and lift offs on hot muds. It even helps to smooth out some of those nasty air bubbles. You can still mess it up if you play with it too much and it turns to clay on the wall and peels off.
I'm just a humble sparky though and all of my drywall repair techniques I've learned from you, Ben! You even got me started on my skating renaissance in my 30s!
This comment is GOAT
Came here for this comment, right on 👍🏻👍🏻
I actually learned the wet sponge idea from a "pro". I use it on small patches when I don't want to create a mess.
Surprised you didn’t say you prefer sanding with a hawk and trowel instead
I work in occupied homes and use a tile sponge almost daily. It works great for the smaller repairs.
Wet sanding works well when you are patching a wall. For instance I put my curtain rod holes in the wrong place. Fill the holes. Wait to dry. Wipe it with any old sponge and you can prime and paint. Anything else, it doesn't work. You will get marks all over it. Doesn't work with hot mud either.
This is making me angry! I’m super unhappy about this. 😂
I’m glad it made you happy🙂
I tried it once and I found the same as you…it just absolutely gouged my finish. Where the mud got wet it really dug in and took a lot off. Where it was dry it did hardly anything.
Sanding screens seem to work well for a first pass or so and then after that just normal sandpaper.
"I tried it once." That's the level of expert advice everyone needs to listen to 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@wulf67 thanks for the valuable feedback. Return to your bridge or cave.
wet sanding has worked for me. but I only ever do it on a really small patch. and I used a clean microfibre rag
So, at least as I was taught, was to wet sand before the mud finishes setting up. Works great for removing edges and lift offs as well as feathering, the downside is your limited on time. If wait too long then you in the position where you are now, too early and you’ll remove to much and have to recoat.
Should be called damp sponging before mud sets but it doesn’t sound the sound the same
I’ve seen it done mostly where Mudding walls in hospitals or other areas where you can’t have any dust what so ever.
Love the videos though! :)
Also, why sand at all when you can plaster a wall instead…Venetian plaster 4 ever ;)
I wish I knew how to plaster.
VC a video of you learning to plaster would be awesome. I bet you'd be really good at it in very little time
@@vancouvercarpenter do a video
Vancouver Plasterer. That's a different channel.
This gave me anxiety watching this😂😂😂😂
Tell us how you really feel Ben :[huge grin]
Also, your daughter definitely gets her sense of humor from you.
That choking and gasping gag was fantastic.
sponges work well for feathering edges on textured walls. it also works great when you need to get a lot of hot mud off the wall if there are errors. but for a fine finish, dry sanding is better.
I work in film, and we have some very talented and experienced plasterers. I have witnessed the wet method done right, and it leaves a beautiful finish. The best part is ... no dust. It's a method that is incredibly useful, especially in this field. I don't think he used the sponge you've got. Of course I wouldn't expect you to master it on your 1st try.
"Of course I wouldn't expect you to master it on your 1st try." Oh brother 🙄
@@Adelicows Executive is absolutely right. This guy in the video is clueless. I've used this method for over 30 years (when it's called for). You don't learn how to do ANYTHING right on your first try.
Spritzing with water and back scraping with a trowel worked to smooth out hot mud when I was skim coating over my sand swirled plaster walls.
I have been using the sponges to blend a freshly completed patch into an existing textured wall or ceiling and have had no issues. My Pops had taught me to tape and float to have little to no sanding needed.
Ok you missed the point. I just got in from doing this today, again.
Had to channel wall for electrical change and often do for plumbing. Cut out finished dry wall, along studs but inside the screw line. Make changes, back block open seam line, apply painters caulk to all edges, re-install finished wall board. Screw like You have shown before. Apply All-Purpose Joint compound to cover seams and screws. Wait 30mins to an hour, next day best.
Then use Barely Damp mason sponge to remove JC from painted surface. Now take same sponge Without rinsing! Dab JC along seams and over screw holes to match texture.
I do want to thank all of you have used Hot Mud in the Seattle area, fixing your Inevitible cracks pays my bills.
Hot mud does Not withstand over years of seasonal expansion/humidity variance, structural settling.
Often enough I use a damp towel for some of my "wet sanding." Between coats, etc. I don't use it for finish sanding, but then again, I don't use a course grit sandpaper for my finish sanding, either. I consider it just one more tool to have in my arsenal. It has its place.
I was under the impression that it was to be used on still wet drywall that was still workable, but not dry.
I am now under the same impression.
Love all ur videos mate.im A drywall finisher. In the U.K.and Ireland you can get special drywall sponge made by Refina.its a very fine sponge.it does work , however you have to get the timing right. Just before the drywall sets .too soon and you will ruin the drywall.personally the best is traditional sanding!
Wet sanding is suppose to be done right after the mud kicks off. Ironically it is not really for sanding per say. It is to fill in the voids by making a sluce coat. You still need to sand though most of your big problems are taken care of before you get to that stage.
I moisten with a tile sponge, and scrape with a wide knife on non setting mud. Usually doing repairs on textured walls though.
I can see it working adequately for small texture repairs but it seems like it can’t really do smooth wall.
@@vancouvercarpenter I definitely found my results were dependent on getting the right amount of moisture in the sponge and limiting my moistening to the actual high spots
2 guys in 2 days patched an area of a ceiling that burglar's broke threw to enter. They didn't dry sand anything and they did it while the employees were working. They were nice couldn't see anything and the ceiling was well lit. Wet sanding works you just don't have the technique down.
That's so funny your daughter said "Merman"! While this Mermaid is sitting here watching your videos! Lol! I love it when she's the camera girl! Great personality!
Normally, we do wet-sanding (not drywall, but in general), when there are no imperfections to remove, but we want glossy finish.
I have no idea how that would apply to a drywall which is not painted yet…
I have one from Wall Board Tools but I don't use it soaking wet. 🌧
I spray mine with a water bottle. I only rinse the sponge in a bucket to remove buildup and blot the sponge to remove most of the water. I only use this on small areas or patches.
I would never attempt to use the sponge on a large area.
I wear a mask and using a dusty sanding pole on most of my work. 😷
Would love to have that Festool.
I work maintenance in a mental institution so I do about 3 repairs a day and learned to use a wet rag instead of sandpaper because I don't want to hear from cleanup about dust. I get great results,much better than a sponge. Now would I use it on a side job? Nope, sandpaper will always come out better
It left scratches because you applied mud like a pro. Now if you were a shitty drywaller like myself and you just slapped on mud and scraped it down with a bent, rusted, 10 year old scraper then that wet sponge would moisten the top enough to look smooth after I half-ass slap some contractor grade paint on it. Landlord specials mate.
1st time at DIY drywall repair and was about to run out to buy a drywall sponge. So glad I watched your video 1st. Thank you for saving me from messing up my already not perfect wall!
Don't listen to this kook. Wet sanding is absolutely what you want to do inside your home.
It's a lot easier to use an old sponge that's loaded up with dust, so it doesn't take so much away and so it gives you more control over the amount of water. A spray bottle for getting the wall wet gave me better luck than the bucket. It's also better for those earlier coats if you're just trying to keep things from getting dusty. I'm not saying it's going to turn out the same as with a skilled pole sander, but that's how it worked out for me when I used it.
I might try it again some day.
I think you took it wrong. This technique has different application than doing large surfaces. You can use wet sponge to smear small very uneven areas with some ridges to make them relatively flat. That prevents dusting and safe effort of sanding. Once the area is smoothed with sponge you can bring it to perfection with fine sand paper, just small touch.
A crew redid my mom's windows but when they did they tore alot of sheetrock around the edges of the moldings. How can I redo it without taking off all the paint they put over it.
I tried it once as well, I felt it basically smears your mud and removes a lot of your thin top coat. It’s like hitting the rewind button on your final coat.
I have wondered since though.. “did I not do it right?”
Thanks for shutting that voice up and keeping me from trying it again!
I'm sure I didn't do it "right". I might mess around and see if I can figure out the technique. One thing we can say for sure is it is not a beginner friendly method.
Wet sanding is not good for large areas I recommend a plasterers blister brush this a brush with felt pads this what plasterers used behind the trowel when applying finish coat . I moisten brush only not dripping wet and go over the compound. Again can’t be too wet this obviously works great with hot mud.Yes eliminates most of not all sanding only as good as the person doing it, Maybe look them up.
Great daughter-father bonding time. 🙂👍
I’ve wet sanded patches with a micro fiber towel. Worked good
I have found, personally, that when doing patchwork on heavy textures like thicker crows foot, popcorn ceilings etc.. it has helped to let the mud get mostly set up and wet sand the edges inside of the texture rather than letting it dry and using a sanding sponge to try and get into the nooks and cranny's. other than that, nope.
That's exactly where I see it shining.
That's what it's for. I don't think anyone "sands" a whole wall with a sponge. It's for patching and really helps with patching textures. He doesn't work with textures at all, so he has no experience with using a sponge.
"I'm so mad right now !" Angry Canadians are still so nice LOL
question (sorry for my ignorance) but should you wear a mask when saying drywall. I had a small hole in my drywall that I covered up with spackle (put too much on) so when I went to sand, there was a decent amount of dust. I did not wear a mask so I am worried if I should have.
By the way, the Canadian walls are terrible compared to what they have in Greece. I worked for two years with Greek painter while waiting for my immigration to Canada.
They do not use drywall over there. Just stucco an then mud put on the wall with mud knives. Once it is dry you sand the whole wall. Than another layer of mud followed by sanding. and than again and again, sometimes for times. Then they paint the wall, which is than sanded and small patch repairs are done followed by sanding. Then another coat of paint and same procedure of sanding and patching smallest imperfection, and sanding. finally two coats of paint.
The result is almost shiny wall. You look at the wall at angle and is like mirror.
I had good results with a wet regular sponge like the one you use for detail work, but the bigger kind.
I extremely wish wet sanding was more efficient, even if it means some serious elbow grease.
It takes the dust out of the equation and that is sometimes a big deal.
You have to use a wet sponge before the mud cures. Use it before and after. You'll still need to do a finish dry sanding if you want perfect results, but the dampness makes for the smoothest and best cohesive bond.
My issue with wet sanding has more to do with my technique of skim coating. I use a knife, not a trowel and tend to apply a very thin coat of mud which dissolves at the edges when it gets hit by the wet sponge. It really isn't practical for me to use that method.
I bought a 18" Tomahawk because of your videos and they used drywall sponges as packing material ;).
I always take a piece of sandpaper to a new sanding block or paper to get the super sharp tips off for this exact reason.
I also like using used floor sanding or concrete sanding paper
Absolutely agree with you Ben! Those things do more damage than even aggressive sand paper. The only time that thing comes in handy is when I've done a repair on a textured wall or ceiling and I use it to feather in the new to the old.
You just don't know how to use them. You don't soak them like in this video so that they dissolve the finishing compound.
The mud needs to be dry
If I need to sand a ceiling or a 12 by 12 wall I use a wet sponge but I use the sponge I would use for grouting cleaning that works perfect for me
😂😂 the nicest angry person ever. I’ll never use a wet sponge after this
It works best if you chase your wet sponged work with a knife and no, if you use good feathering technique you won't just move your ridges from one place to another.
Y’know, I haven’t had bad luck with this. Especially small commercial jobs where dust and being disruptive is an issue.
Do not forget to mention that - if it even worked as advertised - one would trade the dust problem for a wet drywall problem.
If you've gotta remove the usual amount of mud when dry sanding it won't work well if at all. It does work for bare bones removal. You've gotta be very skilled if you intend to do a whole room with a damp sponge. Can't pile the mud on gotta be a perfectionist.
Don't use a sponge. Use a microfiber rag , wet it , squeeze out the water and go to sanding. Keep cleaning your rag. No dust no black lung .
I started using the wet sander with that regular sponge. I didn't know that there was an actual wet sanding sponge . I've always been a sandpaper guy and then I even pushed back with the sponge sandpaper units. And then I tried the wet sponge because it says on the bucket use a sponge so I tried it. I was just like you in the beginning it was difficult in a pain in the ass, once I got the hang of it it has its place when you don't want to have any dust I will admit the other sanding method is better but it does take a little finesse and that sanding sponge that they say is for sanding is shit I just use the regular sponge that you pulled out first and it works great. I found that with that sanding sponge you had to go over with the opposite side and flatten out the ridges. Remember you weren't a superstar sander the first day you tried it were you? Yes I've been watching all your videos so I know how to mud and drywall and all that shit thanks for what you do
🚶🏾♀️me headed back to the store to return the wet sponge 🧽 I just bought 😒🤣🤣.🙋🏾♀️ definitely was gullible in thinking this would work 😅
I’ve never seen anyone use that type of “drywall sanding sponge” when doing this. It’s always been the standard “grout” sponge. You were worried about people complaining about the grout sponge but that’s actually the sponge everyone’s talking about..
I realize this site is probably full of people that think spraying texture on drywall is akin to worshiping the devil, but where I'm from it's the norm. When making repairs or tying back into existing textured drywall a wet sponge is used to feather the drywall mud into the texture. It makes blending the texture of the new drywall into the old very easy.
I used a Sanding screen on a pole for a kitchen ceiling that I was repairing, after water damage from the bathroom above. Because it was a small patch, I didn't want to fuss with plastic sheets for protection. I sprayed a little water up on the patch and hit it with the screen sander - it wasn't great, but it got the job done with no dust.
I tried this after doing mud directly on drywall. Same horrible results. I'm going to try it where I had to fill in areas after painting and wish me luck!
t’s for patches in a house when dust is a problem. Gently feathering the edges… although it still doesn’t compare well against dry sanding.
Nice Zoolander reference.. love your videos!!
I use it to keep dust down, it works great for me using a regular kitchen type sponge, the mud should be nearly dry and the sponge nearly wet, not dripping wet, but more than damp. You move over the area lightly at first, you see the very top layer of mud getting softer, at that point go in circles using a light touch. It may not be for a finish coat but it works great in a garage and/or shop type area. If you've done a good job mudding (flat, no bumps or ridges) it'll work for a finish coat.
Ben that's great! Just call it custom work and put something in front of it like you said you were going to do. Also get rid of those sanding sponges so one of the kids doesn't wash the car with them. Cheers...
I use it in small areas only on a wall where I'm going to spray texture on. Works great once you get the hang of it. Beats dry sanding any day and I use that same sponge. No dust to clean up.
why would you wet sand your final coat? Wet sanding is for your first or maybe 2nd coat
A dude at home depot (contractor) told me to wet sand when I told him I was sick of sanding and all the dust etc being at the finishing stages. I’m like, ok but how? Thank you for demonstrating exactly what I figured would happen. 😂
its to be used when doing a patch on a painted wall, since the paint will resist the water it allows you to basically melt the compound around the edges
I have only wet sanded/cleaned small screw holes or removed excess around areas. It is not a great technique for smoothing large areas! I also just use a smooth sponge.
After watching many of your videos, I had a good idea of how to patch full sheets and small bits. I did not do a good job on some areas, but was able to go back and make them look presentable. Wet sanding small areas, around, light switches/corners/ cabinets, was appropriate for me. New floors/cabinets were in, so taped off the floor, and wet sanded. After the wet sanding, dabbed the area with a wet cloth to remove any lines and add a light texture. Then spayed texture and painted. Not a pro job, but something to reduce the amount of residual dust in the house.
Every time I have tried it I just throw the sponge across the room!!! What a joke. Not sure why they sell them or why the bucket mud says its actually a method of sanding.
Keep up the good work on the videos!
I only need to patch some holes in a wall with the old lath and horsehair plater mix and thought that wet sanding would save me on dust in the room but I did not know about those pole sanders with the dust bag. Now I have another excuse for a new tool.
I did wet sand once in a job where they had computer servers and they couldn't have any dust at all. So it was a commercial setting where smoothness was less important than complete dust control. I did NOT use the rough side of that sponge as you did. I soaked it, used a putty knife to wipe down ridges similar to how plaster work. Afterwards I sponged in a circular pattern just to smooth it out. It "worked" well enough for the application and it was way smoother than what you did. I don't recommend wet sanding but you were definitely doing it the wrong way.