Removing drywall texture can completely transform the appearance of your walls or ceilings, giving them a smoother and more modern finish. Whether you are dealing with popcorn ceilings or orange peel walls, choosing the right grit sandpaper is essential for removing the texture effectively without damaging the drywall underneath.
Before beginning, it helps to understand What Grit Sandpaper for Drywall works best in different situations, especially since texture removal often requires multiple sanding stages. Using the wrong grit can either make the job unnecessarily difficult or leave deep scratches that are hard to smooth out later.
Best Grit for Removing Popcorn or Orange Peel Texture
The ideal sandpaper grit for removing drywall texture depends on the type and thickness of the texture. For most popcorn and orange peel finishes, 80- to 120-grit sandpaper is the best starting point.
- 80-grit sandpaper works well for thicker or heavily painted textures because it removes material faster.
- 100- to 120-grit sandpaper is ideal for lighter textures or when you want better control with less risk of damaging the drywall surface.
Popcorn texture often requires a more aggressive grit because the material is thicker and uneven. Orange peel texture is thinner, so starting with 100- or 120-grit is usually enough. Using a drywall sanding pole can make the process easier, especially on ceilings, by helping you maintain even pressure across the surface.
Can You Use Coarse Grit for Texture Removal?
Yes, coarse grit sandpaper can be used, but it must be handled carefully. Grits like 60 or 80 remove texture quickly, but they can also gouge the drywall paper if too much pressure is applied.
Coarse grit is most useful when:
- The drywall texture is thick
- Multiple layers of paint cover the texture
- The texture is stubborn and does not come off with finer grit
However, using very coarse grit on drywall surfaces increases the risk of leaving scratches that will show through paint later.
That is why professionals often start with 80-grit and then move to finer grits to refine the surface. Skipping this step can leave the wall rough even after the texture is removed.
What Grit to Use After Texture Is Removed
Once the bulk of the texture has been removed, the next step is to smooth out the drywall surface. This is where 150- to 220-grit sandpaper becomes important.
- 150-grit sandpaper helps remove scratches left by the initial sanding.
- 220-grit sandpaper creates a smooth finish that is ready for primer and paint.
This finishing stage is crucial because even minor scratches or uneven patches can become more visible after painting. A finer grit ensures the drywall surface feels smooth and looks uniform under paint. If you plan to apply a fresh skim coat before painting, sanding with 150 grit is often enough before moving to the final finishing step.
How to Smooth Walls After Removing Texture
After the texture is sanded down, inspect the wall for imperfections such as ridges, low spots, or scratches. To achieve a professional finish:
- Wipe down the surface to remove drywall dust.
- Apply joint compound to any uneven areas.
- Let the compound dry completely.
- Sand with 150- to 220-grit paper until smooth.
Using a sanding sponge for corners and edges can help create an even finish in tight spaces where a sanding pole cannot reach. This step ensures the wall is fully prepared for primer and paint.
If the texture removal exposed damaged drywall paper, seal it with primer before painting. This prevents bubbling and helps the paint adhere properly.
Mistakes to Avoid During Texture Removal
One of the biggest mistakes people make when removing drywall texture is using the wrong grit at the wrong stage. Starting with sandpaper that is too fine wastes time, while starting with grit that is too coarse can damage the drywall.
Avoid these common errors:
- Using excessive pressure: Let the sandpaper do the work to avoid gouging the wall.
- Skipping finer grit sanding: This leaves scratches and uneven surfaces.
- Ignoring dust cleanup: Drywall dust can affect paint adhesion.
- Over-sanding one area: This creates low spots that are difficult to repair.
Another common mistake is trying to remove texture without testing a small section first. Different wall textures respond differently to sanding, so testing allows you to determine the best grit before tackling the whole surface.
Choosing the right grit progression—from 80 or 120 grit for removal to 150 or 220 grit for smoothing—makes drywall texture removal far more effective and leaves the wall ready for a flawless finish.