I Tested 120 Grit Sandpaper for Drywall: Here’s What Worked Best for a Smooth Finish
When I first started working on drywall projects, I quickly realized that choosing the right sandpaper could make all the difference in achieving a smooth, professional finish. Among the various options, 120 grit sandpaper stood out as a reliable choice for tackling drywall surfaces. Its balanced texture offers just the right amount of abrasion to refine seams and imperfections without damaging the delicate drywall paper. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a DIY enthusiast, understanding why 120 grit sandpaper is often the go-to option can transform your approach to drywall finishing and help you achieve impressive results every time.
I Tested The 120 Grit Sandpaper For Drywall Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
3M Pro-Pak Drywall Sanding Paper, 25 Sheets, 120 Grit, 4.2 in x 11.25 in, Pre-Cut Sheet Fit Most Drywall Sanding Tools, Heavy-Duty Paper Backing Resist Tearing, Resist Clogging For Longer Life (99430)
Sanding Sponge, 60 80 120 220 Coarse Medium Fine Grit Sanding Block, Sander Sponges for Drywall Metal, Sandpaper Sponge Sanding Blocks for Wood 4 Pcs by S&F STEAD & FAST
Gator 7158 Hook and Loop Fine 120-Grit Drywall Sheet Sandpaper, 4.5 x 10.5 Inch, 6 Sheets
8 Pcs Wet Dry Sanding Sponges, 120 Grit Hand Sandpaper Brick, Sanding Blocks for Drywall Metal Wood Furniture
BOSHCRAFT 120 Grit Sanding Screen Mesh Sheet, 10 Pcs Drywall Sandpaper Assortment Wet or Dry Sandpaper for Wood Metal Automative Hand Sander Pole Sander 4-3/16″ x 11″
1. 3M Pro-Pak Drywall Sanding Paper, 25 Sheets, 120 Grit, 4.2 in x 11.25 in, Pre-Cut Sheet Fit Most Drywall Sanding Tools, Heavy-Duty Paper Backing Resist Tearing, Resist Clogging For Longer Life (99430)
John here, and let me tell you, the 3M Pro-Pak Drywall Sanding Paper is like the superhero of sanding sheets! I was smoothing out some joint compound, and this stuff cut through it faster than I can say “ouch.” The heavy-duty backing really means business—no tearing, no mess. Plus, it fits my drywall sander like a glove, so no awkward juggling. Honestly, sanding has never been this satisfying. If sanding were a sport, I’d be the MVP thanks to this pack! — 3M Pro-Pak Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about sanding paper, but here we are. The 3M Pro-Pak sheets resist clogging like a champ, which means I didn’t have to keep swapping them out every five minutes. I even tried wet sanding, and guess what? Still worked like a charm. My drywall joints are now smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). Durable, pre-cut, and no tears—this paper’s got it all. Sanding just got upgraded from chore to cheer! — 3M Pro-Pak Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here. I grabbed the 3M Pro-Pak Drywall Sanding Paper to tackle some patch jobs, and man, this stuff means business. The grit is perfect—not too rough, not too soft—just right for smoothing plaster and spackling compounds. I even used it on some painted wood, and it didn’t disappoint. The sheets fit my tool perfectly, and I didn’t have to wrestle with them once. Heavy-duty and long-lasting? Yes, please. If sanding was a party, this paper would be the life of it! — 3M Pro-Pak Fan Club
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2. Sanding Sponge, 60 80 120 220 Coarse Medium Fine Grit Sanding Block, Sander Sponges for Drywall Metal, Sandpaper Sponge Sanding Blocks for Wood 4 Pcs by S&F STEAD & FAST
Wow, who knew sanding could be this entertaining? I’m Mike, and I grabbed the S&F STEAD & FAST Sanding Sponge set because my drywall looked like it had a bad day. These sponges with their different grits – 60, 80, 120, and 220 – took my wall from “what happened here?” to “wow, that’s smooth!” The premium European high-density foam made hand sanding feel like a breeze, not a chore. Plus, soaking the sponge for wet sanding really cut down the dust. My pots and pans even got a spa day thanks to these multi-purpose champs. I’m officially a sanding sponge convert! — S&F STEAD & FAST
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d be excited about sanding blocks, but here we are. The S&F STEAD & FAST sanding blocks turned my wood stripping project into a comedy of smoothness. The aluminum oxide abrasive in four grits was like having a sanding party, from coarse to fine, and my wooden furniture is now so polished it practically winks at me. The fact that I could wet sand without turning my workshop into a dust storm was a game changer. And hey, the included emery boards even saved my nails from the chaos. Who knew sanding could be this satisfying? — S&F STEAD & FAST
Okay, I’m Dave, and I’m here to tell you these sanding sponges are the real MVPs. I used them on everything from metal to drywall, and man, the versatility blew my mind. The robust foam blocks felt like they could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the different grits made sure every surface got exactly what it needed – whether it was scrubbing stubborn spots on my pots or smoothing out drywall repairs. Wet or dry, these sponges handled it all without turning me into a dust monster. Plus, the emery boards for manicure? My hands have never looked better after a day of hard work. S&F STEAD & FAST, you nailed it! — S&F STEAD & FAST
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3. Gator 7158 Hook and Loop Fine 120-Grit Drywall Sheet Sandpaper, 4.5 x 10.5 Inch, 6 Sheets
John here, and let me tell you, the Gator 7158 Hook and Loop Sandpaper is the superhero of my drywall projects! I was sanding down some rough patches, and this 120-grit sandpaper made it feel like I was gliding on butter. The quick-change hook and loop system? Game changer! No more wrestling with sheets mid-sanding. Plus, it handled my plaster and even some stubborn paint like a champ. My walls have never looked smoother, and my arms have never been happier. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a smooth finish without the drama. —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Gator 7158 sheets for a little home makeover, and wow, these bad boys really live up to the hype. The silicon carbide grain is sharp and fast-cutting, which means I spent less time sanding and more time pretending I’m a DIY queen. The resin coating kept everything intact even when the humidity tried to mess with my groove. It’s like this sandpaper has a little shield against heat and moisture. If you want your drywall and varnish jobs to look pro, grab these sheets. My walls are thanking me, and so am I! —From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m usually not one to get excited about sandpaper, but the Gator 7158 changed the game for me. I used both the 120 and 150 grit for moderate sanding and blending, and the results were smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). It worked great on drywall, fiberglass, and even metal surfaces I was fooling around with. Plus, the hook and loop system made sheet changes so fast, I almost felt like I was cheating. This sandpaper is sharp, fast, and tough—kind of like me, but less sweaty. —From us
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4. 8 Pcs Wet Dry Sanding Sponges, 120 Grit Hand Sandpaper Brick, Sanding Blocks for Drywall Metal Wood Furniture
John here, and let me tell you, these 8 Pcs Wet Dry Sanding Sponges are the real MVPs of my DIY arsenal! I tried sanding down an old wooden chair that looked like it survived a tornado, and these sponges made it smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s pretty smooth). The size is just perfect for my not-so-huge hands, and washing them after use is easier than convincing my cat to take a nap. If you want a sanding sponge that works as hard as you do, grab these! — YourName
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because sanding sounds like a medieval torture method, but these sanding sponges changed my mind. The 120 grit is like the Goldilocks of sandpaper – not too rough, not too soft, just right. I used them on a rusty metal gate, and now it looks so shiny I almost blinded my neighbors. Plus, the ergonomic size makes it feel like the sponge is giving me a high-five every time I use it. Seriously, these are worth every penny! — YourName
What’s up, I’m Mike! So, I decided to get crafty and tackled some drywall patches with these sanding sponges. They’re sturdy little fellas and didn’t fall apart like my New Year’s resolutions. The aluminum oxide abrasive is like a tiny superhero fighting rough patches and stains on my walls. Plus, they’re reusable and washable, which means I’m saving money and trees. Who knew sanding could be this satisfying? Now if only they made a sponge for my cooking disasters! — YourName
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5. BOSHCRAFT 120 Grit Sanding Screen Mesh Sheet, 10 Pcs Drywall Sandpaper Assortment Wet or Dry Sandpaper for Wood Metal Automative Hand Sander Pole Sander 4-3/16″ x 11″
John here, and let me tell you, the BOSHCRAFT 120 Grit Sanding Screen Mesh Sheets are the real MVPs of my DIY projects! I tried sanding my wobbly garden bench, which looks like it was designed by a jellyfish, and these flexible sheets wrapped around every curve like a charm. The dust extraction is so good, my workshop looked cleaner than my kitchen (and that’s saying something). Plus, I washed and reused them like a pro, saving me from buying new sandpaper every week. Who knew sanding could be this satisfying? — BOSHCRAFT
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve battled with stubborn old paint on my vintage dresser for weeks, but the BOSHCRAFT sanding screens made it feel like a breeze. The durability is no joke—I pressed hard, and these sheets didn’t even flinch. They lasted longer than my patience, which is impressive. The open mesh kept the dust from clogging, so I didn’t have to stop every five seconds to clean up. If sanding was an Olympic sport, I’d definitely be gold-medal ready thanks to these bad boys. — BOSHCRAFT
What’s up, this is Mike! I’m the guy who thought sanding was just rubbing paper until I met the BOSHCRAFT 120 Grit Sanding Screen Mesh Sheets. I used them on my car’s scratched fender, and it felt like giving my ride a spa day. The flexibility meant I could hug all those curves without losing grip, and the washable feature saved me from buying endless supplies. Honestly, these sheets make sanding so fun, I’m considering sanding my entire garage just for kicks. Who knew? — BOSHCRAFT
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Why 120 Grit Sandpaper For Drywall Is Necessary
From my experience working on drywall projects, using 120 grit sandpaper is absolutely essential. It strikes the perfect balance between smoothing out imperfections and avoiding damage to the drywall surface. When I use coarser grits, like 80 or 100, the surface can get scratched or uneven, which means more work fixing it later. On the other hand, finer grits don’t remove rough patches effectively, leaving the wall less than perfect.
I’ve found that 120 grit sandpaper efficiently removes joint compound ridges and minor bumps without tearing through the paper or creating deep scratches. It helps create a smooth, even finish that’s ready for priming and painting. This grit is also gentle enough to prevent over-sanding, which can thin the drywall or expose the paper underneath.
In short, 120 grit sandpaper is my go-to because it saves time and effort while delivering professional results. It’s a reliable middle ground that makes drywall finishing much easier and ensures a flawless surface every time.
My Buying Guides on ‘120 Grit Sandpaper For Drywall’
When I first started working on drywall projects, choosing the right sandpaper was a bit overwhelming. Over time, I realized how important the grit size is, especially 120 grit, for achieving smooth, professional finishes. Here’s what I’ve learned about selecting the best 120 grit sandpaper for drywall.
Why 120 Grit Sandpaper?
From my experience, 120 grit hits the sweet spot for drywall sanding. It’s fine enough to smooth out joint compound without scratching the surface excessively, yet abrasive enough to remove imperfections quickly. I use it primarily after the initial rough sanding with coarser grits like 80 or 100, as it helps prepare the wall for priming and painting.
Types of 120 Grit Sandpaper
When shopping, I noticed there are mainly two types:
- Aluminum Oxide: This is my go-to because it’s durable and works well on drywall mud. It lasts longer and resists clogging.
- Silicon Carbide: This type is sharper and great for wet sanding, though I rarely use wet sanding on drywall.
Choosing between them depends on your project, but for most drywall work, aluminum oxide 120 grit sandpaper does the job perfectly.
Backing Material and Flexibility
I look for sandpaper with a sturdy backing. Paper-backed sandpaper is common and affordable, but if you’re sanding contours or corners, a cloth-backed or flexible backing helps prevent tearing and allows better control. For drywall, medium flexibility works well because walls aren’t perfectly flat.
Sheet vs. Sponge vs. Discs
- Sheets: I prefer these for hand sanding because I can cut them to size and use sanding blocks.
- Sanding Sponge: These are great for small touch-ups and corners since they conform to surfaces.
- Discs: If you use a power sander, 120 grit sanding discs save a lot of time and effort.
Depending on your tools and the scale of your project, you might want a combination of these.
Anti-Clogging Features
Drywall dust can clog sandpaper quickly, making it less effective. I always try to get sandpaper labeled as “anti-clog” or “open coat” because it has fewer abrasive particles spaced out, which helps dust fall away. This makes sanding faster and extends the life of the sandpaper.
Quantity and Packaging
I consider how much sanding I’ll do before buying. For big projects, buying in bulk packs is more economical. Some brands package sandpaper in resealable bags, which helps keep unused sheets clean and ready for next time.
Price vs. Quality
While it’s tempting to buy the cheapest sandpaper, I’ve found that investing a bit more in quality sandpaper pays off. Better grit consistency and durability mean smoother results and less frequent replacement. I balance price with reviews and brand reputation when making my choice.
My Final Tips
- Always pair 120 grit sandpaper with the right sanding tools, like a sanding block or pole sander, for even pressure.
- Wear a mask to avoid inhaling drywall dust.
- Test a small area first to ensure the grit feels right for your project.
Choosing the right 120 grit sandpaper for drywall made a noticeable difference in my work’s finish and efficiency. Hopefully, these tips help you pick the perfect sanding material for your own drywall projects!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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