Rant: I tried that 'wet sanding' trick everyone swears by for a smooth finish

Did a whole house in Albuquerque last month. The crew there kept telling me to wet sand the final coat. Said it was dust free and gave a perfect surface. So I tried it on a big ceiling. Used a sponge and a bucket like they said. Big mistake. The paper mud got way too soft, started gumming up. Ended up with these weird, shiny streaks that you could only see with the lights on. Had to go back over the whole thing with a dry screen. Cost me half a day. I get the dust thing, but I think it messes with the compound too much. Anyone have a better way to cut down on dust without ruining the finish?

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1 Comment

mason.faith2h ago

That crew in Albuquerque was onto something. You used a sponge, which is the problem. A sponge holds way too much water. I use a spray bottle with a fine mist and a 220 grit wet/dry sanding block. Two quick sprays on the block, not the wall. It keeps the dust down to almost nothing and the compound stays firm. Those shiny streaks happen when the top layer of compound gets over-hydrated and re-emulsifies. You just needed less water and a lighter touch. Dry sanding kicks up a cloud that settles everywhere and you end up cleaning it off every surface in the room anyway.