Hyde Job Guides

How to Sand a Patch Flush

Sand a cured spackle or joint compound patch flat to the wall, with its edge feathered into the paint. A rigid block makes it flat, and primer finishes it.

What you need

• Model 45395Rubber Sanding Block $6.42 each$4.37 each at 100 or more

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• Model 45350HD Foam Sanding Block (fine/medium) $6.54 each$4.45 each at 100 or more

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• Model 09083150 Grit Sanding Sponge, 2-sided $6.90 each$4.69 each at 100 or more

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• Model 09057MAXXGRIP® Hand Sander $20.66 each$14.05 each at 100 or more

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• Model 45360HD Foam Sanding Block (medium/coarse) $5.60 each$3.81 each at 100 or more

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• sandpaper or net sheets in 120, 150 and 180 grit
• stain-blocking primer for water-stain patches
• damp rag or HEPA vacuum
• raking work light

Steps

1. Check the fill is cured. Damp compound drags and pills.
2. Rake a light across the patch to see whether it is proud, flat or low.
3. Knock down only the proud crown with 120 grit, working from its center outward. Stop while it is still a hair proud.
4. Bring the patch to plane with a rigid block. Load the 45395 with 150 paper pulled flat and tight.
5. Feather the rim with fine grit, 150 to 180, on a foam block or sponge sander. Use less pressure as the stroke leaves the patch.
6. Check in raking light after each stage. Erase the scratches of each grit with the next and stop.
7. Wipe off all the dust, then spot-prime the patch and the scuffed paint ring around it.

Tips

• For a nail hole or ding, a 45350 foam block or 09083 sponge alone finishes it in about thirty seconds.
• Foam follows the shape under it and polishes a proud patch into a hump. A rigid block states the plane.
• Use strokes along the boundary or at a shallow diagonal. Never plow square into the edge.
• Never skip two grits. Coarse scratches left under paint show as fine lines through the finish.

Watch out

Questions about the right tool for your job? Email cs@hydestore.com or call 508-916-6442.