Yes, you can sand interior paint. Sanding interior paint is a common practice, often done to prepare a surface for a new coat of paint, to smooth out imperfections, or even sanding between coats of paint.
Why Sand Interior Paint?
Sanding serves several crucial purposes when dealing with interior painted surfaces:
- Preparation for Repainting: Lightly sanding (often called "scuff sanding") helps create a slightly rough surface, allowing the new paint to adhere better. This improves durability and reduces the risk of peeling.
- Smoothing Imperfections: Sanding can help level out drips, runs, brush strokes, or other uneven spots in the existing paint or primer layer.
- Achieving a Smoother Finish: Sanding between coats of paint can help achieve a smoother, more professional final finish, especially when aiming for a high-quality look.
How to Sand Interior Paint
The method and extent of sanding depend on the desired outcome and the condition of the existing surface.
- Sanding Between Coats: As the reference states, sanding between coats of paint could entail sanding the entire wall if the surface is smooth versus textured, or just a few spots where you notice imperfections.
- Smoothing the Entire Wall: If you are striving for a flawless, smooth finish, you might choose to sand the entire wall if you demand perfection. This helps knock down any minor texture or imperfections from the previous coat. A useful tool for larger areas is a drywall sanding pole.
- Targeting Imperfections: If the wall is already relatively smooth but has a few specific drips or bumps, you can focus your sanding efforts only on those spots.
- Sanding for Preparation: When preparing an old painted surface for a new color, a light scuff sand across the entire area is usually sufficient to ensure good adhesion.
Tips for Sanding Interior Paint:
- Choose the Right Sandpaper: Use fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 180-220 grit) for sanding between coats or for light scuffing. Coarser grits are typically only needed for significant imperfections or removing old paint layers.
- Control Dust: Sanding creates dust. Use a sander with dust collection, or wear a mask and use drop cloths. Proper ventilation is essential.
- Clean the Surface: After sanding, wipe down the wall with a tack cloth or damp rag to remove all dust before painting.
Sanding interior paint, particularly sanding between coats of paint, is a valid technique used by professionals to achieve the best possible finish.
