Helpful video reference. The video above is "How To Sand Walls - DIY At Bunnings" from Bunnings Warehouse. It is a practical walk-through of the technique, worth watching for the hand movement rather than just reading about it.
Check what is on the wall before you sand
In a home built before the 1960s, old paint may contain lead. Do not dry sand it. Wet sand, keep dust to a minimum, wear a suitable mask and clean up with a damp cloth rather than sweeping. If you are unsure, get it tested first.
Textured coatings such as Artex in homes built before 2000 can contain asbestos. Do not sand or scrape them until they have been tested.
Fill the holes and cracks
Rake out loose material from cracks and fill with a ready-mixed or powder filler, pressing it in slightly proud. For deeper holes, fill in layers and let each dry.
Let the filler harden fully before you touch it with paper. Damp filler clogs the sanding sheet and tears out.
Sand with the right grit
Use a 120 grit paper first on rough patches and finish with 180 to 240 grit for a fine key. Wrap paper round a sanding block, or use a pole sander for large walls and ceilings, and work in light circular or sweeping strokes.
Sand the filled area until it is level with the wall, and feather the edges so there is no ridge.
Check with raking light
Hold a torch flat against the wall in a dim room and run your hand over the surface. Ridges, hollows and pinholes show up straight away. Fix those and re-sand before anything goes on.
Clear the dust, then seal
Vacuum the walls and the skirting, then wipe with a barely damp cloth. Sanding dust left behind makes paint feel gritty. On new filler, a coat of thinned emulsion or a primer seals it so it does not show as a dull patch.
What this means in Herne Bay
Herne Bay's older terraces have walls that have been patched and skimmed over many decades, so expect uneven areas and old paint of unknown age, which is why the lead check matters. In 1930s semis the plaster is usually in better shape but often has hairline cracks around bays. Salt air can leave older walls slightly powdery, so wipe down before filling.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Dry sanding old paint in a pre-1960s house without thinking about lead.
- Sanding filler before it is fully dry and tearing it up.
- Skipping the dust clean-up and painting over a gritty surface.
Quick answers
Do I need to sand between coats of emulsion?
Not normally on walls, but a light sand over any gritty or nibbed areas gives a better final coat. Woodwork is different and benefits from a light sand between coats.
What mask should I use?
Use a dust mask of a suitable rating for fine dust, and for old paint get proper advice on the right protection before you start.
Prefer we do it?
Room painting from £325, standard trade paint and labour included. See our price guide, our interior decorating page or get a fixed quote.