Wet sanding is a method of smoothing out joint compound on the seams between pieces of sheetrock for painting. Instead of the usual method of dry-sanding with sandpaper, you rub a damp sponge over it, which softens up the dried plaster enough to take down any ridges and bumps. This has the advantage of producing no dust, but it will only work if the seams are nearly perfect to start with. Give it a try; if it doesn't work out, you can always lightly dry-sand it later.
Instructions
1. Install your drywall. Lay mesh tape along the seams. Cover the tape with a layer of joint compound, spreading it on with a drywall knife and making it about 4 inches wide and as smooth as possible. Let it dry to the touch, about four hours.
2. Wet the sponge and wring it out. Don't wring it completely--leave just a little dampness to it.
3. Run the sponge flat along the plastered seam, positioning the longest part of the sponge so it spans the entire seam. Apply medium pressure as you run it back and forth. Rinse and repeat as necessary to take down any ridges or bumps.
4. Let the seam dry for an hour. Apply a second layer of compound, making the seam slightly wider than the first. Make it very smooth and thin. Let it dry for about four hours.
5. Wet sand the seam as before. Apply a third, slightly wider layer of compound. Let it dry. Wet sand the final layer.
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