Saw a huge difference in sanding time after switching from paper to mesh screens for the final pass.

I spent 5 years using 120-grit paper for my finish sanding on a big hotel job in Phoenix last fall, but after my supply ran out I grabbed a box of mesh screens instead and cut my sanding time on 50 sheets from 2 hours down to 45 minutes with way less dust caking up, so has anyone else noticed how much longer mesh lasts on smooth taping jobs?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer9811mo ago

Mesh screens really shine once the compound is smooth and you're just knocking down dust nibs. That open weave keeps the abrasive from loading up, which is the main reason paper dies so fast on final passes.

cora5181mo ago

Tbh I gotta push back a little on the "open weave keeps the abrasive from loading up" part. Mesh screens actually load up faster than paper on softer primers or thick sealers because the dust gets stuck in the gaps between the strands. Paper sheds it better since the grit sits flat on a solid backer. I've had way more issues with mesh clogging up on fine grits like 400 or 600 when I'm sanding between clear coats.

lee8471mo ago

Wait, mesh loads up FASTER than paper on fine grits? That's wild.