When you’re sanding drywall joint compound, it often feels like drywall dust ends up everywhere, no matter how hard you try to prevent it. Until a wall system is invented that doesn’t require sanding, dealing with this fine, talcum powder-like byproduct of drywall sanding is a reality when remodeling a room. While completely eliminating drywall dust may be challenging, there are several effective ways to significantly reduce it during the sanding process.
Dust Control Drywall Compound
Pros:
- Reduces drywall dust
- Can be used without barriers
- Can be easily swept up
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can be challenging to sand
- Dust doesn’t disappear completely
Dust control or low-dust joint compound is quite similar to regular joint compound but has a modified formula that makes it denser.
Dust control joint compound contains a higher limestone content compared to regular joint compound (up to 50 percent instead of regular mud’s 35 percent). Additionally, the fine talcum powder-like dust produced during drywall sanding is replaced with perlite.
When sanding with dust-control or low-dust joint compound, it still generates some dust, but the particles are heavier and tend to drop straight to the ground rather than becoming airborne and spreading throughout your home.
Another time-saving benefit of dust-control joint compound is that you can easily sweep up the dust with a broom and dustpan. If cost is not a concern, low-dust drywall compound is the preferred option. For occasional touch-ups after removing the dust barrier, you can even sand the low-dust joint compound without erecting the barrier again.
How to Use Dust Control Joint Compound
Applying dust control joint compound is done in the same way as conventional drywall compound, but you may need to adjust it for a lighter consistency and use lighter tool pressure.
Tip
If you lack mixing tools like a drill and drill paddles, you can use a potato masher to a drywall sanding sponge in the water and squeeze it out.
- Wipe the sponge over the joint, moving slowly to saturate the joint.
- Regularly soak and squeeze out the sponge and replace the water in the bucket.
- After the joint dries, you may need to dry-sand with a sanding screen or drywall sandpaper.
Barriers and Fans (Negative Pressure)
Pros:
- Keeps dust contained
- Compatible with any sanding method
Cons:
- Reduces working area size
- Messy
- Removing the barrier can create dust
Barriers made of sheet plastic, readily available at any hardware store, prevent drywall dust from spreading beyond a designated area. Using a box fan with the airflow directed outside can help expel some drywall dust, significantly reducing the amount of dust in the air.
If the barrier is never removed and has no holes, the clean area should remain dust-free. However, even the tiniest hole in the plastic or moving the plastic aside can allow drywall dust to infiltrate the clean area, so it’s crucial to seal all cracks and holes.
How to Reduce Drywall Dust With Barriers and a Fan
- Identify the smallest workable area for your task.
- Support the plastic barrier using a pole-based system like Zip-Wall.
- Tape the edges of the plastic against floors, ceilings, and walls to separate the dust zone from the clean area.
- Tape any holes or tears in the plastic with painter’s tape.
- Limit access in and out of the barrier after sanding has begun.
Drywall Vacuum Sander
Pros:
- Effectively reduces most dust
- Suitable for small areas
- Traps dust in water
Cons:
- Can be slow and challenging for larger areas
You can reduce drywall dust by sanding with a drywall vacuum sander. This tool consists of a hose connected to your wet-dry shop vacuum. One end of the hose has a specialized grid-like sander that suctions the drywall dust and sends it through the hose. The other end of the hose leads to a bucket of water, where the dusty air is trapped, and the dust settles in the water.
A drywall vacuum sander is ideal for small areas, such as working on a seam or two. However, for sanding an entire house or even a single room’s worth of drywall, using a drywall sander can be slow and challenging due to the suction force of the sander head making it difficult to move the sander effectively.
How to Reduce Drywall Dust With Drywall Vacuum Sander
Low-cost manual sanders use a handheld sanding block and sanding screen attached to a vacuum hose. The hose removes the dust and deposits it in a bucket of water. Some models even keep the drywall dust within the vacuum.
Rotary, variable-speed drywall vacuum sanders with telescoping handles are more user-friendly compared to manual sanders. If you are working on drywall in multiple rooms, it may be worthwhile to invest in this tool, with most models costing between $100 and $300.
Tip
Be aware that drywall dust can be so pervasive and damaging that some vacuum manufacturers may void your vacuum’s warranty if it is used with drywall dust. For example, Dyson’s warranty states that “Industrial use…such as vacuuming gyprock dust or builders’ dust may void your Dyson guarantee,” which is a common condition among vacuum manufacturers.
For more information and product details, you can refer to the USG Corporation Product Application Guide.
Additionally, you can consult the Dyson Operating Manual for specific information on Dyson vacuum usage and warranties.
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