2+1 years
Register Your Tool
All Mirka power tools have a standard two-year warranty. Get an additional 1 year of warranty free of charge by registering your tool within 30 days of purchase.
Abrasives
For all your sanding applications
Abrasives
We offer a complete range of technically superior and high-quality abrasives for all kinds of sanding applications. As a world leader in surface finishing technology, Mirka provides a broad range of ground-breaking abrasives and sanding solutions for professionals in surface finishing and the precision industry. We manufacture cloth, coated, fibre, film, foam, non-woven, sandpaper and dust-free net sanding abrasives.
With dust minimized, you can focus on what you do best; knowing that our abrasives provide a more cost-efficient, safer, cleaner, and healthier working environment. Our extensive abrasive product range caters to both individual operations and complete sanding systems.
Making abrasives involves chemistry, physics, and materials science
The Art of Abrasives Manufacturing
All these factors need to be considered to produce suitable coatings. The size and properties, as well as the orientation of the “grit” particles as they are deposited on the adhesive-coated backing, and the properties of the adhesive and backing materials themselves – all these factors need to be considered to produce coatings that are fit.
Grains of aluminium oxide and silicon carbide are commonly used as the material and resin adhesive is typically used to bond the grains to the backing paper. The range of materials, situations, and conditions in the workplace where sanding is required is matched by the large range of coated abrasives available to do the work, each with a unique combination of materials: the size of the grains; open or closed coat – how densely the grains are packed; whether there is a stearate coating to lubricate and prevent clogging; the flexibility (or rigidity) of the backing material; and its suitability for dry or wet sanding.
Abranet® and Abranet® Ace
Net Abrasives
- For a wide range of applications
- Long-lasting
- High-quality finish
- Dust-free sanding for a healthier working place
- Saves time – No dust, reduces time needed for cleaning
Mirka® Galaxy and Novastar
Film Abrasives
- Flexible and smooth abrasive
- Multifunctional
- Clogging-resistant
- For dustless sanding
- Long life & fast cut
Mirka Iridium™
Paper Abrasives
- Premium multihole sandpaper for universal dustless sanding
- Wide application range
- Perfected for speed and efficiency
- Flexible and durable
- For both soft and hard surfaces
Abralon® and Goldflex Soft
Foam Abrasives
- Developed for sanding both smooth and profiled surfaces
- The flexible construction allows it to create a smooth sanding pattern on angled surfaces and edges while minimising the risk of pressure marks
- Suitable for both dry and wet sanding, by machine or by hand
Mirlon® and Mirlon Total®
Non-Woven Abrasives
- Three-dimensional fibre sanding material
- Long-lasting
- Flexible
- Used for the final steps in sanding applications for an excellent finish
- Suitable for both dry and wet sanding
Learn More About Our Top-Brand Abrasives
What Grit Sandpaper Do You Need for Drywall Repair?
Poor surface finish. Visible lines under paint. Extra time spent fixing sanding mistakes. These problems usually happen when the wrong sandpaper grit is used during drywall repair.
Each step in drywall repair needs the right grit to remove, smooth, or finish the surface. Using the wrong grit at the wrong stage increases the risk of rework and affects the final result.
In this article, you’ll learn which grit sandpaper to use at each stage of drywall repair and how to get clean, professional results with less effort.
What Is Grit and How It Works
Grit is the size of the abrasive particles on sandpaper. It controls how rough or smooth the sanding surface will be. A low grit number means larger, rougher particles. These remove more material but leave deeper scratches. A high grit number means smaller, finer particles. These remove less but create a smoother finish.
Each grit level is designed for a specific task. In drywall repair, you need different grit sizes to remove material, blend seams, and prepare the surface for paint. Using the right grit helps finish the job faster, reduces sanding mistakes, and gives a better final result.
How Grit Choice Affects Drywall Quality and Workload
Grit choice directly impacts both finish quality and labor effort.
- Using grit that is too coarse can damage the drywall surface. It leaves deep marks that take extra time to fix.
- Using grit that is too fine in the early stages may not remove enough material. This increases sanding time without improving results.
To work efficiently:
- Start with a coarse grit (80 to 100) for rough patches.
- Move to a medium grit (120 to 150) for smoothing joints.
- Finish with a fine grit (180 to 220) to prepare for paint.
Using Abranet® discs in these grit ranges gives consistent results when paired with Mirka power tools and a dust extractor. Abranet’s mesh design is highly resistant to dust, helping maintain smooth sanding performance without clogging. This allows each disc to last longer while preserving full grit effectiveness.
For best results, pair Abranet® with Mirka tools—such as LEROS® for wide areas or DEROS® for detailed spots—along with a compatible dust extractor. This setup ensures even grit application, reduces rework, and delivers a clean sanding finish.
Grit Options for Each Stage of Drywall Repair
80–100 Grit: For Removing Patches and Leveling Rough Spots
Use 80 to 100 grit when you need to remove dried compound, scrape off uneven patches, or level out high spots on drywall. This coarse grit quickly cuts through material and prepares damaged areas for new joint compound.
When to use it:
- After filling large holes or cracks
- When removing texture or paint layers
- For smoothing rough drywall patches
What to watch for:
- Coarse grit can leave deep scratches if overused
- Do not use it for final sanding or on thin compound layers
- Apply with light, even pressure to avoid gouging the surface
This grit stage is best used early in the repair process and followed by a finer grit to refine the surface.
120–150 Grit: For Blending Seams and Feathering Edges
Use 120 to 150 grit to smooth joint compound and blend edges between drywall and seams. This medium grit is strong enough to remove tool marks and ridges but soft enough to keep the surface even.
When to use it:
- After the second coat of compound dries
- For feathering edges between the repair and the existing drywall
- To reduce uneven lines around taped seams
Why this range works:
- Creates a good transition between surfaces
- Prepares the wall for final sanding
- Reduces the chance of leaving sanding lines under paint
This grit stage balances speed and control during mid-phase drywall work
180–220 Grit: For Final Pass Before Painting
Use 180 to 220 grit as the last sanding step before applying primer or paint. This fine grit smooths out minor lines left by previous sanding and helps prepare a clean surface.
When to use it:
- After the last coat of joint compound has fully dried
- On walls that have already been shaped and blended
- To check for surface flaws before painting
Why it matters:
- Removes swirl marks and fine scratches
- Prevents raised edges and paint blotches
- Improves paint adhesion on a uniform surface
A proper finish with fine grit reduces touch-ups and helps produce a clean, professional result.
Choose the Right Sandpaper Type for Grit Performance
Mesh vs. Traditional Paper Sandpaper
Mesh abrasives and paper-backed sandpapers serve the same goal but perform very differently.
Traditional paper sandpaper:
- Uses closed or open coatings with grit bonded to a solid paper surface
- Tends to clog quickly when used on drywall compound
- Often wears unevenly and requires frequent replacement
Mesh abrasives like Abranet®:
- Features an open net structure that allows dust to pass through the entire surface
- Stay cleaner longer, which helps maintain consistent cutting performance
- Last longer and reduce clogging, especially in high-dust environments
When sanding drywall, dust buildup reduces grit performance. Mesh abrasives remove dust at the source, keeping the grit exposed and sharp. This extends abrasive life, lowers material waste, and improves sanding results across all grit levels.
When to Use Grip-Back Sanding Discs with Drywall Sanders
Grip-back sanding discs attach to sander backing pads using a hook-and-loop system. This design allows for fast disc changes between grit levels. It also holds the abrasive in place during extended use on walls and ceilings.
Mirka offers Abranet® Grip discs, which are compatible with 9-inch backing pads. These grip-backed abrasives are recommended for tools like Mirka® LEROS, which is designed for large wall and ceiling surfaces.
Grip attachment helps maintain full contact between the abrasive and the surface, reducing slippage and improving sanding consistency.
Use grip-back discs when:
- Switching frequently between grit levels (e.g., 120 to 180)
- Working overhead or on vertical surfaces
- Using a sander with a 9-inch pad designed for grip connection
Grip systems reduce downtime and support efficient sanding, especially in renovation and drywall finishing projects where multiple grits are required.
Tips to Maximize Results with the Correct Grit
Always Progress from Coarse to Fine
Using grits in the right order helps control surface texture and avoid rework. Starting too fine won't remove surface defects. Finishing too coarse can leave visible marks under paint.
A steady progression lets each grit level remove the scratches left by the one before it. This builds a smoother surface in fewer passes.
Apply Light Pressure and Let the Grit Do the Work
Abrasives are designed to cut with minimal force. Pressing too hard causes uneven sanding, gouging, and premature wear. It also increases dust and reduces visibility. Consistent light pressure helps the abrasive cut cleanly and follow the surface shape. This reduces the chance of oversanding and keeps the finish even.
Combine Grit and Tool Selection for Better Efficiency
Tool design affects how grit performs. Larger sanding heads spread force evenly over wide surfaces. Smaller tools give better access and control in detailed areas.
Pairing the right tool with the right grit improves sanding speed and reduces effort. This approach also helps avoid common problems like swirl marks, missed spots, or surface damage.
For large drywall surfaces, Mirka® LEROS used with Abranet® Grip discs supports even grit distribution and reduces fatigue. For edges or confined areas, compact tools like Mirka® DEROS offer better control while maintaining full abrasive performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sandpaper grit for drywall repair is essential to achieve a smooth, paint-ready surface. Each grit plays a specific role in the repair process, from rough sanding to final surface prep.
Matching the correct grit with the right sanding method and tool setup helps reduce effort, avoid common surface issues, and improve efficiency. By following a clear grit progression and using appropriate sanding techniques, professionals can deliver consistent results and reduce the need for rework.