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Save time and money in interior finishing with dust-free sanding

Get your free copy of this white paper and find out how.

The white paper answers these questions: 

  • What are the benefits of premium sanding solutions?
  • What is Mirka's surface finishing process?
  • What are the benefits of using Mirka's process?
  • How much time and money can be saved using Mirka's process?

Dust-Free Drywall Sanding: Step-by-Step

Dust from drywall sanding is one of the most persistent challenges on construction and renovation sites. It spreads quickly, settles on every surface, and creates safety risks for both workers and equipment. Cleanup takes time. Oversanding becomes harder to control. And in many cases, fine dust delays follow-up tasks like painting or sealing, adding pressure to already tight project schedules.

That is why more professionals are turning to dust-free drywall sanding. This approach not only improves surface visibility and finish quality but also saves time on cleanup and reduces the risk of costly rework.

In this article, you will learn how to carry out dust-free drywall sanding using the right tools, techniques, and setup for clean, efficient results.

Importance of Dust-Free Drywall Sanding

Dust-free sanding is not just a cleaner option. It is a smarter and more efficient process for professionals in construction and renovation. In active job sites, airborne dust can slow down progress, cover surface imperfections, and increase manual cleanup before painting or finishing begins.

A cleaner sanding process improves visibility on the surface, helping workers avoid oversanding and missed areas. It also protects nearby equipment, walls, and flooring from fine dust settling across the work zone.

According to the Mirka field data, dust-free sanding can save two to three full days that would otherwise be spent cleaning before finishing can begin. In traditional workflows, large amounts of fine dust settle across the workspace and delay progress. Removing this dust manually takes time and often requires protective covers, vacuums, and labor that add to project costs.

By eliminating the need for this stage, dust-free sanding supports a more continuous and controlled workflow. The result is faster project completion, lower cleanup effort, and a surface that is ready for finishing without delay.

For construction teams, this is a practical improvement that delivers cleaner surfaces, better efficiency, and more consistent job site results.

Steps for Dust-Free Drywall Sanding

1. Set Up the Mirka® LEROS Drywall Sander

Start by preparing the Mirka® LEROS, a tool built specifically for large drywall and ceiling surfaces. Its advanced design helps professionals sand with precision and less fatigue, even during long sessions.

Using Mirka® LEROS is important because:

  • It reduces physical strain during extended use
  • It ensures a consistent sanding result across large surfaces
  • It lays the foundation for a complete dust-free system

Key features of Mirka® LEROS:

  • Weight: only 7.7 lbs – easy to handle for hours without fatigue
  • 180° flexible sanding head – follows your movement without effort
  • 5 mm random orbital movement – delivers an even, high-quality finish
  • Full force system – no need to press, power transfers directly to the surface

Before attaching any accessories, follow these basic setup checks:

  • Inspect the tool and ensure the pad is clean and intact
  • Place the tool on a stable surface, ready for disc attachment

2. Attach a 9” Abranet® Disc

Once the sander is ready, attach a 9” Abranet® net abrasive disc. This disc is designed for wall and ceiling sanding with the Mirka® LEROS. It ensures full dust extraction coverage, helping maintain clear airflow and better visibility during drywall sanding.

For proper setup, use a 9” interface pad or backup pad between the LEROS sanding head and the Abranet® disc. These accessories improve grip and help cushion pressure during sanding, especially on uneven surfaces.

Why use Abranet® for drywall sanding:

  • Open mesh design allows continuous dust extraction across the disc
  • Reduces clogging and increases disc lifespan
  • Delivers cleaner results with better surface visibility

Features of 9” Abranet® Disc:

  • Polyamide net structure for full-area suction
  • Suitable for drywall and ceiling surfaces (not for hard plaster)
  • Compatible with 9” Mirka sanding pads, including interface pads and backup pads, for secure fit and consistent performance

To install the disc properly:

  • Place the Abranet® disc directly onto the backup pad. Use an interface pad only if extended abrasive life is needed or if replacing the backup pad.
  • Align the Abranet® disc holes with the holes on the pad
  • Press firmly for flat, even contact

3. Connect the Mirka® Dust Extractor

Now connect the Mirka® LEROS to the Mirka® Dust Extractor. This completes the dust-free setup, allowing dust to be removed directly from the sanding surface.

This connection plays a key role because:

  • It keeps the working environment clean and safe
  • It prevents dust from settling back on the surface
  • It helps the Abranet® disc perform efficiently without clogging

Features of the Mirka® DE-1230-AFC Dust Extractor:

  • AutoStart function – runs only when the sander is active
  • Adjustable suction – matches sanding needs for drywall and ceilings
  • Integrated system – designed to work directly with Mirka® LEROS and Abranet® discs

Before sanding, ensure the extractor is correctly connected to the Mirka® LEROS and AutoStart is enabled. This setup creates a clean sanding experience and reduces cleanup time.

4. Sand in Overlapping Motions on Large Areas

Once the system is running, begin sanding large wall and ceiling sections using steady, overlapping passes. The Mirka® LEROS is designed to follow your motion naturally, helping maintain balance and consistency.

Using proper sanding motion is important because:

  • It avoids uneven or patchy surfaces
  • It reduces missed spots and over-sanding
  • It helps the sander cover large areas efficiently without pressure

The flexible sanding head of the Mirka® LEROS moves with your hand, adapting to the wall or ceiling surface. Its random orbital movement ensures a smooth finish while minimizing fatigue.

To sand effectively:

  • Start at the top and work down in vertical or horizontal lines
  • Slightly overlap each pass to maintain surface consistency
  • Let the sander’s weight and motion do the work — no extra force is needed

5. Use the Extension Shaft for Ceilings or High Areas

For ceilings or high walls, attach the Mirka® LEROS extension shaft. This addition increases your reach without needing a ladder, helping maintain correct body posture and tool control.

Using the extension shaft is helpful because:

  • It improves reach without compromising safety
  • It reduces strain on arms and shoulders during overhead work
  • It allows continuous sanding without repositioning

Features of the Mirka MIW-EXT Extension Shaft:

  • Adds nearly 20 inches of extra reach
  • Attaches securely to the Mirka® LEROS handle
  • Preserves full tool stability and control while sanding

When working above shoulder height, the extension shaft helps complete the job faster with less physical stress.

6. Switch to LEROS-S for Small or Confined Areas

When sanding smaller surfaces or tight spaces like closets, stairwells, or under fixtures, use the Mirka® LEROS-S. This compact tool is made for close-range control without losing sanding quality.

Choosing Mirka® LEROS-S for confined areas makes sense because:

  • It fits easily in small or awkward spaces
  • It provides better handling at close range
  • It delivers the same sanding quality as the full-size LEROS

Key features of Mirka® LEROS-S:

  • 35" compact body for restricted areas
  • 140° flexible head for tight angles
  • Dual grip points for full control during detailed work

Mirka® LEROS-S is a smart complement to the Mirka® LEROS, ensuring no surface is left unfinished in a dust-free workflow.

7. Power Down and Store Equipment

After sanding is complete, shut down and clean the equipment. Proper storage protects your tools and keeps the system ready for the next project.

Finishing the process with care is important because:

  • It extends the life of the sander and discs
  • It prevents dust buildup inside the system
  • It keeps all components organized and ready for transport

To store the system:

  • Disconnect the dust extractor and wipe down surfaces
  • Remove the Abranet® disc and inspect for reuse or replacement
  • Place the LEROS and accessories in the Mirka® MIW-BAG carrying bag, designed to protect tools during storage and transport

Efficient storage supports long-term tool performance and keeps your worksite clean and professional.

Conclusion

Dust-free drywall sanding offers more than a cleaner workspace. It improves surface control, reduces time spent on cleanup, and helps deliver a smoother finish with less effort. By following the right steps and using the proper tools, construction teams can avoid common issues like oversanding, poor visibility, and job delays.

Along with the right tools and setup, wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) helps ensure a safer and more controlled sanding experience. This approach supports a more efficient workflow and a higher standard of quality across every drywall and ceiling project.