Sanding walls - by hand or machine?

Wes121708

I just had to sand a wall after filling and used an orbital sander, never again! The amount of dust was worse then when we sanded the floor! 
I'd only sand if really necessary. If you do need to do it make seal every door way and clear the room. 
The other bits that need doing I'm just using sand paper on a block, less dust goes everywhere! 

Grenage

I have to wonder what sort of extractor people are using.  I never have to bother sealing the room - the dust is minimal.

Are people not punching holes in the paper?

benson1980

goodwithsaving said:

TELLIT01 said:

If the surface is so bad that you are having to sand the entire wall, you might be better off getting them skimmed.  There is a cost obviously, but likely to get a far better finish.

Unfortunately finances don't allow that and won't for sometime. It's about getting a suitable finish now and probably reskimming at a later date. We're talking a few years before I will be able to afford to do it as I have other things which are more urgent

I use a hand sander (search for Marshalltown 20 hand sander on amazon, and a roll of 180 grit as already suggested). I've used power sanders before for this sort of thing but much prefer this. If nothing else it creates less mess. Interested though as to why you are thinking of reskim at a later date. Skimming over any defects with plaster repair and then sanding down, if done right, should be sufficient to negate a reskim unless the surface really bad. Doesn't sound it though if you think it will do for now, and I've redecorated many rooms now with this approach and to be honest the finish versus a plasterers full reskim is extremely minimal.

Bendy_House

Looking forward to updates from GWS. This is a common task, so it'll be good to hear how they get on.

Before and after shots, pleeeeez

goodwithsaving

Bendy_House said:

Looking forward to updates from GWS. This is a common task, so it'll be good to hear how they get on.

Before and after shots, pleeeeez

Eventually I will. It's a bit relentless at the moment! My body is hurting.
I am nearly a week into it now. I bought an orbital sander in the end and have no regrets about spending on it. It's dusty but it is fine with Henry attached because he sucks up a lot so the dust is not bad. The vibrations do get to your hands after a while of using it but it is a brilliant tool.
I will do the first couple of coats with the Leyland Trade paint, and then the last coat with Crown Matt.

@benson1980 a reskim may not be needed. I was being pessimistic. The walls are smooth except the odd bit but I think once a few coats of paint are on, the odd bit will barely be noticeable (and I do mean 'odd bit'. The sander has done a fantastic job)