Patching drywall with a sponge instead of sandpaper actually works

I was fixing a small hole in my hallway and hated the dust from sanding, so I tried a damp sponge to smooth the joint compound. It took maybe 2 minutes and left zero dust everywhere. Has anyone else done this or is there a catch I'm missing?

2 comments

2 Comments

fiona1301mo ago

Sponge method leaves moisture behind which can mess up your paint.

nancy9291mo ago

Okay but nobody is talking about how the sponge texture itself can mess with the finish. I tried this once on a ceiling patch and ended up with weird little dimples all over because the sponge soaked up too much compound in spots. You really gotta squeeze it almost bone dry and barely touch the surface or it'll leave a pattern that paint just highlights.