Choosing a sander for walls and ceilings

The use of a sander for ceilings and walls significantly speeds up and simplifies the work on processing substrates. Even if you very carefully performed the puttying, stripes from the spatula, all kinds of sagging and other small defects that will be especially noticeable after painting will still remain on the coating.

The main working element of any grinder is a horizontal plane with abrasive paper fixed on it. It can be fixed in two main ways.

• With a clamp. This is the most common option and is mainly used on household typewriters. The clip visually resembles a spring latch. For such models, the sanding sheet must be prepared independently from sandpaper, which allows significant savings on consumables.
• With Velcro. Such products are slightly more expensive, they do not require additional cutting of the abrasive. Each tool provides dust removal - as a rule, a dust collector or a vacuum cleaner is used for this, some modifications are equipped with both. Connecting a vacuum cleaner is considered a very useful option, since it allows you to work without taking a break to clean the tank, which in general significantly increases the speed of work.

Wall and ceiling sanders are produced in several versions.

These devices are used to prepare the coating for further, finer sanding. Tape machines are not suitable for plastered and putty surfaces, but they can effectively remove a layer of old paint. Household models have a relatively low cost, however, they are designed for short-term infrequent use, and professional ones function even in the most difficult conditions and in an intense rhythm of loading.

Such grinders are used for the finest surface treatment. The sole of the orbital instrument moves along a complex trajectory, due to which it leaves behind an almost perfect surface.

In terms of the quality of the finish, these machines are close to eccentric ones, but they work much more roughly, at the same time, the price of both the PSHM itself and the consumables for them is much lower. It is in these machines that sandpaper is fixed with a clamp, while Velcro is used for tape and orbital models.

You can start surface treatment with a grinder only after the putty is completely dry and hard to the touch, usually this does not happen earlier than 24 hours after applying the building compound. Before starting work, you need to carefully inspect the walls, as well as the ceiling, in order to detect all protrusions and surface defects - it is best to use a side illumination with a small flashlight for this, in this case the irregularities begin to cast shadows.

A mesh is attached to the grinder, the grain size of which depends on the type of work selected:

• No. 60-80 - used for rough cleaning of walls before gluing wallpaper;
• No. 100 - optimal for finishing ceiling sanding.

Grind the surface with rotating movements until the place is perfectly flat, that is, it does not cast light shadows from the flashlight. The top layer of putty is usually very delicate, so you do not need to press on the machine with force - you just need to drive it over the surface without pressing down. Make sure that the surface of the clipper is firmly against the wall or ceiling. At the same time, the emery should be located exactly parallel to the base to be treated, and the machine must be driven evenly, otherwise the distortion of the working surface cannot be avoided.

Sanding walls and ceilings is considered the most dusty of all types of renovation work, which is why it is very important to protect your eyes and respiratory system while sanding. To do this, wear protective goggles, as well as a respirator. It is better to remove all pieces of furniture from the room in advance, and cover the floor with a film - otherwise they will be covered with a dense layer of chalk dust, which will be quite problematic to get rid of.

Be sure to move safely around the room with a working tool in hand. If you are forced to work in low light conditions, there is a risk of injury. Most professional models are equipped with an extended handle, which reduces the risk of falling off stepladders and ladders while working.

Like any other electric construction tool, grinders are a source of sparks, so it is strictly forbidden to grind near flammable objects, liquids and vapors. The sanding process should not be interrupted, therefore, children and pets should be taken out of the room in advance.

If the machine has a ground connection, the use of adapters is unacceptable.

Do not work with the tool with the cover removed.

If any extraneous noise or strong smell appears, immediately turn off the device - it is faulty, and you should contact the service center.

And, of course, give preference to tools from trusted manufacturers. The rating of the most practical and reliable grinders includes Makita, Sturm and Interskol.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the Sturm DWS 6016 wall and ceiling sander.