Preparing newly plastered or filled walls for decorating can be one of the most time-consuming parts of a renovation.
Small repairs can often be tackled with a hand sanding block, but sanding an entire wall or ceiling is very different. Working across a large surface manually takes time, creates considerable dust and can be physically demanding, particularly when working above shoulder height.
A professional drywall sander is designed to make larger plasterboard and drywall preparation jobs more manageable.
Tool Chest Hire has recently added the Festool Planex LHS2 EQI PLUS drywall sander to its hire range, providing another option for decorators, tradespeople and experienced DIY renovators working on larger surfaces.
What Is a Drywall Sander?
A drywall sander is a powered sanding machine designed specifically for preparing large wall and ceiling surfaces.
Unlike a small handheld orbital sander, it usually features a long handle and large sanding head, allowing the user to cover a much wider area and reach higher sections without constantly moving ladders or platforms.
It is commonly used when preparing plasterboard joints, smoothing filler and creating an even surface before decorating.
The Festool Planex LHS2 currently available from Tool Chest Hire is designed for large-surface sanding and forms part of the company's professional sander range.
When Is Hiring a Drywall Sander Worthwhile?
For a single filled screw hole or a small repair, a powered drywall sander would be unnecessary.
It becomes much more useful when you are dealing with substantial areas.
Examples include full-room renovations, plasterboard installations, extensions, loft conversions, office refurbishments and preparation following extensive filling or jointing.
Ceilings are another area where specialist equipment can help. Repeatedly sanding overhead using a small hand tool can be tiring, while the extended design of a drywall sander is intended to make large ceiling areas easier to reach.
Hiring means you can use specialist equipment for this particular stage of the project and return it once preparation is complete.
Why Not Use an Ordinary Sander?
Different sanders are designed for different jobs.
An orbital or belt sander can be extremely useful for timber, furniture and other surfaces, but that does not automatically make it the best option for large plasterboard walls.
Drywall sanders are designed around covering broad areas and maintaining controlled contact with the wall or ceiling.
Tool Chest Hire carries a wide range of sanding equipment, including belt, orbital, edging and floor sanders as well as its dedicated drywall model, so the appropriate machine will depend on the surface being prepared.
Using equipment designed for the job can help make the preparation stage quicker and easier to control.
Dust Control Matters
Sanding plasterboard compound, filler and similar materials can generate a significant amount of fine dust.
This does not simply make the room messy. Dust can spread into adjoining spaces and settle on surfaces that have already been cleaned or decorated.
Dust extraction is therefore an important consideration when choosing professional sanding equipment.
Even when extraction is being used, the work area should be prepared carefully. Remove or cover furniture, isolate the room from other areas where possible, and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Tool Chest Hire's broader power-tool safety guidance recommends suitable PPE and dust management when using sanding equipment.
Prepare the Wall Before Sanding
Before switching on the sander, inspect the surface carefully.
Make sure fillers and jointing compounds have properly dried according to their product instructions. Remove loose material and look for screws, fixings or other objects that could interfere with the sanding head.
You should also think about the finish you are trying to achieve.
The aim is generally to smooth raised areas and blend transitions rather than aggressively remove large amounts of the wall surface.
Work gradually and inspect your progress regularly. Oversanding can create low spots or damage the plasterboard facing.
Don't Forget Edges and Detailed Areas
A large drywall sander is excellent for broad wall and ceiling areas, but it may not be suitable for every corner and detail.
Areas close to skirting, sockets, window reveals and internal corners may still require smaller sanding equipment or careful hand finishing.
This is normal. The purpose of the larger machine is to take much of the time and effort out of the main surface rather than replace every other finishing tool.
Drywall Sander or Floor Sander?
Although both pieces of equipment are described as sanders, they are intended for very different applications.
Floor sanders are designed for wooden flooring and other appropriate floor-preparation work. A drywall sander is designed for walls and ceilings.
Tool Chest Hire offers dedicated equipment for both applications, so always describe the surface and project when making an enquiry rather than simply requesting "a sander".
Hire the Right Sander for Your Renovation
Good decorating results often depend on the preparation completed before the first coat of paint is applied.
For a large plasterboard or drywall project, hiring professional sanding equipment can help reduce the time and physical effort involved in preparing broad surfaces.
Tool Chest Hire provides drywall sander hire in London alongside a comprehensive selection of sanding, decorating and construction equipment from its Hammersmith depot.
If you are unsure whether the Festool Planex or another sander is most appropriate for your project, speak to the Tool Chest Hire team for advice.
Visit 68 Iffley Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 0PF, or call 020 8748 7912.
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