Patching a hole in drywall is a common home repair, but sanding the joint compound smooth before painting can create a lot of dust.
Instead of sanding the patch, consider using a drywall sponge. While it takes a bit longer than sanding, a drywall sponge greatly reduces the amount of dust in the air.
- Start by dipping the sponge in warm water and wringing out the excess.
- Then, using the course side of the sponge, go over the drywall patch in a circular motion.
- Rinse the sponge out in the bucket from time to time. As you keep going over it, the joint compound will soften and smooth out the patch.
- Once it dries, you can paint right over it.