Drywall Compound
The various types and their respective characteristics
When looking to purchase drywall compound, there are many different brands to choose from at the large "big-box" home improvement stores, or your nearby hardware store. We want to bring to your attention the three main types of drywall mud upon which you can focus your project.
Different Types - Different Applications
All-Purpose Joint Compound
Comes ready-mixed in 20-pound boxes, and 4.5, and 1 gallon buckets. Primarily used for taping joints and adding texture. This is really all it should be used for as it is a "heavier" type of mud. It can be used for coating, but the fact that it tends to shrink and crack, along with being somewhat hard to sand, suggests you should use a lightweight all-purpose coating.
Price: $10 to $13 per bucket (approximate/4.5 gallon))
Topping or Lightweight Compound
This comes ready-mixed also in 4.5 and 1 gallon buckets. Excellent for first and second coats, because of the fact that it does what the all-purpose type mud doesn't do very well - and that is it shrinks less and sands much easier.
- Many finishing pros like to use this type of drywall compound exclusively for all their projects. The reason is because it's lightweight, it is really easy to apply and sand -
Also ...Great for small drywall patching jobs where wet sanding is the preferred method of drywall sanding. Price: $12 to $15 per bucket (approximate/4.5 gallon)
Quick Set
This particular type of mud comes in powder form, and packed in 18 pound bags. You can purchase these "hot" muds in many different drying-time ranges. They are as follows: 20 minute, 45, 90, 210, and 300 minute. You need to be careful though. Because of the hardening formula involved, you've only got so much time to do what you need to do in the way coating, as the mud is not so much "drying" as it is hardening really fast. Also, be aware of the fact that this type of mud, while is less likely to shrink and crack, is very hard to sand. Some form of finishing experience recommended. Price: $10 to $15 per bag (approximate)
Tip - Some good advice for you do-it-yourselfers when preparing your mud, is to get a mixing paddle that attaches to your drill, and completely mix the mud until you have a creamy (like thick cake icing) texture. This procedure removes any lumpy material that was present during manufacturing, and enables you to apply the mud in a smooth, consistent manner.
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