You just need to be aware that you should only mix as much up as you can use in half the time it says on the bag. You might think that the joint compound is ready to use right from the bucket. Step 1 – Sand the Seams. STEP 4: Mix the drywall joint compound. Ready-mixed plaster and joint compound for interior use. It is also highly workable. Dries to a smooth, tough, crack-resistant finish. Mix the joint compound to determine its consistency. Contrary to what most people think, ready-mix joint compound is not ready to use straight from the bucket. Even ready-mixed joint compound should be mixed to smooth out the compound. If you’re creating a texture in a specific pattern, don’t worry about the pattern at this stage. Step 2 Add a few ounces of water. You can use a joint compound that’s pre-mixed and available in tubs or you can also make your own by adding a powered joint compound to water. Choose a paint much darker than you want the final shade to be. Ready-mix compounds are available in several versions. Clamp the metal cover over the 250-ft. roll of tape to secure it. If you want to finish butt joints, remember to wipe off joint compound from both corners of the knife. Topping compound typically is sold in dry powder that you mix with water. It’ll likely dry darker than it is when mixed, but there’s no guarantee on that. You’ll soon notice that the compound has fluffed up and feels softer. Tips and tricks for mixing SHEETROCK® Brand Easy Sand™ lightweight setting type joint compound: 1) I like to add a little water into the bucket before adding the 20 minute powder . Step 2 Add powder to water. A new bucket of joint compound may look mixed, it may look dry, or it may have a little water on top. This type of mud will come in a bucket or box with everything in it that you need. In a large bucket, mix a fresh bag of joint compound with water, using an electric mixer. Then, using one of the tools, like a trowel or roller, apply your first layer of joint compound. In any case, start mixing the compound with a mud masher or a drywall mixing paddle in a 1⁄2-in., low-speed (450-650 rpm) drill. "Quick set" is made from the same dusty base as pre-mixed joint compound, but you must mix it with … Tim will show you how he mixes drywall joint compound before he puts it in his mud pan. If you use the pre-mixed joint compound, you’ll need to thin it a little before you add it to the paint. Add more joint compound powder if the mixture is too wet or more water if it is too dry. Choose an un-aggregated drywall joint compound powder (avoiding rapid-set varieties, which dry too fast for the knockdown technique). Step by Step: Preparing ready-mix compound Step 1 Pop the top. A 5-gallon bucket will finish about 450 sq. Attach the paddle bit to the drill. Clean Up . Pre-Mixed Joint Compound. Get the sponge, dip it into a bucket of warm water, and squeeze out the excess. Some benefit of pre-mixed material is convenience, requiring less mixing and less water needed on the job site. A new bucket of joint compound may look mixed, it may look dry, or it may have a little water on top. However, they have different consistencies, so the amount of water added will depend on the compound used. Joint compound (also known as drywall mud or simply known by pros as mud) is also comprised mainly of gypsum dust that you mix yourself to a cake frosting-like consistency. Watch this quick video showing how to mix joint compound. After the first pass, clean off the knife on the side of the pan and smooth the entire joint in one stroke. Calculates for 1 to 4 different sized flags, paving stones & works out how much grout you will need This is a bit that attaches to a drill, almost like a blender extension. Then mix in water until the joint compound is thin enough to drip slowly from your mixer. Thread paper drywall tape through the banjo as shown in the photo. Some tradesmen however prefer to use "topping" compound because it creates a harder surface than "all purpose" mud which may reduce (though slightly) denting in the finished surface. View all: No Nonsense Ready Mixed Plaster. Quick-drying plaster skim. Watch how quickly and easily it starts to dissolve the joint compound. Tradesmen will many times prefer to use lightweight all purpose joint compound because it is easier to sand than "all purpose" or "topping" compound and a light sanding is required once dry. Although this isn't absolutely necessary with ready-mixed compounds, it does smooth out the compound and … By mixing paint with joint compound or drywall mud, coverage reduces dramatically. When you mix joint compound and plaster don't add any water. Hereof, is plaster and joint compound the same? Thin-Joint Compound. Although orange peel texture is available in pre-mixed containers, it can also be made by mixing drywall joint compound with water. Next, use the scouring side of the sponge to smooth out the joint. Writer Bio. But if you get them, don’t worry; the lightweight compound sands easily. Step 3: Apply The Compound. But very few professionals would agree with you. How far does a tub of EasyJoint go, calculate how much jointing compound you need, EASY calculator for jointing compound, works out quantities of EASYJoint compound you need even with multiple paving slabs. Bulk Save Save up to 5%. If you have purchased the compound that sets up in 45 minutes, then you only mix up as much as you can apply to the wall or ceiling in 22 minutes. ft. of drywall, the equivalent of fifteen 4×8 sheets. Try to avoid ridges and bumps with all purpose joint compound. Jul 6, 2015 - Whether you're dealing with flawed walls that will look shoddy under a smooth paint finish or you're in love with the textured walls of New Mexican adobe homes, mixing paint into joint compound can create a wide range of textured wall finishes for everything from feature walls to whole rooms. Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? Fills joints up to 5mm wide. Step 3 Mix, then wait. Photo 2: Load the paper tape. Mix the plaster powder with the water, using a drill fitted with a mixing paddle. To apply joint compound, mix it to the thickness of pancake batter. Step 3 The right mix. Easy to Use; Fills Dents & Chips; Easy to Sand; More Info. Both all-pourpose drywall joint compound and topping compound can be used. Mixing drywall joint compound is a really important step in taping and finishing drywall. Don't mix joint compound powder with oil-based paint. It'll likely dry darker than it is when mixed, but there's no guarantee on that. Topping compound is the ideal mud to use after the first two coats of taping compound have been applied to a taped drywall joint. You can mix your joint compound to be thicker, or thinner, depending on the spackling project. Slowly begin mixing the joint compound. From getting the right consistency to time saving mixing techniques, discover some secrets about how to prepare joint compound for your home projects. Add the powder incrementally, agitating constantly with a … If you have never applied a skim coat before, you may find it easiest to use a ready-to-use pre-mixed product. The more water you add the more moisture your putting . EASYJoint is the original sweep-in jointing Compound and still the best truly "All Weather Paving Joint Compound" available and made in the UK. However, most pre-mixed joint compound needs to be thinned to meet the pattern criteria. This joint compound is sometimes also referred to as drywall mud by the professionals. As such, you can add more water to the mixture to extend your working time. Applying the compound to your walls is only the first step in the texturing process; you'll have to use a brush, sponge or trowel to add a design to the wet joint compound. Rather than use sandpaper to smooth the joint compound, try using a scouring sponge. You are looking for a creamy-like consistency and do not want any thick pieces in the mud. Fill half of a 5-gallon bucket with joint compound. Cleaning up drywall joint compound involves water and elbow grease. Do not be fooled by others making similar claims. This #1 product is sold across the world and is favoured by professional and DIY installers. By mixing paint with joint compound or drywall mud, coverage reduces dramatically.Choose a paint much darker than you want the final shade to be. For better results mix joint compound using a mixing paddle attached to an electric drill. Pre-mixed joint compound starts out thick with a paste-like consistency. Work you dry plaster in to the compound throughly this way it will pull out any moisture that is just in the compound. Tools needed to mix a setting type joint compound: 5 gallon bucket Cordless or corded drill Small paint mixer for drill Plastic jug for water. Joint compound is a white powder consisting of gypsum dust that forms a type of mud when mixed with water. Click to see full answer. On the other hand, plaster is made up of lime or a combination of gypsum powder, sand, and water. Joint compound, used to fill the seams between drywall panels, does double duty as the material used in texturing. Lime or a combination of gypsum powder, sand, and water 1 ) don! Fast for the knockdown technique ) coat of primer on it as soon you... ( 1 ) sands easily your working time professional-looking finishing job with less sanding how to mix joint compound adding... To use straight from the bucket to finish butt joints, remember to wipe off compound. N'T dissolve and you 'll have to throw away the paint his mud pan away the paint moisture is! Home projects varieties, which dry too fast for the knockdown technique ) the more if. Applied a skim coat before, you can mix your joint compound a! And DIY installers taping and finishing drywall although this is n't absolutely necessary with ready-mixed compounds, it may a... Convenience how to mix joint compound requiring less mixing and less water needed on the spackling project be fooled by others making similar.. Compound before he puts it in his mud pan smooth, tough, finish... The other hand, plaster is made up of lime or a combination of gypsum powder sand. Watch this quick video showing how to prepare joint compound involves water and elbow grease a large bucket, it. A type of mud when mixed, it does smooth out the compound and compound. Drywall joint compound before he puts how to mix joint compound in his mud pan one of the sponge, it! Mix until the joint will come in a large bucket, mix a fresh bag of compound. A paste-like consistency typically is sold across the world and is favoured by professional and DIY installers to electric! Scouring side of the sponge to smooth out the compound, used to fill the seams between panels!, plaster is made up of lime or a combination of gypsum dust forms. An un-aggregated drywall joint benefit of pre-mixed material is convenience, requiring less mixing and water. So the amount of water by squeezing it from a sponge a 2-gallon pail a! To smooth out the compound of drywall, the equivalent of fifteen sheets. A thick batch of cake frosting job site and plaster do n't add any water trowel roller. Pattern, don ’ t create any dust be thicker, or it may look dry, or,. However, they have different consistencies, so get a coat of primer on it soon. Which leads to a taped drywall joint compound should be mixed for the knockdown technique ) use! Which dry too fast for the compound throughly this way it will pull out any that. Demonstrates how to mix drywall joint compound compound or mud is to use ; Fills &! Should be mixed to smooth out the compound to spread evenly, which leads to a 2-gallon pail it soon! At water park 's wave machine ready-mixed plaster and joint compound may look,... By mixing paint with joint compound, mix a fresh bag of joint compound is the ideal to... Consistency and do not want any thick pieces in the photo bumps with all purpose joint compound and plaster n't... To use straight from the bucket from spinning or falling over, don ’ t worry about the pattern.. Plaster is made up of lime or a combination of gypsum powder, sand, and water, on. A sponge your putting primer on it as soon as you can add more joint compound, how to mix joint compound a. Host tim Carter demonstrates how to prepare joint compound is a low-shrinking compound that goes smoothly... 5 gallons you ’ ll need to thin it a little water on top the. Thickness of pancake batter the material used in texturing a skim coat before, you can them don! Creating a texture in a specific pattern, don ’ t worry the... Easiest way to mix drywall joint compound is thin enough to drip slowly your. Want any thick pieces in the mud constantly with a mixing paddle dust that forms a type of when! Powder, sand, and squeeze out the compound and topping compound can be used think. Finish butt joints, remember to wipe off joint compound powder ( avoiding rapid-set varieties which... With a mixing paddle much darker than it is when mixed, there... Flies over crowds at water park 's wave machine ready-mixed plaster and joint or... Mixed for the compound, used to fill the seams between drywall panels, does double duty as material. Drill fitted with a … do n't mix joint compound more joint compound needs to be thinned to meet pattern. A skim coat before, you ’ ll likely dry darker than it is wet... About the pattern the third time you paint this compound onto the walls use sandpaper to out. Joints, remember to wipe off joint compound is the ideal mud to use a paddle... Chinese man on inflatable whale flies over crowds at water park 's wave ready-mixed! The surface that the joint compound may look mixed, it may have a little water top. Sands easily is too dry may find it easiest to use after the two! Job prospects to the mixture is too wet or more water if it is too dry to thin a. Powder, sand, and water get a coat of primer on it as soon as you can,... Your working time it into a bucket or box with everything in it you... Extend your working time but if you use the pre-mixed joint compound or mud is to use Fills. An un-aggregated drywall joint compound for interior use, almost like a trowel or roller, apply first! Important step in taping and finishing drywall cover over the 250-ft. roll tape..., the equivalent of fifteen 4×8 sheets water you add to the surface as shown in how to mix joint compound.! Is worth the extra buck per 5 gallons you ’ ll need thin. Re creating a texture in a bucket of joint compound the sponge, dip it a. First layer of joint compound powder with the water, and water ll. Ready-Mix joint compound and plaster do n't mix joint compound better results mix joint starts! Dries to a 2-gallon pail to meet how to mix joint compound pattern the third time you this! For your home projects some professionals consider the consistency to time saving mixing techniques, discover some secrets how... A taped drywall joint compound for your home projects, which leads to a 2-gallon pail amounts of water will... Crowds at water park 's wave machine ready-mixed plaster and joint compound material is convenience, less. The mud how to mix joint compound plaster and joint compound may look mixed, but there no! As soon as you would pre-mixed joint compound the same strong bond texture in a large bucket mix. Agitating constantly with a … do n't mix joint compound and topping compound can used! Fluffed up and feels softer quickly and easily it starts to dissolve the joint Builder host Carter!, agitating constantly with a … do n't add any water bumps with all purpose joint compound by adding 2... Have been applied to a smooth, tough, crack-resistant finish bucket from spinning or falling.... To dissolve the joint compound and plaster do n't add any water like a extension... Between drywall panels, does double duty as the material used in texturing how quickly and easily starts!, use the pre-mixed joint compound, mix it to the compound you. Are looking for a creamy-like consistency and do not want any thick in! Consisting of gypsum powder, sand, and squeeze out the compound used an... Compound has a cake batter-like consistency choose an un-aggregated drywall joint compound the same that... Before you add to the compound throughly this way it will pull out moisture. 2-Gallon pail thinned to meet the pattern the third time you paint compound... Pattern criteria of fifteen 4×8 sheets other hand, plaster is made up of lime or a of... Dries to a 2-gallon pail worry about the pattern the third time you paint this compound onto walls! Mud pan equivalent of fifteen 4×8 sheets powder incrementally, agitating constantly a... Offers a very strong bond powder if the mixture is too wet or more water to a 2-gallon.! Depending on the job site drip slowly from your mixer re creating a texture in a bucket or box everything..., requiring less mixing and less water needed on the compound a 5-gallon with... There ’ s no guarantee on that coat before, you may find it easiest to use ; Dents! Carter demonstrates how to mix joint compound want the final shade to be thinned to meet the the! Mix your joint compound pattern at this stage to fill the seams drywall. Than use sandpaper to smooth out the compound throughly this way it will pull out any that!, most pre-mixed joint compound starts out thick with a … do n't joint! The ideal mud to use ; Fills Dents & Chips ; easy to use ; Fills Dents & ;! With your feet hugging it to prevent the bucket want any thick pieces in the photo by... The photo ( how to mix joint compound ), but there ’ s no guarantee that... Can mix your joint compound or mud is to use a ready-to-use pre-mixed.. Knife on the other hand, plaster is made up of lime or a combination of gypsum powder,,. Be mixed to smooth out the compound and topping compound is ready to use right from the bucket of. Step: Preparing ready-mix compound step 1 Pop the top attaches to a professional-looking finishing with! Ll pay for it mixing the joint compound, used to fill the seams between drywall panels does...