Drywall Joint

Drywall Joint

Why I Use Drywall Joint Compound, Not Plaster, For Plaster Repair

Joint compound is my material of choice when it comes to repairing interior plaster. Why not use real plaster, you ask?

After nearly 40 years of doing this stuff, I can say - because joint mud rocks!

I have tried to use real plaster for patching holes in plaster. It works, sort of. But you need some way to tie the old and new plaster together. Joint tape and mud is the way to do that.

It is very difficult, in my experience, to patch plaster with plaster and get the patch to blend. Joint compound is much easier to use, and you can sand it after it dries to remove minor tool marks.

The other nice thing about joint compound is that you can take your time, unless you are using hot mud (more about that later). Real plaster has a limited working time, and is just about impossible to sand. Plasterers have hired me to blend their repairs into the surrounding plaster, using joint compound.

Plasterers will complain by saying that joint compound is not as tough or hard as plaster. They are right about that. But in most cases, that is not a major concern, except perhaps in some high traffic areas, as
in public buildings.

What kind of joint compound do I use for fixing plaster?

There are two basic categories of drywall joint compound: regular mud, and quick set (hot) mud. Let's talk about the first one.

Regular joint compound usually comes premixed, in buckets or plastic lined boxes. In the "old days" when I was starting out, my boss liked to mix his own, so he bought sacks of powder. I don't see sacks of joint compound any more on the West Coast (US) where I live, except for texture compound - and now you can even buy that premixed.

The basic feature of this type of mud is that it cannot harden until it has dried on the wall or ceiling. Most US drywall people use the hand-held machine tools like the bazooka and the boxes for finishing drywall, so this is the mud they apply to drywall seams and corners. Because this mud dries slowly, it has a tendency to shrink some, and is not very good on that account for filling holes or for thick applications.

This regular kind of compound comes as taping mud (for sticking down drywall paper tape), all-purpose mud (which can be used for any step of the finishing process) and topping mud (used only for coveringthe taped joints, NOT for taping). For the homeowner, the all-purpose is the one to use. With it, you can apply tape, cover the tape, spot the screws or nails, and even use as texture. It works great for taping and finishing plaster cracks.

But there is another distinction you need to be aware of. Regular joint compound comes as full-strength, and in a lightweight version. The full-strength version is heavier and tougher, but a little harder to sand.

What works nice for plaster repair is to use the full-strength for basic taping and first topping coat, and use the lightweight version for the final topping, for ease of sanding.

Now we come to the quick set muds, aka hot mud. I use this a lot because it is tough, doesn't shrink after it sets up, and can be used for filling deeper cavities. But, as with real plaster, you have a ticking clock as you use hot mud. So the trick is, if you are just learning and need more time, mix small batches at a time and use the longer timed mud, like one hour or ninety minutes.

Hot mud allows me to do multiple operations in a row, without having to wait overnight for each application to dry. This makes me more efficient and shortens the time it takes to complete the job. Being that the hot mud is harder than regular mud, I usually do the final top coat with regular lightweight mud.

For more information on all aspects of plaster repair, check out my author's box.

About the Author

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Saint Gobain 1.88in. X 300ft. Yellow FibaTape Self Adhesive Drywall Joint Tape FDW $24.93 Drywall joint tape

Saint Gobain 1.88in. X 150ft. Yellow FibaTape Self Adhesive Drywall Joint Tape FDW $23.69 Drywall joint tape

Jk744 - 4In Drywall Joint Knife $14.51 [6030845] UPC: 035965145640 10.48L x 5.5W x 4.25H 0.22 LB 0.14 Cubes

Marshalltown Trowel Marshalltown Trowel Drywall Trowel 12622 $10.48 Drywall trowel Model No. 912 11? x 4-1/2? curved blade for finishing drywall joints Cast-aluminum mounting; tempered, polished steel blade and natural finish wood handle The concave shape helps build up the joint for final finish Brand #: Marshalltown Trowel 12622 UPC: 035965026222 Keywords: trowel drywall

Usg Usg Drywall Repair Clip 380161 $2.77 Drywall repair clip Faster, easier method to repair large holes (over 2?) in 1/2? or 5/8? thick drywall panels Clips provide instant bracing, eliminating the need to cut back to studs Insert clip, place wallboard patch in hole, finish seams with drywall tape and joint compound Clips should be placed every 8? Fire rated, complies with building codes Includes 6 clips and 12 screws Brand #: USG 380161 UPC: 081099005039 Keywords: clip drywall repair hole patch

01090 - 5In Flex Drywall Joint Knife $13.07 [8265134] UPC: 604643010909 9L x 5.75W x 1.5H 0.23 LB 0.04 Cubes

01600R - 6In Drywall Joint Flex Knife $15.26 [5709944] UPC: 604643016000 9.75L x 6.75W x 1.25H 0.28 LB 0.05 Cubes

03330 - 6In Drywall Joint Flex Knife $16.01 [2737286] UPC: 604643033304 10L x 8.25W x 1.75H 0.28 LB 0.08 Cubes

904 - 4In Flex Drywall Joint Knife $14.39 [6229827] UPC: 035965061049 4.77L x 8.5W x 2.54H 0.18 LB 0.06 Cubes

2508 - 8In Flex Drywall Joint Knife $20.15 [6838494] UPC: 035965043083 15.38L x 15.19W x 8.69H 0.65 LB 1.17 Cubes

2510 - 10In Flex Drywall Joint Knife $21.69 [6838502] UPC: 035965043106 15.43L x 10.52W x 14.88H 0.76 LB 1.4 Cubes

2512 - 12In Flex Drywall Joint Knife $23.67 [6838551] UPC: 035965043120 12.93L x 15.18W x 15.01H 0.9 LB 1.7 Cubes

Ali Ind. Ali Ind. 80g Drywall Sandpaper 380067 $1.59 80g drywall sandpaper Made of silicon carbide for sanding and finishing of drywall joint compound Can be used on wood, metal, plastic, and auto body filler 5 per card 80 grit Brand #: Ali Ind. 380067 UPC: 009326314990 Keywords: sandpaper drywall

Ali Ind. Ali Ind. 100g Drywall Sandpaper 380075 $1.59 100g drywall sandpaper Made of silicon carbide for sanding and finishing of drywall joint compound Can be used on wood, metal, plastic, and auto body filler 5 per card 100 grit Brand #: Ali Ind. 380075 UPC: 009326315003 Keywords: sandpaper drywall

Saint-gobain Adfors Amer Saint-gobain Adfors Amer 65' Fbgls Drywall Tape FDW6561-U $2.28 65' fbgls drywall tape 2? W. x 65' L. fiberglass mesh tape Ideal for crack and hole repair as well as small drywall joint finishing projects (will tape 4 drywall sheets) Use with spackling, drywall, and plaster compounds For walls and ceilings Self-adhesive Color: White Boxed Brand #: Saint-Gobain ADFORS Amer FDW6561-U UPC: 038662101131 Keywords: drywall tape fiberglas mesh joint fbrglass wall repair multipurpose

Ali Ind. Ali Ind. 100g Drywall Screen 380040 $1.98 100g drywall screen Open mesh waterproof silicon carbide for sanding and finishing of drywall joint compound Nonclogging abrasive screen has grit on both sides for longer life Can be used on wood, metal, plastic, and auto body filler 2 per card Size: 4-3/8? x 11? 100 grit Brand #: Ali Ind. 380040 UPC: 009326315027 Keywords: sanding screen drywall

Ali Ind. Ali Ind. 180g Drywall Screen 380059 $1.98 180g drywall screen Open mesh waterproof silicon carbide for sanding and finishing of drywall joint compound Nonclogging abrasive screen has grit on both sides for longer life Can be used on wood, metal, plastic, and auto body filler 2 per card Size: 4-3/8? x 11? 180 grit Brand #: Ali Ind. 380059 UPC: 009326315010 Keywords: sanding screen drywall

Saint-gobain Adfors Amer Saint-gobain Adfors Amer 75' Drywall Paper Tape FDW6620-U $1.13 75' drywall paper tape Paper reinforcing tape for strengthening and finishing joints of interior drywall panels 2-1/16? x 75' roll Brand #: Saint-Gobain ADFORS Amer FDW6620-U UPC: 038662401026 Keywords: perf a tape joint perforated drywall 75ft roll prfrtd

3m Drywall Plaster Sanding Screens 9094DCNA $23.95 Removes material fast. Resists clogging and buildup. Sands and contours irregular areas. Designed for sanding drywall joint and patching compounds and plaster to a fine finish. Can also be used on wood metal plastic and painted surfaces. The abrasive is water proof silicon carbide a hard synthetic mineral that cuts fast. Both sides of the screen may be used for longer life. 9 x 11 . Carded. Length: 9.25. Width: 11.2. Height: 1

Saint-gobain Adfors Amer Saint-gobain Adfors Amer 300' Fbgl Drywall Tape FDW6567-U $6.32 300' fbgl drywall tape 100% fiberglass Self-adhesive, glass mesh patch/joint drywall and plastering joint tape Perfect for the professional or DIY to seal joints and patch holes on any wall surface Complete instructions included Brand #: Saint-Gobain ADFORS Amer FDW6567-U UPC: 038662102138 Keywords: tape joint fbrgls drywall fiberglass plastering

G15301 - Drywall Rh Tape Shooter, Aluminum Banjo Style Taper Used To Dispense Mud & Tape For Drywall Joint Finishing. $76.65 [360420] UPC: 84389153014 10L x 3.5W x 23.5H 8.82 LB

Marshalltown Trowel Marshalltown Trowel Drywall Hopper Gun 14582 $66.91 Drywall hopper gun Model No. HG692 Sprays both texture and joint compound Full length trigger 7 different orifice sizes with a knurled orifice adjustment knob Plastic hopper has 1-3/4 gallon capacity with no corner seams to clog Offset connector allows ceiling or wall spraying Delivers 7 CFM at 25 P.S.I Weighs 6 lb Brand #: Marshalltown Trowel 14582 UPC: 035965045827 Keywords: gun hopper drywall texture

Drywall $27.2 No Synopsis Available

Strait-flex Intl Strait-flex Intl 8x8 Drywall Perma-patch PP-2PK $2.84 8x8 drywall perma-patch Primary uses include receptacle relocation, doorknob repair, ceiling light relocation, can light relocation, and drywall hole repair Easy installation, patch is imprinted with designs of receptacle, ceiling light, and can light for easy adjustments Cut to size Drywall patch is waterproof, and not affected by water or damp conditions Patch will not fuzz-up during sanding 8? W. x 8? H. 2 drywall patches per package Brand #: Strait-Flex Intl PP-2PK UPC: 656690123453 Keywords: perma patch drywall plaster repair ceiling wallboard kit wall tape joint fbrgls spackling drywal hole for fiberglass

Marshalltown Trowel Marshalltown Trowel Drywall Hopper Gun 16356 $85.88 Drywall hopper gun Model No. 791 One of the most advanced sprayers available with many exclusive features not found on other guns Sprays both texture and joint compound Full length trigger 7 different orifice sizes with a knurled orifice adjustment knob Air control at the gun instead of at the pump Plastic hopper has 1-3/4 gallon capacity with no corner seams to clog Offset connector allows ceiling or wall spraying Delivers 7 CFM at 25 P.S.I Weighs 6 lb Brand #: Marshalltown Trowel 16356 UPC: 035965063562 Keywords: hopper gun drywall texture

Usg Usg 2-1 16 inx250' Joint Tape 382175 $2.23 2-1/16?x250' joint tape Paper reinforcing tape for strengthening and finishing joints of interior drywall panels 2-1/16? wide 250' roll Brand #: USG 382175 UPC: 081099221644 Keywords: drywall tape jnt perforated joint perf a

Usg Usg 2-1 16 inx500' Joint Tape 382198 $4.31 2-1/16?x500' joint tape Paper reinforcing tape for strengthening and finishing joints of interior drywall panels 2-1/16? wide 500' roll Brand #: USG 382198 UPC: 081099222658 Keywords: drywall tape jnt perforated joint perf a

Hyde Mfg. Hyde Mfg. 4 in Hh Joint Knife 02570 $6.05 4? hh joint knife Made of the same quality materials as the Black & Silver putty knives Full tang construction and patented handle Hammer head is built into handle to set drywall nails 4? Brand #: Hyde Mfg. 02570 UPC: 079423025709 Keywords: joint knife spreader drywall compnd

Hyde Mfg. Hyde Mfg. 5 in Hh Joint Knife 02770 $6.94 5? hh joint knife Made of the same quality materials as the Black & Silver putty knives Full tang construction and patented handle Hammer head is built into handle to set drywall nails 5? Brand #: Hyde Mfg. 02770 UPC: 079423027703 Keywords: joint knife spreader drywall compnd

Hyde Mfg. Hyde Mfg. 6 in Hh Joint Knife 02870 $6.95 6? hh joint knife Made of the same quality materials as the Black & Silver putty knives Full tang construction and patented handle Hammer head is built into handle to set drywall nails 6? Brand #: Hyde Mfg. 02870 UPC: 079423028700 Keywords: joint knife spreader drywall compnd

Saint-gobain Adfors Amer Saint-gobain Adfors Amer 150' Fbgls Drywall Tape FDW6578-U $3.04 150' fbgls drywall tape Contractor roll fiberglass mesh drywall joint and patch tape For the professional or DIY to seal joints and patch holes on any wall surface Self-adhesive Shrink-wrapped roll 1-7/8? wide 150' long, white Brand #: Saint-Gobain ADFORS Amer FDW6578-U UPC: 038662111031 Keywords: plaster repair fabric fiba tape joint fiberglass no coat drywall corner ultraflex perf a perforated perma tite dry wall stucco crackstop fiberglas mesh jnt fbrglass fbrgls crack stop & ceiling bead drywl flex trim pre taped inside cornerbead taper fibatape

Saint-gobain Adfors Amer Saint-gobain Adfors Amer 500' Fbgls Drywall Tape FDW6583-U $8.08 500' fbgls drywall tape Contractor roll fiberglass mesh drywall joint and patch tape For the professional or DIY to seal joints and patch holes on any wall surface Self-adhesive Shrink-wrapped roll 1-7/8? wide 500' long, white Brand #: Saint-Gobain ADFORS Amer FDW6583-U UPC: 038662113035 Keywords: plaster repair fabric fiba tape joint fiberglass no coat drywall corner ultraflex perf a perforated perma tite dry wall stucco crackstop fiberglas mesh jnt fbrglass fbrgls crack stop & ceiling bead drywl flex trim pre taped inside cornerbead taper fibatape

Saint-gobain Adfors Amer Saint-gobain Adfors Amer 50' Fbgls Drywall Tape FDW6693-U $1.84 50' fbgls drywall tape Contractor roll fiberglass mesh drywall joint and patch tape For the professional or DIY to seal joints and patch holes on any wall surface Self-adhesive Shrink-wrapped roll 1-7/8? wide 50' long, white Brand #: Saint-Gobain ADFORS Amer FDW6693-U UPC: 038662114032 Keywords: plaster repair fabric fiba tape joint fiberglass no coat drywall corner ultraflex perf a perforated perma tite dry wall stucco crackstop fiberglas mesh jnt fbrglass fbrgls crack stop & ceiling bead drywl flex trim pre taped inside cornerbead taper fibatape

Joint $8.99 Joint - Poster

Saint-gobain Adfors Amer Saint-gobain Adfors Amer 1-7 8 inx300' Drywall Tape FDW7984-H $3.48 1-7/8?x300' drywall tape Self-adhesive fiberglass mesh tape Reduces drywall-joint finishing time and increases reinforcement strength Fiberglass tape will not bubble or blister, is nonshrinking, and eliminates the necessity for a pre-bedding coat When used with a setting-type compound, allows for job completion in a day Other project applications include veneer plastering, hole and crack patching in drywall and plaster, and stucco repair 1-7/8? W. x 300' L White Brand #: Saint-Gobain ADFORS Amer FDW7984-H UPC: 038662810002 Keywords: perforated joint tape drywall fiberglass corner dry wall stucco repair fabric plaster perma tite bead ultraflex crack cornerbead inside fiberglas mesh tuff fbrglass prfrtd no coat perf a flex trim taper gard stop & ceiling crackstop pre taped

Strait-flex Intl Strait-flex Intl Medium Drywall Crnr Tape SM-100 $17.32 Medium drywall crnr tape Slightly thinner material than Strait-Flex Original drywall corner tape Slotted holes along edges promotes faster drying and extra adhesion Used for off-angles, bay windows, inside or outside 90 corners, or where a definite straight inside line is required Material can be second coated immediately Quicker to install where framing members and drywall are straight Saves 25% to 50% on installation time over other products Made of high tech composite material Installation does not require fasteners, or stapling Drywall tape will not fuzz-up during sanding 2-1/4? W. x 100' L Brand #: Strait-Flex Intl SM-100 UPC: 656690125563 Keywords: joint tape drywall fiberglas mesh corner taper bead wall repair strait flex prfrtd straitflex perforated perf a fbrglass trim no coat ultraflex pre taped cornerbead inside fiberglass

Walboard Tool 9in. Drywall Sanding Sponge 38030 $23.63 Sanding sponge. Designed for sanding wallboard joint compound. Achieve professional feather finish. Dustless sanding when used wet. Rinse and reuse. Yellow side cleans and smoothes. White side for more aggressive sanding. 9 x 4.50 x 1.75 . Length: 1.75. Width: 9. Height: 4.5

Walboard Tool 12.5in. Aluminum Drywall Hawk 47002DH50 $33.86 Drywall hawk