I recently put up drywall in my garage (two wall and ceiling). I started to do the taping and mudding part and I have a question about the consistency of the mud. The five gallon bucket of mud says to add water to get the correct consistency. Being that this is my first major drywall project, I'm not sure what consistency to look for. Does anyone have a recommendation for the amount of water to add to a five gallon bucket of mud? or how to gauge the correct consistency?
Robin
Mix your mud thoroughly, a mixer chucked in an electric drill works great unless you're mixing a small amount. With a very clean and dry metal teaspoon pick up as much drywall compound as possible. Turn it
90 degrees and start counting. When it drops at 3 seconds, it's just right for taping. If you add more water and stir, clean and dry the teaspoon again before you test. If you want to tecture a wall or stipple a ceiling make it thicker. The last drywall coat should be slightly thinner.
I'll readily admit, I;m no pro, but one thing I've learned from a guy who is .. .. add a FEW drops of DAWN Liquid Dishwashing Detergent to the bucket of mud. It lowers surface tension, makes the compound more "creamy", and enhances the workability.
Horse Hockey...All it does is make the room smell better and your eyes burn when you sand it...Old drywallers liked to use it to cover up the beer and pot oder on them when they came back from break and lunch...LOL...