The hardening action of SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compounds requires that all tools, mixing containers, bread pans, etc., used for application be thoroughly cleaned. Flush and clean these compounds from equipment with a conventional garden hose and brush before the setting action takes place. Immersion of equipment in water will not prevent hardening of the compound.

Mechanical tool application is not recommended with fast-setting SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compounds.

Related Topics:

Mixing Joint Compounds
Hand Tool Application
Mechanical Tool Application
Setting-Type Joint Compound Application
Drying Time--Joint Compound Under Tape
Finishing

Mixing Joint Compounds

1. Mix powder joint compounds in a clean 5-gal. container -- preferably plastic for SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compounds since plastic permits flexing container walls to break loose hardened compound. A commercial potato masher makes a convenient mixing tool. Power mixing saves considerable time, particularly where mixing in a central location is convenient. Power may be supplied by a 1/2" heavy-duty electric drill operating at 200 to 300 rpm (400 rpm max.). Drills operating at high speeds whip air into the compound, and also accelerate setting of setting-type compounds. (See "Mixing Equipment" for information on mixing paddles.) Keep mixing buckets and tools clean at all times. Containers having any residue of joint compounds in them may cause premature hardening, scratching and incompatibility problems.
   
2. Pour proper amount of clean drinkable water into container. Dirty water (such as that used to clean tools) will contaminate compound and cause erratic setting of SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Compounds. The amounts for type of application and product used are shown in the directions on the package.
   
3. Sift joint compound into water, allowing complete wetting of the powder.
   
4. Mix as shown below:

(a). For SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compounds, follow mixing directions on the bag. Do not overmix; this may speed up hardening time. Note: Keep compound from being contaminated by any other materials such as other type joint compounds, dirty water or previously mixed SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compounds. Contamination will affect the hardening time and properties of the compound. Do not remix if product has started to set.
Mix only as much SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compound as can be used within time period shown on bag (usually about 2-1/2 hours for 210, 1 hour for DURABOND 90, for example).
The compound will harden chemically after this time period, even under water. Do not attempt to hold wet mix or immerse joint compound-coated tools in water to hold back hardening. Retempering the compound is not recommended.

(b). For SHEETROCK Drying-Type Powder Joint Compounds, stir until the powder is uniformly damp, then after approx. 15 min., remix vigorously until smooth. Note: Do not add extra water. Use specified amounts of water, as SHEETROCK Joint Compounds will retain their original mixed consistency over extended periods. On occasions, some slight liquid separation or settlement of compound may take place in the bucket, but a brief remix will restore the compound to its original consistency.

(c). For SHEETROCK Ready-Mixed Compounds, mix contents lightly and use at package consistency for fasteners and corner beads. May be thinned for taping and finishing and for use with mechanical tools. Add water in half-pint increments to avoid overthinning. Remix lightly and test apply after each water addition. A potato masher-type mixer is recommended for Ready-Mixed Compounds. Drill-type mixers tend to whip air into the compounds.

Use cool to lukewarm (not hot) water. If compound should accidentally be overthinned, simply add additional Ready-Mixed Compound to thicken, then remix.

To hold the wet mix in a container for prolonged periods, cover the material with a wet cloth or a thin layer of water. When needed, pour off water and retemper as necessary.

Ready-Mixed Compound is sensitive to cold weather and must be protected from freezing. If material freezes in container, allow it to thaw at room temperature (do not force the thawing process). Usually it will again be usable, unless it has been subjected to several freeze-thaw cycles. Ready-Mixed Compound can be used in tools and containers previously used for powder compound after normal cleaning.

Hand Tool Application

Prefilling Joints -- This step is necessary with SW Edge board only. Fill the "V" groove between SHEETROCK brand Gypsum Panels, SW Edge with SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND 45 or 90) or SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand 45 or 90) Joint Compound. Apply compound directly over "V" groove with a flexible 5" or 6" joint finishing knife. Wipe off excess compound that is applied beyond the groove. Allow fill compound to harden.

Embedding Tape -- Drive home all fasteners that protrude above the gypsum panel surface. Using a broad steel finishing knife, apply a continuous coat of taping, all-purpose or setting-type joint compound to fill the channel formed by the tapered edges of the panels (above, left). Center and lightly press SHEETROCK Joint Tape into fresh joint compound. Working within a convenient arms-reach area, embed tape by holding knife at an angle to panel. Draw knife along joint with sufficient pressure to remove excess compound above and below tape and at edges (above, right). Leave sufficient compound under tape for proper bond but not over 1/32" under edge. While embedding, apply a thin coat of joint compound over the tape (below, left). This thin coat reduces edge wrinkling or curling and makes the tape easier to conceal with following coats. Allow to dry completely. (See drying time guide.) Do not use topping compound for embedding tape.

Spotting Fastener Heads -- Use ready-mixed compounds at package consistency or powder compounds mixed per bag directions. Do not add excess water. Apply taping, all-purpose or setting-type joint compound over all fasteners (above, right) immediately before or after embedding tape. Fill only the fastener depression. Apply enough pressure on knife to level compound with panel surface. Allow each coat to dry. Repeat application until fastener depressions are flush with panel surface.

Filling Beads -- Use ready-mixed compounds at package consistency or powder compounds mixed per bag directions. Apply all-purpose or setting-type compound at least 6" wide over all corner beads (next page, top) and to trims that are to receive compound. Allow each coat to dry. Apply following coats approximately 2" wider than preceding coats. For smoother finishing, the final coat of joint compound may be thinned slightly.

Fill Coat Application -- After the tape embedding coat is dry, apply a topping or all-purpose compound fill (second) coat approx. 7" to 10" wide over taped joints (shown below), beads and trim. Feather edge of second coat approx. 2" beyond edge of first coat. Spot fasteners with second coat. Allow to dry.

Finish Coat Application -- After second coat is dry, smooth tool marks and other protrusions with a finishing knife. Apply a thin finish (third) coat of ready-mixed topping or all-purpose compound over joints, fasteners, beads and trim. Finish compound may be applied at a slightly thinner consistency. Feather edges of third coats at least 2" wider than second coats (shown below). SHEETROCK Lightweight All Purpose (Plus 3) Joint Compound¾Ready-Mixed, SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) or Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compounds, and SHEETROCK Lightweight All Purpose Joint Compound¾Powder (AP Lite), require only two coats over metal corner beads and fasteners. Joints, fasteners, beads and trim should be finished as smooth as possible to minimize sanding. Go over the whole job to smooth and touch up with joint compound all scratches, craters, nicks and other imperfections in the dried finish coat.

End (Butt) Joints -- Because ends of gypsum panels are flat and have no taper, end joints are difficult to conceal. Also, exposed paper on ends may cause visible ridging or beading. The following steps are recommended for joint treatment to minimize crowning and/or ridging of end joints:

1. Before attachment, bevel panel ends approx. 1/8" at a 45° angle using a sharp utility knife. This keeps the paper ends apart and reduces expansion problems caused by the raw paper edge. Also, peel back and remove any loose paper from the end.
2. Gypsum panel ends should be loosely butted together. Ends should be separated slightly and not touching.
3. Apply compound and tape over the joint in the same manner as for tapered joints. Embed tape tightly to minimize joint thickness but leave sufficient compound under tape for continuous bond and blister prevention.
4. Finish the end joint to a width at least twice the width of a recessed edge joint. This will make the joint less apparent after decoration as the crown will be more gradual.

Finishing Inside Corners -- Fold tape along center crease. Apply joint compound to both sides of corner and lightly press folded tape into angle. Tightly embed tape into both sides of angle with finishing knife (at right). Let dry. Next, apply a thin finish coat to one side of angle only. Allow to dry and apply finish coat to other side of angle.

Dry Sanding -- Sand joint compounds to prepare gypsum drywall surfaces for decoration. Sand as necessary to remove excess joint compound from tool marks, lap marks and high crowned joints. Scratches, craters and nicks should be filled with joint compound, then sanded. Do not try to remove these depressions by sanding only.

Select sandpaper or abrasive-mesh cloth with grit as fine as possible. Excessively coarse sandpapers leave scratches that are visible after decoration. For conventional weight all-purpose compounds, use #120 grit or finer sandpaper (#200 grit or finer mesh cloth). For SHEETROCK Lightweight Ready-Mixed All Purpose (Plus 3) Compound, SHEETROCK Lightweight All Purpose Powder Joint Compound (AP Lite) and topping compounds, use #150 grit or finer sandpaper (#220 grit or finer mesh cloth). Only sand surfaces coated with joint compound to avoid scuffing gypsum panel paper. Remove sanding dust before decorating. Ventilate or use a dust collector to reduce dust in work areas. Use a NIOSH-approved respirator specified for mica and talc when air is dusty. Use of safety glasses is recommended.

Wet Sanding -- Wet sanding or sponging finished joints, trim and fasteners is recommended rather than dry sanding to avoid creating dust. The best material to use for wet sanding is a high density, small celled, polyurethane sponge. This type of sponge material resembles high quality carpet padding. When only a touch-up is required, a general purpose sponge or smooth, soft cloth will work.

To wet sand , saturate the sponge with clean water containing no soap or additives. Water temperature should be cool to lukewarm, not hot. Wring out sponge only enough to eliminate dripping. To remove high spots, gently rub joints in a direction parallel to the joint compound surface; do not rub down into the joint compound. Use as few strokes as possible. Excessive rubbing will groove joints. Clean sponge frequently.

Mechanical Tool Application

Several types of mechanical and semi-mechanical tools are available. Tools used in the following sequence illustrate typical procedures.

1. Using compound of suitable consistency, mechanically tape all joints; wipe down with broad knife. Allow to dry.

2. Mechanically tape interior angles. Finish both sides of angles with corner roller and corner finisher as shown above. Touch up with broad knife as necessary. Apply first coat to fastener heads and metal accessories. Allow to dry,

3. Apply fill coat of compound over tape on flat joints using hand finisher tool. Using compound of thicker consistency, spot fastener heads and apply second coat to metal accessories. Allow to dry.

4. Apply finish coat of compound to flat joints, feathering edges about 2" beyond preceding coat. Apply finish coat to metal accessories and fastener heads. Allow to dry and smooth lightly as required. Remove all dust before decoration. Do not scuff face paper by oversanding.

Setting-Type Joint Compound Application

SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compounds are chemical hardening products with varied working (setting) times for finishing interior gypsum panels and exterior gypsum ceiling boards. These specialized products provide short setting times for fast one-day finishing and extended times (up to 6 hours) to suit individual needs. Products with shorter working times have lower shrinkage. The following application guide will help you choose the proper product to meet your requirements.

Application Guide -- Setting-Type Joint Compounds

For One-Day Finishing -- Use the techniques shown for hand application; mechanical tool application is not recommended for SHEETROCK Setting-Type (DURABOND) and SHEETROCK Lightweight Setting-Type (Easy Sand) Joint Compounds because these compounds may harden in the tools, making them inoperable. In the following sequence, Steps 1 through 4 must be completed by mid-day. Planning and scheduling according to the setting times of the compounds is essential.

Finishing

Gypsum drywall provides smooth surfaces that readily accept paint, texture finishes and wallcoverings. For satisfactory finishing results, care must be taken to prepare surfaces properly to eliminate possible decorating problems commonly referred to as "joint banding" and "photographing." These problems are usually caused by differences between the porosities and surface textures of the gypsum panel face paper and the finished joint compound, and magnified by the use of gloss paints. Then, when viewed in direct natural lighting, the joints and fasteners in painted walls and ceilings may be visible.

Skim Coating

The best method to prepare any gypsum drywall surface for painting is to apply a skim coat of joint compound. This leaves a film thick enough to fill imperfections in the joint work, smooth the paper texture and provide a uniform surface for decorating. Skim coating is currently recommended in the industry when gloss paints are used. It is also the best technique to use when decorating with flat paints.

Skim Coat Application

Finish joints and fasteners in the conventional three-coat manner. After joints are dry, mix joint compound¾preferably SHEETROCK All Purpose, SHEETROCK Lightweight All Purpose (Plus 3) Ready Mixed or Cover Coat Compound¾to a consistency approximating that used for hand taping. Using a trowel, broad knife, or long-nap texture roller, apply only sufficient amounts of joint compound to cover the drywall surface. Then immediately wipe the compound as tightly as possible over the panel surface using a trowel or broad knife.

Finishing and Decorating Tips

1. When sanding joint compound applied over joints, fasteners, trim and corner bead, take care to avoid roughening the panel face paper. Any paper roughened during sanding has raised fibers that are conspicuous after painting.
   
2. All surfaces (including applied joint compound) must be thoroughly dry and dust free before decorating.
   
3. After conventional finishing of gypsum panel joints and fasteners, apply a skim coat of joint compound over the entire surface. This is the best technique for minimizing surface defects under critical lighting conditions. Skim coating fills imperfections in joint work, smooths the paper texture and provides a uniform surface for decorating.
   
4. As an alternative to skim coating, apply SHEETROCK First Coat for priming to equalize joint and wallboard surfaces or apply undiluted flat latex paint with high solids content as a substitute. This procedure minimizes problems with concealment of joints and fasteners.
   
5. A ceiling or wall texture finish is an excellent method for masking imperfections and diffusing light across wall and ceiling surfaces.
   
6. Frequent job inspections forestall potential problems and help ensure project specifications are being met. Wall and ceiling surfaces should be inspected after the gypsum panels are installed, when the joints are being treated and after the joints are finished before the surface is decorated. These checks will reveal starved and crowned joints which always show up under critical lighting.

For more on this subject go to the USG Handbook site at: www.usgaction.com/HANDBOOK