The first in a series-DO IT YOURSELF HINT # 1 [View all]
When finishing drywall--Never, EVER, under any circumstances, use mud from a bucket.
Just don't do it.
It may seem easier at first-but is sucks in every way.
Just mix small bunches of the dry stuff. Practice to get the right consistency-you should be able to stick a bunch on a knife and turn it over--if it stays for 5 seconds--it's probably good.
WHY??--Bucket mud "sets" by drying over many hours. Fine-NO!!!-Anything wet that dries ends up shrinking.
ALWAYS. That is how bucket mud "sets."
The mixed stuff undergoes a chemical reaction. It does not "dry" to set-it does its thing and hardens-usually within 1/2 an hour.
You don't have to wait.
This means--not only do you not have to deal with shrinking crap-you also get to finish the job the same day!
Oh yeah--just clean up your tool after each batch. Learn from my mistakes.
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