On Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:28:47 -0400, Bill wrote:

I purchased a 25# bag of Durabond 90 today.

1. Can I mix it in a plastic bucket (package says it gets "very hot")?

First, to allay severe mental anguish in your wife, run around in
circles screaming "FIRE HAZARD, WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!" several times.

Next, mix in a dual-layered stainless steel bucket on a piece of
asbestos sheeting wearing at least 3 pairs of gloves: latex, cotton,
nitrile, and maybe rawhide leather welding gloves over those.

Have at least 3 fire extinguishers and one charged hose ready for use.


OR, just plop it into a plastic bucket and don't worry about the
warmth it rises to. Wally world has mud buckets, complete with
fiberglass tape (small roll) and mud knives for $4. Suchadeal!



2. If I apply it with tape, would I generally add more tape if I add
setting compound later?

Definitely not.


I have various joints to fill so any tips I pick up will be helpful.
I read most of Stanley's book on drywall, but it assumes "textbook
conditions" (i.e. new walls and ceiling). I hope to finish
putting up all my drywall tonight or tomorrow, so I still have time to
learn something!

Indeed you do! Corners are always fun, where the straight knife cuts
right through the paper. Got a corner mud knife yet? Did you buy the
adhesive fiberglass mesh tape instead of the cheap paper crap? Much
easier.


Aside from cleaning up around a couple of my electrical boxes, my "most
troubling" joint will probably be the one about 3 inches from the
ceiling, running the length of the walls, where my old and new drywall meet.

Did you ensure that tapered edges meet? If not, you will always have
a ridge there, no matter how deeply you sand. Remember, if you sand
through the paper, you'll be up the creek. Never apply paint to
drywall, use only primer, then paint that.


BTW, There are lots of warnings on the package of Durabond 90 about the
risks of the "dust" from sanding it.

Running around in circles screaming "DUST AND CHOKING HAZARD, WE'RE
ALL GONNA DIE" will help you and your wife cope with it, I'm sure.
(I'm so bad, aren't I? bseg)


have just a simple drywall
sanding pole. I will wear a dust mask when I sand, but should I
"hesitate" to sand Durabond under these conditions?

You could always rent a drywall sanding machine, which catches the
dust in a water well.

naturally intend
to apply the Durabond sparingly with the idea that I won't need to sand
it very much.

Intentions won't get you very far with drywall mud, but go ahead. What
can it hurt?


It's a good thing I don't have to pay myself by the hour--and I'd charge
myself double for the 90+ degree days!

Work early mornings and late evenings instead.

G'luck, Bill.