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

On Mar 31, 12:16*pm, rlz wrote:
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

If your talking about the 5 gallon USG joint compounds, I never added
water. It was fine out of the bucket.
Perhaps they are saying that in case you had it for a while and it
dried up.

On Mar 31, 10:20*am, Mikepier wrote:
On Mar 31, 12:16*pm, rlz wrote:

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

If your talking about the 5 gallon USG joint compounds, I never added
water. It was fine out of the bucket.
Perhaps they are saying that in case you had it for a while and it
dried up.

It's USG All Purpose Jint compound. The instructions say that for
covering fasteners, the mudd can be used directly out of the bucket.
For taping, thinning should be done by adding water. Thus my question
on how much to add.

Robin

"rlz" wrote in message
...
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

the method that has always worked for me is to fill your mud pan, but before
you put your knife in, dip it in a bucket of water. Do this everytime you
go back to the pan. Your knife stays wet, the mud flows better, etc etc...

good luck with your project.

jc

"rlz" wrote in message
...
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

I just used the same product. I took as much compound out as I needed. The
directions say to add small amounts of water. I took out about 1 or 2 pints
of compound and added about 2 - 3 tablespoons of water. Mix vigorously. The
water helps with the final coat of plaster. I didn't need to sand at all and
the wall came out beautiful. I used a 14" plaster knife for the final coat.
Don't add too much water. You'd probably be better off with no water than
too much. Of course if the compound has been sitting around along time
you'll need more water. The more water you add the longer it takes to dry.

You just want the plaster to apply smoooothly and SMALL amts of water goes
along way. Since you're not familiar with the product work with small
amounts.

On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:40:37 -0700 (PDT), rlz
wrote:

On Mar 31, 10:20*am, Mikepier wrote:
On Mar 31, 12:16*pm, rlz wrote:

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

If your talking about the 5 gallon USG joint compounds, I never added
water. It was fine out of the bucket.
Perhaps they are saying that in case you had it for a while and it
dried up.

It's USG All Purpose Jint compound. The instructions say that for
covering fasteners, the mudd can be used directly out of the bucket.
For taping, thinning should be done by adding water. Thus my question
on how much to add.

Robin

Start with just a couple of cups. It is better to mix the mud in a
separate bucket, if you get it to thin you can add some more mud. Some
pros I've spoken with use "less than a quart" for a 5 gallon bucket.

Have a look at this video. It shows a good consistency. Notice when he
lifts if out that the mud is not runny. More like a cake batter?

Video:

http://www.drywallschool.com/mud.htm

"rlz" wrote in message
...
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


Do you have a paddle mixer and a VARIABLE speed 1/2 inch drill to mix
it...If so add water to about 1/2 inch of the rim of the bucket...Start
mixing SLOWLY or you will throw mud and water everywhere and bring it up to
full speed and mix about 2-3 minutes..For the finale skim coat I add a
little more water and remix or remove some mud in a new bucket to make
room..Just toss it back in after you use some of it up and spin it again..

If you don't have a power mixer you can mix it in your mud pan unless like
me you use a haulk in which case use an empty bucket or or watever you have
handy to mix it by hand..Start with a little water and add more till it is
as thin as you want it...

Adding water does not add drying time but it does shrink a bit more..Using
it straight out of the bucket is a PITA , full of air bubbles , hard to
level or smooth out and hard on the hands and arm as it is very
stiff...HTH...

"Master Betty" wrote in message
...

"rlz" wrote in message
...
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

I just used the same product. I took as much compound out as I needed. The
directions say to add small amounts of water. I took out about 1 or 2
pints of compound and added about 2 - 3 tablespoons of water. Mix
vigorously. The water helps with the final coat of plaster. I didn't need
to sand at all and the wall came out beautiful. I used a 14" plaster knife
for the final coat. Don't add too much water. You'd probably be better off
with no water than too much. Of course if the compound has been sitting
around along time you'll need more water. The more water you add the
longer it takes to dry.

You just want the plaster to apply smoooothly and SMALL amts of water goes
along way. Since you're not familiar with the product work with small
amounts.


Not to nit pick but plaster and joint compound are 2 VERY different
things..There is no such thing as a plaster knife..It is a 14 inch taping
knife..Just wanted the OP to know what to ask for if he went looking for one
or he would be laughed at...For plaster you use flat 12 inch trowls and
haulks...HTH...

"rlz" wrote in message
...
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

Around here, they sell several different types of compound in the 5 gal
bucket.

Your first coat should be the harder type, it say "all purpose". It dries
hard, does not sand easy. The second/third coats are applied using a
"topping compound".

You can work out of the mud pan, to check your consistency. Note how much
compound you put in the pan, add measurable amounts of water, little by
little. Find or purchase one of those $7.00 electric mixers for cake mixes
etc. Add the water, mix with the mixer, check consistency adding water as
needed & mix further. No need to add water to the entire bucket unless you
have a 1/2" drill with a mixing paddle. Those tools are too expensive to
purchase for a one time use. Besides, you may add too much water to the 5
gal bucket, unless you've done it b/4. I've done the dry compound, various
30-60-90 minutes setting types, working out of a pan. If you happen to use
setting type, you want to clean your mixer thingies b/4 you start mudding.
Otherwise, they will harden b/4 you get to them again. Use a mud knife
while mixing, to push the mud down the side of the pan, so it will mix with
water.

For instance, if doing a knock down texture, you use topping compound, mix
in a full 2 liter bottle of water to 5 gal. Done, work out of the bucket
with brush & knock down with wet taping knife.

On Mar 31, 3:18*pm, "Master Betty" wrote:

I just used the same product. I took as much compound out as I needed. The
directions say to add small amounts of water. I took out about 1 or 2 pints
of compound and added about 2 - 3 tablespoons of water.

That's about the right amount.

I thin a 5g bucket with about 2 inches of water from a medium soft
drink cup.

Mud is pretty cheap, but adding water is a lot easier than getting it
out.
-----

- gpsman

"benick" wrote in message
...
"Master Betty" wrote in message
...

"rlz" wrote in message
...
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

I just used the same product. I took as much compound out as I needed.
The directions say to add small amounts of water. I took out about 1 or 2
pints of compound and added about 2 - 3 tablespoons of water. Mix
vigorously. The water helps with the final coat of plaster. I didn't
need to sand at all and the wall came out beautiful. I used a 14" plaster
knife for the final coat. Don't add too much water. You'd probably be
better off with no water than too much. Of course if the compound has
been sitting around along time you'll need more water. The more water you
add the longer it takes to dry.

You just want the plaster to apply smoooothly and SMALL amts of water
goes along way. Since you're not familiar with the product work with
small amounts.


Not to nit pick but plaster and joint compound are 2 VERY different
things..There is no such thing as a plaster knife..It is a 14 inch taping
knife..Just wanted the OP to know what to ask for if he went looking for
one or he would be laughed at...For plaster you use flat 12 inch trowls
and haulks...HTH...



That's incorrect. The act of applying compound is plastering. Look it up if
you don't believe me. You're only looking at one narrow definition of
plaster. "to lay flat like a layer of plaster." is plastering. But, If you
go to Homedepot they will call it a taping knife. I seriously doubt he'd be
laughed at as a taping knife is used for the act of plastering. Joint
compound is commonly called "drywall plaster".

And you are correct; you are nit-picking.

"rlz" wrote in message
...
On Mar 31, 10:20 am, Mikepier wrote:
On Mar 31, 12:16 pm, rlz wrote:

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

If your talking about the 5 gallon USG joint compounds, I never added
water. It was fine out of the bucket.
Perhaps they are saying that in case you had it for a while and it
dried up.

It's USG All Purpose Jint compound. The instructions say that for
covering fasteners, the mudd can be used directly out of the bucket.
For taping, thinning should be done by adding water. Thus my question
on how much to add.

Robin

IMO, all purpose is fine as shipped for nail heads, bedding and taping
including the skin coat over the tape.

Additional coats require a small amount of water.

It is something you have to learn. But to get you started, if is has the
consistency of brownie mix that is about right for the second coat.

Thick pancake batter, or soft butter is better for the later coats.


--
Colbyt
Please come visit http://www.househomerepair.com

"Oren" wrote in message
news
On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:26:00 -0400, "benick"
wrote:

"Tony L." wrote in message
...

"rlz" wrote in message
...
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

Around here, they sell several different types of compound in the 5 gal
bucket.

Your first coat should be the harder type, it say "all purpose". It
dries
hard, does not sand easy. The second/third coats are applied using a
"topping compound".

You can work out of the mud pan, to check your consistency. Note how
much
compound you put in the pan, add measurable amounts of water, little by
little. Find or purchase one of those $7.00 electric mixers for cake
mixes
etc. Add the water, mix with the mixer, check consistency adding water
as
needed & mix further. No need to add water to the entire bucket unless
you
have a 1/2" drill with a mixing paddle. Those tools are too expensive to
purchase for a one time use. Besides, you may add too much water to the
5
gal bucket, unless you've done it b/4. I've done the dry compound,
various 30-60-90 minutes setting types, working out of a pan. If you
happen to use setting type, you want to clean your mixer thingies b/4
you
start mudding. Otherwise, they will harden b/4 you get to them again.
Use
a mud knife while mixing, to push the mud down the side of the pan, so
it
will mix with water.

For instance, if doing a knock down texture, you use topping compound,
mix
in a full 2 liter bottle of water to 5 gal. Done, work out of the bucket
with brush & knock down with wet taping knife.




ROFLMAO...Stop it I can't take it any more..My sides hurt..ROFLMAO..

You talkin' 'bout the cake mixer?!

Never saw one on a job site, myself.

Yea , me either ..I can't stop laughing...A cake mixer...ROFLMAO...The guy
is an idiot..One step away from my kill file...LOL...

"Tony L." wrote in message
...

"benick" wrote in message
. ..
"Tony L." wrote in message
...

"benick" wrote in message
...
"rlz" wrote in message

Good luck with your project...There is nothing like the feeling of
completing a job and knowing you did it yourself and it looks good...

Hey Einstein, you should know enough to let em know, you don't sand "All
Purpose".

Just so you know, you knock down the edges, and top coat with a topping.

Don't be giving out information, if you don't know WTF you're doing.




You are an idiot...Don't go away mad , just go away...

Wow, what great come back to show your intelligence on compounds.
Bravo!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!


Bye , bye assclown...welcome to my kill file...You're # 5..

"benick" wrote in message
. ..
"Tony L." wrote in message


Bye , bye assclown...welcome to my kill file...You're # 5..


LMAO!!!! Caught you with your lack of knowledge, and I'm the assclown.
LMAO!!!!!

Expand your knowledge base, that way you can share it. Instead of making
stuff up, as you go along.

"benick" wrote in message
. ..
"Oren" wrote in message


Yea , me either ..I can't stop laughing...A cake mixer...ROFLMAO...The guy
is an idiot..One step away from my kill file...LOL...

Yeah, thousands of other idiots like me, who take advantage of this guy
named Edison, instead of mixing by hand. I'd really like to see you mix
setting compounds by hand. Oh wait, you're the guy who doesn't know WTF
they're talking about, especially compounds. Silly me!!!

I'll bet you still swear by using a handsaw, instead of using power tools,
electric, gas, or battery.

Wake up, I realize you did stuff by hand 50 years ago, it's time to at
least step into the 60's!

On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:00:17 -0700 (PDT), rlz
wrote:

Thanks everyone for the info and the video link. I've got the tape
using the mud as it came out of the bucket. This weekend I'll work on
the skin coat by adding a little water to the mud. Then I'll finish
it. the following weekend. Of course sanding in between coats. Then
of course, there's priming and painting. Soo much fun to look forward
to....lol

Robin

Let us know the final results and your experience. Many posters never
come back and follow up. It is appreciated to know how things work
out.

BTW, I would paint with white/light paint for a garage. SWMBO wanted
one garage painted, she picked "banana yellow". Just a change in the
color brought out all the imperfections in the finished drywall. White
paint will show fewer flaws in the finish. Hey, she painted it :-\

"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:00:17 -0700 (PDT), rlz
wrote:

Thanks everyone for the info and the video link. I've got the tape
using the mud as it came out of the bucket. This weekend I'll work on
the skin coat by adding a little water to the mud. Then I'll finish
it. the following weekend. Of course sanding in between coats. Then
of course, there's priming and painting. Soo much fun to look forward
to....lol

Robin

Let us know the final results and your experience. Many posters never
come back and follow up. It is appreciated to know how things work
out.

BTW, I would paint with white/light paint for a garage. SWMBO wanted
one garage painted, she picked "banana yellow". Just a change in the
color brought out all the imperfections in the finished drywall. White
paint will show fewer flaws in the finish. Hey, she painted it :-\




I agree...Ben Moore High Hide Flat white or any light color works
wonders...LOL..I did a quicky CHEAP 2 coats of mud , no sanding on a garage
ceiling (fire requirement for living space above) and it looked pretty good
with that paint...I was pleasantly surprised as was my friend...LOL...

On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:41:54 -0400, "Tony L."
wrote:


"Oren" wrote in message
news
On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:26:00 -0400, "benick"
wrote:


You talkin' 'bout the cake mixer?!

Never saw one on a job site, myself.

Never saw anyone mixing 20 or 30 minute setting compound then. You may
learn something when you do.

I won't be learning by using a cake mixer for a fast setting material.
Never have and never will!

Mikepier wrote:
On Mar 31, 12:16 pm, rlz wrote:
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

If your talking about the 5 gallon USG joint compounds, I never added
water. It was fine out of the bucket.
Perhaps they are saying that in case you had it for a while and it
dried up.

Mud straight out of the bucket is fine for filling big gaps, but you
certainly can't do good finish work that way. It must be thinned down
either in the bucket or individual batches in the tray.

s

On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:16:38 -0700 (PDT), rlz
wrote:

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.

On 3/31/2010 10:51 PM, Phisherman wrote:
On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:16:38 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:


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.

""__ Bøb __"" wrote in message
...


On 3/31/2010 10:51 PM, Phisherman wrote:
On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:16:38 -0700 (PDT), rlz
wrote:


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...