What brand and type of joint compound provides a durable, crack-resistant finish with a long working time, unlike the ineffective products I’ve tried?
Asked by حامد موسوی 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
I spent weeks researching online, reading articles and watching videos on joint compounds. Everyone kept saying that “setting type” joint compound, also known as “hot mud,” cures super hard and prevents cracks. I even bought a bag that was recommended in some of those videos. I followed the instructions, added water, and mixed it to the right consistency. But, to my disappointment, the mixture never got warm and ended up drying into a weak surface that I could easily gouge with my hand. I feel like I’ve been misled by another product. I even tried using plaster of Paris, but the working time was way too short. Does anyone know of a real hard-as-stone joint compound that also has a long working time?
None of the mud dries as hard as stone, including the ‘hot’ mud. If there are minor cracks, we use bondo to fix them.
‘s Durabond dries really hard and doesn’t shrink. Veneer plaster gets nearly as hard as stone.
Durabond is not even close to being as hard as stone haha! That comparison always cracks me up.
It might feel like the toughest material on the planet when someone applies thick globs on a 10-foot ceiling with a 5-foot ladder. In that case, it’s tougher than diamonds.
I use USG. It sets up a bit faster than the recommended time, but I’ve found that it’s very solid once fully cured.
Hot mud is commonly known as 5 or 20. You have 90.
The numbers refer to the working time before it sets. Unless you’re quick and highly skilled with it, I wouldn’t recommend it. You can mix your 90 a bit wet, place some on your hawk and add a small amount of 20 to make it dry faster, but I find it more difficult to sand.
None of the above will harden like a rock once applied to the joints.
When you do the first coat, go for the ‘hot’ mud and then switch to regular mud. The term ‘hot’ refers to working quickly, not the actual temperature.
Easy sand means it dries smoother than you’d like.
Durabond
Durabond
Durabond
It hardens like a rock when applied thickly.
I use it as a base for fixing cracks and holes. Also great for skimming old plaster because it really adheres well to the surface.
Most of the time I have to resort to a power sander if I apply too much.
It’s a shame that people don’t want to put in the extra effort and prefer everything to be easily sanded.
The easy sand product is so popular that Ace Hardware in New England no longer stocks Durabond in stores.
True Value still has it in stock.
One of the advantages of Durabond is that you can mix it to your desired stiffness. Adding Durabond to water makes it easier to mix.
I prefer building up wall repairs instead of simply applying a patch or joint tape to a crack and then covering it with soft joint compound to blend it in.
Joint compound that is as hard as stone may sound contradictory, but it actually offers easy application, simple sanding, and good coverage. It’s important to note the difference between this type of compound and stucco or concrete mortar. They are not interchangeable.
Did you use up the whole bag?
My uncles who have passed away used to work with plaster. They showed me a few tricks, like adding lime to plaster of paris to make it last longer. It’s interesting because it causes a chemical reaction, unlike with drywall mud where there isn’t a reaction and therefore no warmth.
The goal is not to make it too hard! Harder mud is more likely to crack. Make sure to tape your joints and stick to using hot mud for a successful outcome.
Durabond setting type joint compound. Not the easy sand version. This is best for the first coat! After that, switch to all purpose buckets or easy sand for the final coats. From my experience, applying too much durabond will be visible when you sand the final coat. Durabond is similar to concrete, so it’s not ideal for beginners.
Cozy spots or the 90 for beginners and just the initial layer
90 minutes hot mud is not recommended
They offer a 30 and 60
To start, it’s a finishing coat of mud
When mud gets “hot”, it’s time to pick up the pace
Durabond 90 is the best option
Hot mud simply sets faster
The name is .
When it comes to hot mud, 90 minutes might be too long…consider going with a 5-minute option instead.
I recommend going with 15 minutes instead of 5. Going with 5 minutes means you will only have 1 minute of working time if you are lucky. Using 15 minutes will give you 4-5 minutes of working time.
Yeah, I meant to say 15 minutes.