Walls and Ceilings - Taping

My parents hired someone to install a new dry wall ceilling. The handy man did not tape the joints. How do I clean out the joints to tape it, or is it that big of a deal?

Stew

If he didn't tape it then what did he do?

If the work was done by an amateur, chances are an evaporative compound was used, not a setting compound. Try something like a stainless steel "scrubbie" used to clean pots. Dip the scrubbie in water and work on the joints. You probably want to mist the joints repeatedly before you wield the scrubbie.

I wouldn't worry until cracks develop, so you know where the problems are.

If the person was truly expert and used a setting-type compound, He could have applied three coats in a day. You wouldn't have been able to come in after your day job and critique each coat because he would have been done by the time you reached the parking lot.

Tell us about the cracks you are seeing. If you aren't seeing cracks, you don't have a problem.

Sorry to ask a question on top of yours but I was interested as I will be taping soon for the first time. What's the difference between an evaporative compound and a setting compound and how do I know what I have? Will it say it on the bucket? I bought some stuff that I used to seal cracks in plaster and was going to use it over screw holes and joints in drywall. Its sorta sticky with the consistancy of cake batter. Will this not work for taping?

Evaporative compound is any joint compound that dry's by itself over time. Comes pre mixed in a bucket or box. My choice is USG Plus 3. Can get that at any home store. Setting type comes in powder form in a bag and has a catalyst in it to make it set up in a specific time. This will set harder and fast. Again USG makes this and can be found in 20 min., 45 min., and 90min. (at the home store). I use plus 3 for tapeing and all 3 coats. If what you have is old or open I would get some new stuff.

I guess I do have the evaporative kind then. Does it really matter other then time for drying? Is the setting compound superior as far as longevity? The evaporative compound is pretty easy to use but I don't want to use it if its not the best!

What is "best"? It all depends...

Ask a sailor what his idea of a "best" date would be is different than asking a minister.



If you want to apply three coats in a day, the setting type is your only choice.

Setting type is my choice for situations where you need to lay it on thick. Come back in an hour or so and put on the next coat.


If you tend to be interrupted constantly while working, the evaporative type is best.

If you can't tolerate dust, you don't want to deal with mixing of the setting compound.
Also, you cannot sponge-sand a setting compound, so plenty of dust and/or taking extreme care with each coat.

Production crews using 'banjos', pumps and other machines won't want to risk a setting compound gumming up the works.

I cannot say which is cheaper to use. Somebody must know.

as a 32 year drywall finisher,and master plaster,the types of drywall mud are personell prefrence.i do like to see a setting compound used on all corner beads.also it damp weather sometimes when finishing by hand the set mud works better.
If a professional is using pumps,boxes,bazoka for tapping then compund in a pail works best,as the set mud would require to much cleaning of these tools.a bag of usg lightweight is $4.50 to $6.50,and makes a small pail of mud,so its a little less than a bucket.Also when tapping usually a all purpose mud works best,also a little harder than plus three.michigan man

Thanks for the help guys! I guess "best" is a pretty broad term. I'm certainly not a professional, just try to do EVERYTHING myself in my own home. In fact, since I'm fairly slow, I think the evaporative type is probably best, in case I mess up or something. I never even knew 2 different types exhisted until I read the beginning of the post. That's what started my concern. From what I gathered, the setting type is stonger. I don't really care about time too much, just don't want what I do to be weak or shoddy.

So it sounds like evaporative is fine in my situation?

Use pre mixed light weight joint compound. It will work fine.

I haven't been on the computer lately but tried your suggestion of a scrubbie. Worked!!!!!!!!!!!!! But man what a mess. Thanks a lot for the help.


Stew