Serious question, has anyone else seen that new 'fast set' joint compound that claims to dry in 30 minutes?

I was on a job in Denver last Tuesday and the foreman insisted we try it to speed up a small patch. It actually hardened in about 35 minutes, but the finish was so gritty it took twice as long to sand. What other quick products have you guys tried that ended up costing more time?

3 comments

3 Comments

hill.andrew1mo ago

The five minute mud is even worse for that. You just trade drying time for sanding time.

kim7331mo ago

Can confirm, I've turned more five-minute mud into dust than actual wall lol.

terrybennett1mo ago

Mix a little dish soap into your mud next time. It stays wet longer and spreads way easier. That extra working time stops it from setting up like concrete on your knife. You still need to sand, but it won't be that rock-hard dust. The trick is just a few drops per pan, don't go crazy with it.