Choosing the Right Drywall Joint Compound: A Comprehensive Guide by Bernardi Building Supply

Drywall is a popular material for interior wall construction due to its lightweight nature. It is also very easy to repair compared to plaster. Are you looking for drywall wholesale suppliers near me? Bernardi Building Supply is here for you. Thanks to our quality products and convenient services, we are one of the most reliable drywall suppliers in Toronto.

When you choose us for drywall supply near me, count on a vast selection of products, expediency, and competitive prices. We will answer all your drywall-related questions to help you make the best decision for your needs. Call us now for reliable and safe drywall delivery in Toronto.

Understanding Drywall Joint Compound

The joint finishing process requires the use of drywall joint compound. Also known as ‘mud’, the joint compound is a paste used to glue drywall together, patch over seams, joints, and screws, and prepare the drywall surface for painting. The compound is manufactured using ground gypsum and is available in powder or premixed form. It has additives to make it smoother and resistant to mildew and moisture.

There are four types of the drywall joint compound:

Setting Type Compound/Hot Mud

This type of compound sets very fast and is thus preferred by professional contractors because several coats can be applied in a day. It can be used to fill cracks and seams after a drywall installation.

All-purpose Compound

This drywall compound can be used in every stage of drywall installation. It is the compound of choice by beginners.

Taping Compound

This is the mud used for taping drywall. It is tougher and usually hardens quicker than other types of compounds.

Topping Compound

This is designed for use on the final coat. It offers a smooth finish that requires less sanding.

Get in touch to find out more about drywall joint compounds.

How to Choose the Right Drywall Joint Compound

Each type of drywall joint compound has its unique pros and cons. Understanding the differences can help you make a more informed choice regarding joint compound vs spackle.

Powdered versus Premixed

The first decision you have to make is whether to go with powdered or premixed drywall topping compound. A compound that comes in powder form offers longer storage life once opened because it doesn’t have any water. The downside to the joint compound powder is you have to add the right amount of water to achieve a good consistency.

Premixed compounds are ready to use out of the container. You never have to worry about consistency. The container can also be resealed to keep it fresh for later use. The drawback is they do not have a long shelf life once opened.

Your Expertise

Your experience in drywall installation counts. For example, the best drywall mud for beginners is the water-based drywall compound that dries by evaporation. This will give you more time to get things right and is easy to sand.

Conversely, professionals consider setting-type joint compounds the best drywall compounds for a skim coat. These harden faster because they dry by a chemical reaction. The compound can be completely set within 20 minutes. The fast drying makes it possible to apply multiple coats in a day. The drawback is this compound is harder to sand.

Intended Use

What you intend to accomplish with the drywall topping compound matters. For embedding tape, the lightweight, all-purpose compound will be fine. The best drywall compound for a final coat is the topping compound. It is ‘soupy’, less adhesive, and easy to feather and sand.

Still not sure what to go with? We are happy to help. Get in touch for a free consultation.

Using Drywall Joint Compound: A Brief Guide

Mudding can be messy, but when done correctly, the wall will be so flat you can’t tell where the seams are. Here is how to apply drywall mud smoothly.

Protect the floor from mud splatter

Protecting the floor from mud splatter is a crucial step in the mudding process, as it helps maintain a clean and safe work environment. To achieve this, it is recommended to use a canvas drop cloth, which provides effective protection against splatters and spills. Unlike plastic drop cloths that can become dangerously slick when wet, the canvas material offers superior traction, reducing the risk of accidents during the project. Use a canvas drop cloth to protect the floor from splatter. Plastic drop cloths may get dangerously slick.

Mix the compound

Properly mixing the compound is a crucial aspect of the mudding process, as it directly influences the consistency and workability of the joint compound. Whether you are dealing with premixed mud or powdered mud, understanding the correct mixing techniques ensures a smooth and seamless application on your drywall surface. For premixed mud, you simply open the bucket and start working. Powdered mud has to be mixed as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. A paddle bit on a drill can help beat the mix until smooth.

Start with the screw indentions and bevels

Use a 6-inch taping knife to smooth the screw indentations and factory bevel joints. With the taping knife in hand, carefully and meticulously smooth the drywall mud over each screw indentation and factory bevel joint. Ensure that the mud fills these areas adequately, leaving no gaps or unevenness. This attention to detail at the initial stage is essential to prevent any unsightly blemishes from surfacing later on. Wipe off excess mud. You can place pieces of paper tape over the joint and smooth the paper onto the mud. This is called ‘bedding’.

Start with the screw indentions and bevels

Start from the inside of corners

Before you begin applying the mud, make sure the inside corners are clean and free from any debris or loose particles. A dust-free surface will allow the joint compound to adhere smoothly and create a seamless look. Apply mud to both sides of an inside corner and work your way to the center. Smooth the mud in the corner using a 90-degree-shaped taping tool using long vertical strokes from the corners. Allow the mud to dry before adding another coat.

Need more info on how to use drywall joint compound? Call us.

Why Choose Bernardi Building Supply for Your Building Needs

For more than five decades now, Bernardi Building Supply has made a name as a trusted construction supplier in Toronto and Mississauga. To be the go-to supplier of quality construction materials, we carry a huge selection of materials ranging from insulation and pipe to cement and drywall.

You can contact us for the supply of the following:

Insulation products
Cement and masonry products
Drywall products and accessories
Pipes
Hand tools

Our job is to take the headache out of residential, industrial and commercial construction. We achieve that by ensuring you get everything you need under one roof. Our materials are all sourced from reputable manufacturers, so you never have to worry about substandard quality. Moreover, we have a fleet of trucks to get the materials to you promptly.

We offer friendly and knowledgeable assistance in every aspect of residential, commercial and industrial projects. There is no order that is too big or small for us.

Whether you have a question regarding drywall joint compound or need help with the delivery of drywall, or other materials, we are here to take the frustration out of the way—partner with us to experience the difference. We have everything you need, including a knowledgeable sales team. Contact us now.