What is lightweight joint compound used for?

Lightweight joint compound weighs less than regular and offers lower shrinkage. After applying any type of joint compound, it must dry before sanding it. When sanding it, lightweight compound is easier to sand than regular. It is used for all drywall needs, including covering joints, corner beads, fasteners and trim.

Can I use joint compound to smooth walls?

1. Using joint compound to smooth the walls is the way to go. Be warned: This is a big job, and it’s going to take you a lot of time, but you and your husband can and should do it yourself. Only you will give the job the attention to detail it needs.

Can I use lightweight joint compound for taping?

For embedding the tape and the subsequent layers, buy lightweight, all-purpose joint compound in the familiar (and ever-so-useful) 5-gallon bucket. This drying compound hardens through evaporation—which means waiting up to 24 hours between coats. Try to avoid ridges and bumps with all purpose joint compound.

What kind of mud do you use for texture?

Joint compound. Regular drywall joint compound, or mud, is generally used to create the knockdown texture. You can use the premixed variety or mix your own. Either way, you must be able to spray the mixture with the hopper gun, so it should be about the consistency of pancake batter or thick paint.

How do you smooth joint compound without sanding?

Rather than use sandpaper to smooth the joint compound, try using a scouring sponge. This is much faster and it doesn’t create any dust. Get the sponge, dip it into a bucket of warm water, and squeeze out the excess. Next, use the scouring side of the sponge to smooth out the joint.

How do you get perfectly smooth walls?

Do the trim first before painting the walls.

1. Paint the trim first, then the ceilings and walls.
2. To avoid lap marks …
3. Clear the entire room before painting.
4. Avoid drips as you paint.
5. Shine a light across the woodwork and circle flaws.
6. Consider liquid sandpaper, especially on lead paint.
7. Dust and vacuum thoroughly.

Can you use lightweight mud for texture?

Add Mud or Compound. You can use either dry compound or ready-mix compound. Plain mud works best for this type of texture. You should also avoid lightweight compounds. These formulas scratch more easily and may not accept the texturing as well as all-purpose compounds do.