Warning: Thin mud isn't always faster for finishing

I thought watery mud would spread easier. A recent patch job took twice as long to sand smooth. Now I mix it to a thicker paste for better results.

3 comments

3 Comments

river_murphy1mo ago

Learned that lesson myself after a few messy jobs. A thicker paste doesn't slide around as much and dries more evenly. You're right, it makes the whole process way smoother.

anna291mo ago

I read in a DIY forum last year that a paste with less water sticks better to vertical surfaces. They said it reduces drips and helps with a cleaner finish. One user mentioned mixing it to a peanut butter consistency for best results. From what I've seen, that trick really does make things less messy. It also saves time on cleanup later.

umaf201mo ago

Peanut butter consistency" is a wild thing to read in a DIY guide. I can't imagine spreading that on a wall without making a huge mess. It sounds like a recipe for clogged tools and sore arms to me.