Man, I’ve probably used it all. Drywall is one thing that I always try to farm out, but I end up doing it myself from time to time. I’ve seen tons of techniques and preferences. I know guys that will use 5 and 20 minute quickset. Some guys use all purpose and then topping for final coat. Some only use all purpose. Durabond has been been popular in bathrooms and in plaster repairs. Honestly? I’ve never seen a difference in the finish product. I usually keep a bag of 45 and 90 in my drywall box because it keeps and that’s the timing I’m comfortable working with. If I’m stuck, really stuck, doing a bigger job, I’ll buy a couple of buckets of all purpose just so I don’t have to mix it on my own.
BUT of all their preferences. They all do the same basic thing.
Make sure you do many very light coats. First coat, get the tape in. 2nd coat, get it close. 3rd coat, skim coat. Use bigger knives as you go, getting up to a 10” or 12”. Each coat should get wider to feather it in. Then sand at the end. If you really want to get it perfect, go back over with your hand or shine a flashlight or work light down at an angle. Mark points that need more mud or sanding with a pencil so you can see it. Keep going until you’re happy.
The drywall guys make it look fast and easy. I don’t. I’ve been doing rehabs, remodel, and DIY work for 15 + years and learned from my dad 20+ years ago. I STILL don’t like my results. I can go back to any of my work and pick out my shitty flaws. If you have a chance to pick up a finisher who is out of work right now, do it. Be his helper, mix his mud, clean his stuff. If you can’t find someone and need to go at it on your own, good luck and god speed. You’ll pay the next time =)
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