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Common Types of Drywall Spackle

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Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

If you are setting out to repair a patch of drywall in your house, be prepared to face a whole lot of options in terms of choosing a drywall mud. There are various types of spackle available for drywall work and repair, but each one has separate qualities that meet certain drywall patching needs. It is important to know these differences so that you can properly match the type of mud to your drywall project. This will give you the best results.

Continue reading for a brief description of the most common types of drywall spackle on the market and
where to find them at the best prices in town.

Drywall Muds

There are two basic categories of drywall mud: 1) Quick-Setting and 2) Premixed. Quick-setting drywall mud is also referred to as “hot” mud because a chemical reaction occurs during the curing process that causes heat release. Premixed drywall mud is the more common or traditional drywall spackle, probably because it is ready to use. The type of spackle you choose for your project depends on the type of drywall work you need to do.

Hot Mud Spackle

Hot mud spackle comes in powder form, inside a paper bag lined with plastic to keep moisture out and the product fresh. Once the mix hardens, it can no longer be used. Even if just a small portion of the bag hardens, the entire bag is compromised. You can purchase hot mud with different drying times, from 5-minute drying to 90-minute drying, and more. Keep in mind that the actual drying times are usually around 5 or 10 minutes quicker than advertised. So 45-minute hot mud will likely only take 35 minutes or so to fully dry. And it is not fully-dry until it turns entirely white in color.

Hot mud is recommended for small patch jobs, like door knob holes because you don’t have to wait 24 hours to reapply your second or third coat. But many experts say mesh tape should be used with this type of spackle. And since it is slightly difficult to sand, it is not recommended to be used as a “finish” coat.

Premixed Mud

Since this mud is pre-mixed, it is virtually ready to go right out of the package. Premixed spackle is generally sold in 4.5 gallon buckets or boxes lined with plastic at any home improvement store. All you have to do is add a small amount of water to the mud to soften it up before application. The amount of thinning depends on the type of drywall project you have on deck. For instance, a thinner consistency of spackle is likely a better choice for when bedding in tape or using automatic taping tools. On the other hand, if you need to apply the spackle to walls, mud that is too thin will shrink back too much. The different types of premixed mud include light-weight all-purpose, all-purpose joint compound, and topping.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly-trained and licensed drywall contractors that offer a wide range of drywall services for residential and commercial properties. Trust us for outstanding results at a competitive price! Call 317-269-7319 to request an estimate for Indianapolis drywall repair, today.

Important Safety Tips for Drywall Work

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Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Whether doing it on your own or hiring a professional crew, working with drywall is a serious project that requires an acute attention to detail, and of course, an appreciation for safety. Often times, anyone outsourcing or performing drywall work is on a strict time schedule, which means many people are tempted to rush through the process. If this happens, important safety precautions and practices can be easily overlooked or forgotten.

The chief point here is to remember that proper drywall safety can only be achieved if you to take your time. Cutting corners and taking shortcuts will not improve the outcome of your project, nor will it protect you from accidents. Continue reading to review some important drywall safety tips and reminders to better protect yourself and your team on your next job.

Drywall Safety Tips

Drywall work includes a long list of duties that can lead to serious injuries and accidents if one is not careful. Cutting, lifting, hanging, screwing, taping, and using power tools are just a few parts of the drywall process that can be dangerous if not performed with the utmost care and caution. Follow the safety tips below to avoid harming yourself, others, and your property.

Stay Attentive to Heavy Weight. Remember that drywall sheets are heavy. A standard sheet of ½ inch drywall weighs an average of 1.7 pounds per square foot. So a 4×8 sheet can be as heavy as 54 pounds. You must be careful transporting, lifting, and storing heavy drywall sheets. If one were to topple over on a pet or child, it can cause serious injuries.

Watch Out for Large Buckets. Large 5-gallon buckets of compound are an overlooked, life-threatening hazard for pets and children when left unsupervised. There have been cases of drowning and suffocation in wet drywall compound, as well as, old compound buckets filled with water.

Control and Manage Dust. The dust that is produced from sanding drywall can be hazardous in many ways. It can cause minor to severe head and respiratory complications, such as coughing, sore throat, dry nose, red itchy eyes, skin irritations, and more. But drywall dust can also induce and worsen existing upper respiratory issues like allergies and asthma.

Additional Tips:

🛠 Use proper tools for comfort, efficiency, and effectiveness.

🛠 Clear your work area before you begin.

🛠 Wear proper back braces and lifting gear to move drywall sheets.

🛠 Use drywall carts, specialized handles, and dollies to move heavy drywall.

🛠 Have a partner present to help lift and handle drywall sheets. Never lift alone.

🛠 Place sheets as close as possible to their final destination to reduce repeat lifting.

🛠 Avoid over-the-head drywall lifting and holding.

🛠 Take short breaks throughout the day to avoid over-exertion or muscle injury.

🛠 Wear dust masks, respirators, and safety goggles when sanding drywall.

🛠 Wear protective footwear, pants, and long-sleeved shirts.

🛠 Use damp sponges, shop vacuums, and microfiber cloths to remove dust.

🛠 Wait for dust to settle completely, and always work from the top down.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair you can trust. We are experienced drywall contractors that offer a wide range of commercial and residential services, including drywall repairs, replacements, installation, remodels, new construction, custom textures, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, and more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for professional drywall installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana today.