EL VERANO — If you’re planning a drywall project, one important consideration is the type of compound or “mud” you plan to use. Drywall compound comes in a few different classes, so it’s crucial to choose the right product for the specific application. Here are three key types of compounds:
1. Taping compound is designed to allow for easy application of drywall tape to joints and angles. It’s basically 90 percent glue and can’t really be sanded, so you shouldn’t use this type of compound for your finishing coat.
2. Topping compound is designed for finish coat applications, as it’s specifically formulated for minimal shrinkage and easy sanding. 

3. “All-purpose” compound combines the characteristics of taping and topping compounds in order to be usable in any phase of application. While not ideal for large or high-end jobs, this compound can work well for smaller jobs where detail is less important. If you want a fast drying time, a lightweight all-purpose compound can be a good choice.

Three Types of Drywall Compound

Learn about the three main types of drywall compound, their uses and how to choose the right one for your home improvement or construction project.

Three Types of Drywall Compound by Curtis Kapple

by Curtis Kapple, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Video: Differentiating Quality with Drywall Mud

If you're planning a drywall project in your home, you'll want to be aware of the types and grades of product available. Today, we're in Glen Ellyn with Diamond Certified expert contributor Curtis Capital of Capital Drywall to learn more.

These are the main products we use. This is what we call blue dot. It's the first coat of taping that you put on. It's 90% glue. You can't really sand it. It's what the nails should be spotted with first time, and the tape should be put on with. 

This is green dot. I don't use any lightweight products as, in my opinion, they leave too many air bubbles. Too easy to scratch. This is a more solid product. Tried, true, and tested. A little harder to sand but the finish, in my opinion, is twice as good as the lightweight products. The only lightweight product I use is in hot mud. We try not to use this as much as possible. In this house, there is maybe one bag of hot mud used as we needed sand ability everywhere. On smaller jobs, we do use this in order to speed up the drying time.

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Curtis Kapple: Mud and Numbers

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