Joint compound is just drywall mud, used to seal joints and fill gaps.
Adding joint compound for skim coating is an excellent way to spruce up an old wall without requiring too much work.
There are many different brands available, so it’s essential to do your research when choosing what type of joint compound you want for skim coating your walls.
In this article, we will go over the factors to consider and our top choices for the joint compounds for skim coating.
Wallboard Joint Compound Dap 10102
USG 381466 All-Purpose Joint Compound
GYPSUM Joint Compound 380270072
Top 07 Best Joint Compound for Skim Coating Reviews
There are many different joint compounds available today. Each with its own unique set of features and benefits that make it better suited for specific tasks than others.
Here are our top seven picks for the best joint compound for skim coating.
1. Wallboard Joint Compound Dap 10102
Dap drywall joint compound for skim coating is easy to use, sand and provides a nice finish on an old wall. This drywall mud is used in combination with joint tape to fill gaps and joints surfaces.
It’s not very demanding, but it will provide you with the finishing touch on your home’s interior walls that will make any older room look like new.
The DAP joint drywall mud 12-pound tub is easy to apply, dries quickly, sands quickly, and minimizes shrinkage. Whether you hire professionals or do it yourself, the walls look great.
It has been proven to produce a high-quality product that is cost-efficient since this joint compound comes from trusted brands such as DAP products.
By using this joint compound for skim coating, the drywall mud can seal joint surfaces quickly with minimal shrinking, and it sands easily. This joint compound also has minimal odor and can be used to skim coating at any time of year.
Highlighted Features:
- Twelve-pound tubs of drywall mud
- High-quality product that is cost-efficient
- Easy to use and provides a nice finish
- Comes from trusted brands such as DAP products.
2. USG 381466 All-Purpose Joint Compound
USG 381466 joint compound is a lightweight joint compound that is specially designed for skim coating.
It has all the benefits of a joint compound and comes in a convenient ready-mixed tub, making it easy to use with metal taping as well as other protection and joint materials.
The joint compound is formulated to provide low shrinkage, and it usually only requires two coats over metal (such as joint tape or staples). This joint compound can be used on all interior gypsum panel construction.
It is not only lightweight but it can also be sanded with the ease of a joint compound and bonds like one as well. This joint compound has superior adhesion and meets ASTM C475 standards.
This joint compound weighs up to 35% less than conventional compounds.
This joint compound is an easy way to spruce up an old wall without requiring too much work.
A skim coat is a thin coating of joint compound applied over drywall tape before final finishing coats are applied in order to provide an even textured finish.
Using joint compound for skim coating is simple as the joint compound provides high quality, quick-drying, durable results that can be sanded easily without striping or tackiness. This joint compound will produce a smooth finish that is ready for final coats in one to two hours.
Highlighted Features:
- USG 381466 joint compound is a lightweight joint compound.
- It can be sanded easily without striping or tackiness.
- Offers high quality, quick-drying, durable results.
- Provide a smooth finish that is ready for final coats.
3. GYPSUM Joint Compound 380270072
GYPSUM Joint Compound 380270072 is creamy in consistency and provides superior joining and skim coating properties without joint tape.
The joint compound is hand-applied to plaster or brick for simple texturing. It also can be applied by hand or with machine tools which makes this joint compound easy to work with, especially for beginners.
This joint compound is a great way to spruce up an old wall without requiring too much work.
It is used to embed and finish the joint compound, Laminate, and repair masonry and plaster that are not exposed to moisture with this product.
The joint compound is easy to use without the need for joint tape and provides retempering, mixing, and thinning with minimal effort.
This joint compound comes in a quart pail container for easy application to maximize its taping and topping qualities.
GYPSUM is developed in the United States and is composed mostly of Vinyl Binder combined with additional ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Gypsum joint compound is a great way to spruce up an old wall without requiring too much work.
Highlighted Features:
- Creamy joint compound that provides superior joining
- Easily applied by hand or machine with no retempering needed
- High-performance joint compound for professional contractors
- Easy to use without the need for joint tape
4. Gypsum Joint Compound 384211120
Gypsum joint compound 384211120 is a lightweight joint and skim coating joint compound that takes between 85 and 130 minutes to dry when using it to fill gaps and seal joints.
A fast and smooth finish can be achieved with the drywall as one of its surfaces for new plaster patches.
Sanding ease has the same benefits as ready-mixed composite compounds, so your work will be ready in no time.
The weight of this product lowers the chance of joining compounds seeping out from the cracks, which can make replacing tiles difficult.
This joint coating offers excellent bonding with drywalls while still being lightweight on-site, helping reduce labor costs.
Unsurpassed water-resistant properties provide maximum strength against weather exposure. Excellent bond for laminating drywall or joint finishing over gypsum plaster surfaces. This joint compound fills gaps and is an ideal choice for skim coating because of its lightweight design which allows you to work more comfortably.
Highlighted Features:
- Lightweight joint and skim coating joint compound
- 85-130 minute set time when used to fill gaps and seal joints.
- Smooth, fast finishing with easy sanding
- Low joint seepage while working on site
- Excellent bonding with drywalls and skim coats
5. Sheetrock Joint Compound 384025
Sheetrock Joint Compound is a drywall mud used to fill gaps in the joint and to seal the joint surface.
Adding joint compound for skim coating is a nice way to spruce up an old wall without requiring too much work. For DIYers who are looking for the best joint mixing, this product will offer low shrinkage once it dries.
This joint compound can also be broken down with ease after application so that it won’t leave behind messy over-sprays over your freshly scrubbed floors or furniture. It comes in handy when you want plaster patches applied to gypsum ceilings or walls.
It’s designed to have all of these qualities while being easy to use by anyone who needs time-saving materials.
There are various joint compound products in the market today, and this one is definitely one of the best joint compounds for skim coating you can find.
This joint compound has a 90-minute setting time and is 25% lighter than traditional setting compounds.
You’ll also be happy to know that it resists moisture, so it can be used even in clammy weather conditions, thus providing same-day finishing.
Highlighted Features:
- Plaster patches on ceilings and walls with gypsum boards.
- Setup time of 90 minutes, 25% faster than conventional compounding
- Resists moisture and can be used even in clammy weather conditions
- Easy to use joint compound & Low shrinkage joint compound
6. Pre-Mixed All-Purpose Joint Compound Beadex 385278
No joint compound is complete without a skim coat to seal the joint and add that finishing touch.
Pre-mixed Beadex 385278 gives you all of this in one package, plus less shrinkage for a smoother surface, superior joining between joint compounds for greater durability in your walls or ceilings. It is easier to handle and apply the lightweight pre-mixed joint compound without sacrificing performance.
The Beadex 385278 joint compound is pre-mixed for convenience. It can be used in grafting and finishing joints compounds or for simple texturing by hand.
When it’s overpainted, the joint compound cannot be washed. Users rave about how lightweight this product is, making application to walls much easier.
Beadex joining compounds are a more economical, single-package joint filling solution. The pre-mixed joint compound is durable and performs well in most conditions.
It’s ideal for skim coating. This joint compound isn’t just lightweight and easy to handle but has superior bonding properties that allow for a much smoother surface.
Beadex joining compounds are the perfect solution to all your joint compound problems. It’s both perfectly smooth and doesn’t shrink.
Highlighted Features:
- Lightweight joint compound that is easy to handle
- Superior bonding properties
- Creates a thicker joint seal
- A perfect solution to all joint compound problems
7. Rigips 120 From Vario – Tapeless Two Pack Joint Compound
Rigips 120 from Vario is a joint compound for the skim coating to spruce up old, stained walls. The joint compound helps close gaps between drywall sheets and seal the joints from water infiltration.
120 Minute quick dry time means you have more time to apply the joint compound before the filler sets in three hours or less.
It’s used to fill gaps in the joint, such that there’s no space left for water or moisture to penetrate into your drywall.
And it seals off any dirt particles from getting between layers of drywall, which builds up time after time and eventually leads to an ugly cracked wall if not fixed early enough.
An ideal joint compound for skim coating helps protect against these types of issues and helps you save money.
Vario’s nylon polymer blends give it superior strength, allowing it to span wider gaps with ease and swell heavy-duty mud without tearing or forming creases.
Highlighted Features:
- A quick dry time of 120 minutes can be achieved
- Suitable for spanned gaps due to nylon-polymer blends
- Heavy-duty mud swells without tearing or forming creases.
- A great joint compound for a skim coating that saves you money.
Facts to Check While Buying Joint Compound for Skim Coating
Whether your goal is to spruce up an old wall or cover some drywall nail holes, you’ll need the best joint compound for skim coating.
The market today has a lot of options but it can be difficult to figure out which product will work best for you. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of things you should look at before making your purchase decision.
Smoothness and Durability
A joint compound that is light enough for a novice drywall mud installer or the carpenter but still provides good coverage and durability is what you’re looking for.
You want to find one that is easy to apply, spreads evenly, and dries quickly. The best joint compound for skim coating isn’t just lightweight, but also water-resistant.
If you have an irregular surface, it’s best to find drywall mud that will eliminate all seams. This will give your wall the most seamless look possible.
A drywall mud that has a texture will allow you to hide imperfections and create a smooth surface. You want to choose one that is thick enough not to drip, thin enough to spread, and porous enough to dry quickly.
Time for Drying
The time for drying is also important. If the drywall mud dries too slowly, you may need to add a second coat in order to cover any missed spots.
If your goal is to make a thick and sturdy wall, look for drywall mud that will thicken up quickly. If you need something that dries faster, find one without too much gravel or sand in it.
Drywall Mud That is Lightweight
A mud that is lightweight is important for amateur drywall mud workers. If you’re just finishing up your first DIY project, it would be wise to stay away from the heavy-duty drywall mud that is often used by professionals. You can’t afford to use too much of this type of drywall mud. Heavy-duty products are best for expert drywall mud installers and carpenters.
It’s easy to make mistakes when applying drywall mud, especially if you’re doing your first project or your previous one was unsuccessful. The extra weight can cause problems like dripping, smearing, and not enough coverage.
You want to avoid buying products with sand in them because they come off too heavy on the wall surface. They also take a lot more time to dry, and the surface may be too rough.
Shrinkage and Coverage Rates
The first thing you want to look at is how much coverage you’ll need for the area and the type of drywall mud and skim coating.
The best joining compounds offer a high coverage rate. This product should also be able to cover an irregular surface. The best ones will be able to handle shrinkage rates that are small or nonexistent to create a smooth surface and seamless finish.
An expert drywall mud installer or carpenter may use something heavier than what’s recommended for beginners, but if you’re just starting out, avoid anything that has sand in it or extra weight to prevent problems like dripping and smearing after application.
Capacity for both Interior and Exterior Uses
The capacity for interior and exterior use is essential because it will determine whether you can use your drywall mud for skim coating on more than one project.
Look for a Cream coat that has a high capacity for both interior and exterior use. A product like this may be best for you because it’s easy to spruce up the old walls of your home or office.
It will work well on drywall, windows, doors, cabinets, furniture, etc. You can’t go wrong with a product like this if you’re looking to save time with your projects.
A product with high-quality exterior use is also important if you’re planning to paint after the skim coating process is complete. Otherwise, the paint may not stick very well to the wall.
The best joint products for skimming will remove air bubbles and clean up easily as well as have the right texture, dry quickly, and not need a second coat on irregular surfaces.
A high-quality Skim coat can save you money in the long run since you won’t have to buy new joints or re-skim every time you spruce up your home or office.
Chemistry
The ingredients make all the difference between quality and quantity. For instance, water-based compounds are more flexible than petroleum-based ones which means they’ll shrink less during drying.
They also don’t require expensive equipment like respirators or air filters because they can be applied without solvents.
No matter what your preferences are, you should always look for a drywall mud that you can apply without respirators or air filters.
If you don’t need something like this, it’s best to stay away from them because they’re often the most difficult options to work with.
A product with quick-drying properties is essential, too if you’re looking for something that dries faster and doesn’t take up as much time.
Professional drywall mud workers often use products that dry in three hours or less because they don’t want to deal with issues like smearing after application.
However, some people may prefer products with slower drying times, especially if they are finishing a small section of their wall at a time. Find one that fits your preferences perfectly.
Price
The price of drywall mud for skim coating is different depending on the size, quantity, and quality. It’s important to take all three into account before deciding which one is best for you.
Although the price may be lower with a less expensive product, it’s necessary to look at what you’re getting too.
For instance, a cheaper drywall mud may not have as many features as a more expensive one. A cheap-quality product will only cause problems in the long run and probably won’t last very long either. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for with drywall mud.
Additional Tips
The Use of Different Compounds
The use of different compounds for drywall is not entirely uncommon. For instance, sometimes, people will need to utilize the best joint compound for skim coating when working on exterior surfaces that will eventually be painted.
Painting over joints may not work very well when the joints don’t dry correctly after application. It is possible to use a paintable drywall mud if you go the extra mile of mixing it with some paint thinner or mineral spirits.
For example, some people choose to use a paintable drywall mud rather than an oil-based one because it may be easier for them to access and make repairs at any point in their home or office.
Be Aware of Your Problem
Skim coating is a process that is going to vary from project to project. This means the best joint compound for skim coating varies from job to job too.
It’s important to be aware of what your problem is and then choose a drywall mud that will help you solve it.
For instance, if you’re working on a specific area of the wall that’s going to be exposed to water, you may need drywall mud with extra water resistance. This will help it last longer when exposed to moisture or high humidity.
On the other hand, if you’re coating an area of the wall where people walk a lot, you want something with good slip resistance as well as durability, so it doesn’t get rubbed off very easily.
Skim Coating Wall Preparation
Before skim coat walls, it’s important to ensure that the surface is completely free of lumps and scratches. This can be done by using a drywall screen with a smooth mesh surface or by using a drywall hammer to visually identify any pesky lumps in the drywall mud.
It’s unsafe to cream the coat without cleaning the surface first because it will lead to unsightly porous areas in the wall when finished.
This also means that you can’t scrape away old jointing compounds, which may work for some people, but not for most. Instead, use joint compound over the old drywall joint compound in small amounts until all of it has been removed.
Angle of Drywall Knife Matters
The angle of the drywall knife matters when applying a wet joint compound. There are two specific angles that you should be aware of when using a drywall knife:
1. The 45-degree angle: This is the best angle to use when preparing your area for skim coating. It will allow you to work quickly and evenly in order to prepare your wall surface.
2. The vertical plane: This is the best angle to use when applying joint compounds in vertical applications like corners and edges that meet with other surfaces. When you use a drywall knife on a surface, make sure the edge is aligned with the plane of the surface you’re working on, so that there aren’t any visible lines where the drywall joint compound was applied.
FAQs
Why Does Skim Coating Matter?
It is important to apply a compound coat on drywall because it ensures that joints and corners will screw together properly. It also adds a nice finishing touch to your project, leading to a smoother appearance.
Sometimes people might also need to use the best joint compound for skim coating when they are working on exterior surfaces that will eventually be painted.
When is the Right Time to Skim a Coat?
Skim coating should always be done after any plastering work but before paint or wallpaper has been applied. This helps ensure that what you apply will adhere properly and also makes sure that water won’t end up ruining your hard work to prepare the surface for painting by soaking into it.
If you want to skim coat a wall surface that’s been painted and it’s not necessary, make sure you know whether or not the paint can withstand moisture. If it can’t do it well enough, then use a drywall compound in order to create a flawless surface before applying your paint or wallpaper.
What is the Proper Method for Skim Coating a Wall or Ceiling?
The proper method for skim coating a wall or ceiling before it is painted is to use a drywall screen with a smooth mesh surface or drywall hammer to visually identify any pesky lumps in the drywall compound.
It’s important not to skip this step because skipping this step will lead to unsightly porous areas in the wall when finished. It should always be done after plastering but before paint application.
Use small amounts of drywall joint compound for skim coating until all the old joint compound has been removed, then apply vertical drywall dagger strokes, which should be mechanically applied so that there are no visible lines remaining on the surface afterward.
Another method you can try if you don’t have a drywall screen is to use an open weave drywall cloth. It’s important that the fabric mesh does not have any voids, lumps, or openings if you want to get a nice flawless surface when finished.
How do I Skim Coat Drywall Corners and Edges that Meet with Other Surfaces?
It’s important to use the best joint compound for skim coating corners and edges that meet with other surfaces.
Step 01
Use a drywall canvas or drywall brush with smooth mesh to visually identify any pesky lumps in the joint compound before you apply it.
Step 02
It’s also important to make sure your screens are not too coarse because this can result in an uneven coat of joint compound on your surface, which is something you want to avoid.
Step 03
Finally, it’s always good practice to let your skim coats dry overnight or longer just so that they have ample time for proper curing, possibly 11 hours at least.
What’s the Difference Between Dry and Pre-Mixed Drywall Mud?
The dry compound can be mixed by adding water to it, creating a more viscous substance that’s easier to apply, much like painting.
Pre-mixed drywall mud is much less flexible, as it was designed for fast application on construction sites.
This product does require that you have access to clean water to use it because, unlike dry compounds, you cannot simply mix it with tap or other water sources. After all, this would result in an inferior mixture that will not work well.
Can I use the Drywall Joint Compound to Skim Coat Plaster?
Although joint compound for plaster smoothing with drywall is not as commonly used as joint tape, it can be a great way to smooth the surface, and you won’t need any other abrasive tools with this method.
Just apply joint compound to the entire wall that needs smoothing and then use a trowel to press it into all of the cracks and crevices.
Depending on how much work needs doing, you may need more than one coat of joint compound before using perlite or sand mixed with water to smoothen out any noticeable imperfections in your plastering job.
Last Thoughts
So, when looking for the best joint compound for skim coating, look for something that has excellent coverage, capacity, chemistry composition (ideally water-based), dries quickly, is easy to apply and remove while being low-maintenance overall.
If you stick with these kinds of qualities during your search process, you’ll end up with a good product that gets the job done right every time.
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