How to mix Quick Set Drywall Mud small batches Hot mud

[@penguins9645]

For complete newbies like me, I can't recommend the 90 minute stuff enough. Gives you lots of working time to figure stuff out, and at the end of the day, unlike the pros an extra hour isn't a big deal - my projects are measured in DAYS, not hours for even the tiniest projects LOL. I also mix much smaller batches and use a old soup ladle to scoop out the powder. I'm a bit slower than you are.

[@karengreene1999]

Same here but not just days sometimes weeks lol

[@MarleneD1216]

I'm doing a refresher course for a bathroom project I'm finishing now that I'm retired. It was started 17 years ago... yeah... no rush on how long it takes to dry! LOL

[@ScottB0107]

Thank you! I was planning on getting 45. Glad I saw this.

[@dmutant2635]

@@joseph7105 Paper tape is fine. It's recommended you don't use mesh tape with regular mud/joint compound.

[@stroys7061]

@@joseph7105 I’ve heard the same - paper with the all-purpose taping compound and mess tape with the quick sets. I’m not an expert (I’ve watched hundreds of hours of videos on dry wall mudding includes dozens of Ben’s), but they all seem to say getting the tape wet enough is the key to getting it to stick and not bubble. That’s why in this video Ben is mixing the mud wetter. All-purpose sets up much slower which allows the tape enough time to activate its adhesive properties. Any experts out there please correct me if I’m wrong.

[@GreenEyedJade]

Thanks for this. I moved into a house with a TON OF LAYERS of wallpaper, black tar adhesive, more wallpaper, individual wooden panels glued on with liquid nails, and then wallpaper on top of that, and then WALL TEXTURE ON TOP OF THAT! It has taken me days to get down to the bare wall, only to find that the bare wall is EXTREMELY old plaster (house was built in 1940), painted with only God knows what type of (cracked, disgusting, dried and peeling off) paint. Needless to say, a lot of the plaster has crumbled from the wall, leaving large, palm sized holes. There was one hole that went all the way through the wall - which I had to reinforce the wall on that one which was a learning experience in itself. Now I’m in the process of sanding down the walls to make sure that any gunk and leftover paint is smoothed out, which I have one wall left to do. Now I’m taking a break because it’s 10:09 PM and I have to mix a small batch of some hot mud to patch these holes in the wall. I plan on adding some glue to some clean, bottled water, and then use that to mix into the mud so it will adhere better. I’m using 90 minute mud, only because I’m a 28 year old female who has absolutely no experience or knowledge in doing any type of work like this. I have done this all on my own so far with no help from anyone. I cannot express the amount of frustration and stress I’ve had during this whole process, but on the other hand I cannot express how grateful and appreciative I am to you for sharing such a wealth of knowledge (and for free!) You have truly changed the way I look at myself and my ability to do things. Thank you for all that you do, and even though you’re just a drywall guy, you’re touching a lot of lives in deeper ways than you can possibly imagine. My dad was never around me my entire life. I never had him to show me the things that dads are supposed to teach their kids - so you, sir, are very much more than just a drywall man on KZbin. Thank you again.

[@charleswright4541]

Ben is a great instructor and I've learned a lot from him when I mix my hot mud I use a metal bowl with a spatula and it makes very quickly and you can get it done real fast

[@cocogarcia1454]

Thank you, Ben! I come back to this video (and others of yours) every time I have another (inevitable) drywall project in my 100+ house. I’m a transplant to Memphis where the humidity can fluctuate wildly depending upon the time of year, how close the wall repair is to the exterior of the house, even the time of day seems to make a difference. Aside from simply getting better at the basics, your advice about using quick set has been the most useful for turning intimidating multi-day projects into manageable, (dare I say fun) and relatively quicker ones. Confidently reaching for the bag of 20-minute or even 5-minute has transformed my work flow and hopefully the value of this olde house o’ mine. Thank you again. Side note… much of the work I do on this house is matching new sheet rock of varying thickness (sometimes in layers) to olde plaster work. I have found that it is often better to forgo tape entirely. I’m still experimenting to figure out what to use when but 5-minute and 20-minute layers are key to matching the hardness of those complicated plaster layers! Once again, thank you, Ben.

[@patsypryor9850]

for us ladies that are new to this when you said "taping " I thought you meant "taping off" as in protecting things around the project which I do at the beginning if needed . this is great !!hope I can build the skill.

[@CentennialRenovation]

Love your content bro! I've learned so much from you. Here is my quick tip, I like doing small patches with the 5 minute hot mud. But, I mix it in Dixie cups with a plastic spoon. The mixing goes super fast and then I just throw away anything that gets hard in the cup and make another batch. Virtually no cleanup!

[@skiball83]

Buddy thank you so much for your videos. My girlfriend lives with her elderly parents to help manage..well manage lol..the 3 flat. I did my first patch job today. Former tenants punched a hole in the wall then patched it with 12X12 wire mesh stick on patch, then tried. I sanded it down and I used 20 min hot mud 3 coats. It didn't set in 20, looked like 45. I feathered those edges and she said it looked like her paint job without me sanding. To be surprised it really looked good. We will see what it looks like tomorrow. Im a hawk and trowel guy. Used to finish concrete. Thanks again. Edit, she asked how many times I did this cause I was working so smooth. I said never, I just watch Vancouver carpenter all the time.

[@Scorpio77902]

Very helpful, Thanks man!! I've been finishing drywall for 38 years and never used the quickset believe it or not, so this was helpful. I do know that we can NEVER use hot or even warm water, if you do, you have like maybe 5 minutes even with a 45 minute bag. Learned that when I was mixing up some grout for a tile job about 30 years ago. Just a tip. But this was helpful, again Thanks!

[@thunder3470]

Thank you for going over the basics, many people in cluding me forget to teach the basics. Thank you

[@OriginalHuchang]

Hello sir, I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate all the content you’ve released to help guys like me to improve out skills. You’ve really helped me more than you could ever imagine. Wish I could work along side you to absorb all the knowledge first hand.

[@scottrogers2831]

Well said and I concur!

[@THETIMINATORTHETOOLMAN]

I use a old agitator from a hand kitchen mixer. I got the idea from the kilted guy’s videos. I had to do some repairs at a tenants house the other day and needed to mix several batches of 20 min mud. The mixer trick really speeds up the mixing time.

[@dmutant2635]

A good rule of thumb: 5 minute smooth set hot mud sets up in three minutes. Unless you're anxious to apply a second coat. Then it sets up in 10-15 minutes. :-)

[@ryane6719]

Truth... and then there’s the “20” that’s about 7 minute when you need it to be 20 😂

[@andrewcarr2431]

@@ryane6719 And there seems to be a time period between "mix good" and "mix set". Normally in the time it takes me to adjust the ladders....

[@thefack149]

That sounds about right

[@ulrichkessler9328]

I don’t get it, my Durabond 90 sets in 30 minutes (working time) on my hawk. How can people get 60-90 minutes working time?? This shit sets quick….I can manage 30 minutes the problem is I have to work with small portions…a lot of extra work and time to clean the tools and mix it again. I already use filtered good quality super cold water…Any tricks I’m missing to achieve 60-90 minutes for Durabond 90?

[@dmutant2635]

@@ulrichkessler9328 Maybe try testing the PH of the water you're using? Maybe you're over-mixing it? Not sure if over-mixing is possible....I've never had that problem unless the product or water was contaminated. Our crew has used muddy water to intentionally quicken the the set up time...good luck.

[@brianhamilton4635]

Hi Ben you didn't say it but I feathered the like button, hi from Northern Ireland

[@numbuh_uno]

dude im getting ready to tackle the job of skimming my entire garage and your videos are super helpful!!

[@skodengaming2477]

That is why I mix 90 minutes mud in a bucket with a power drill and paddle. It gives you way more time to work with it and it gives you plenty of time to work with it, in corners and joints (I use mold resistant mesh tape). By the time I'm finishing up the last area I can go back and pre scrape any areas needed before it gets all the way hard. Second coat is topping lite and it is ready for paint

[@john.french]

Excellent video, agree with your honesty at 7:19 that would be tough to film and work with hot mud in 20 mins

[@zackfishle1009]

I like the 3 or 10 minute "5 minute mud." Sometimes the set time varies it seems based on batches.

[@3leggedgenes]

It looks like lots of beginners commenting so I just thought I'd add a few lessons learned to this good and accurate video. It can seem intimidating to use setting compound at first but I much prefer it now that I've made all the mistakes with it that are humanly possible lol. 1. Less water = more open time. It seems counter intuitive, but water is the catalyst causing the hardening here, not evaporation like premix. I shoot for the least amount of water possible to make my mix workable. 2. I don't do this every day, so mixing in the pan just takes too long for me. Also the more actual mixing/motion, the less open time. I mix in a 2 gallon bucket, the kind that is just a mini 5 gallon not the cheap flimsy type for mopping or whatever, and use a potato masher with a rounded front edge from the dollar store, and I can have a full pan way faster with perfect consistency with minimal mixing and mess. 3. Reiterating the point about cool and clean water. Using warm or hot water is like jump starting the setting process. Also, USG accelerator is Aluminum Sulfate, and that's supposedly used in water treatment processes so if you're having issues with mud going off too fast it may be the site water, you can try adding retarder. 4. If you're like me just doing repairs mostly and a big bag can last you a long time, you might be better off keeping it in a bucket w/ a lid so you can shake it up. The contents will settle differently in the bag over time and without mixing it all up, can also make setting times go all over the map. 5. There's def inconsistency in set time between bags of the same thing. 6. This stuff is so cheap, don't stress about how much to mix or about getting it all up if it starts going off. In the long run it will be faster to dump it and get another batch going. Eventually you'll get better at judging amounts and timing.

[@markypolo55]

Great "tips", Thank You!

[@jackiecrowe-talma2169]

Your less water tip really came in handy today.It mixed very smooth and didn't harden before I could use it all

[@erichsh58]

Thanks for the tips! Since I'm just starting out, I bought a bag of 90 minute Quick Set Light joint compound thinking I would need all the time I can get to figure out how to use it. But now that I've used it a few times I wish it would set up faster. Can I buy just the accelerator and throw some into a batch I'm making? Sometimes it takes all night to dry! Also I'll try shaking the bag like you suggested. I've had that same bag for months.

[@3leggedgenes]

@@erichsh58 The easiest thing you can try is using warm or hot water to speed it up. Tbh though the stuff is so cheap I'd probably just buy another bag of quicker set time.

[@jeffgarris1209]

@@erichsh58 With the bag of 90, it can be sped up with a small amount of plaster of Paris. Get a container and add to your mix in small amounts. In time you'll perfect your skills. 😎

[@christophertiredofbs8514]

Thank you so much for uploading this, once in a great while I was getting cracks, I never prefilled the joints, thank you so much for your time.

[@ryandylanfunfamilytrips4220]

I've used one gallon paint mixer attached with drill. It's working well for me. Please try it out as I'm sure you may already have one gallon paint mixer around.

[@Malungeon18436571]

I sometimes use a paddle from a kitchen mixer

[@LouisFrancois]

I tried a new trick recently that worked super well : electric mixer paddle attached to my drill... It mixed really quick and the consistency was perfect

[@VC-Toronto]

If you have access to a mig welder or a friend has one, grab some stainless steel wire (about 1/8 inch diameter) and make 3 loops, welded onto a 1/4 inch stainless steel coupling nut (long nut). Thread a stainless bolt into it, and cut off the head. You now have a stainless mixer head that won't rust, chip, or flake off the chrome coating the way a kitchen mixer paddle can do. It took me 2 tries to get mine "right". When I need to mix up a small batch, I have a plastic mixing bowl (I think from IKEA) that I use to do the mixing in with a cordless drill. If I only need a small amount, I skip the attachment and have a hand whisk that I use. Yes, it looks like I'm making pancakes, but it's fast and doesn't tend to leave any bits as there are no corners to hide in. A rubber spatula gets pretty much 100% of the mixed product out of the bowl and into the pan.

[@jsaenzMusic]

Thank you! Just bought a bag of joint compound to mix custom batches for small home dry wall repairs instead of the little buckets I used to buy and only use like an 8th of and the rest go to waste. This is gone help a bunch!

[@zachshaver3449]

In a pan like this I like to mix 1 cup water to 2.5 cups of powder then adjust with more water if needed. If you get too much in the pan it's kind of hard to mix it up good, as shown in this video always add the water first as said in the video, it helps to avoid clumps

[@curtisbme]

You skipped the most important thing newbies need to be concerned about when mixing hot mud: Clean-up. They might assume they can just put any mixer or other tool into a bucket of water like they can with standard mud and clean it up after they are all done, not understanding that it is going to harden in the bucket. Also how that as soon as they start to notice that the mix has started to harden they need to dump the excess and clean it out asap, especially if they are using full weight durabond or similar good, hard hot mud. Cleaning any mixing tools before you start mudding and not pushing once the mud starts to to solidify is critical or you will be spending a ton of time chiseling the mud out of the pan and off the tools. I usually set a timer when working with hot mud, especially for the longer 45 & 90min mud, to help me know when I'm coming up on the rated time so I'm not cursing myself for pushing it and spending the next 30+mins chipping mud out off things.

[@andrewcarr2431]

Great tip, I have a "Slop" bucket for such a task. Normally one i've used for multiple mixes of various products during my DIY work. And have a couple of clean (new) buckets handy, nothing worse than fighting with a mix in a dirty bucket. I tend to use a more non-technical method with a scoop of quickset on a scrap of drywall, when it starts to go off I know my current mix is end of life and should be disposed of as it will make a mess if I continue to use it. Goes for mixing buckets, etc too.

[@markypolo55]

I did kinda think you mixed too much mud, but then, I thought you were a superhuman taper! LOL.

[@sescher4487]

Use a cake batter kitchen mixer, bowl and spatula. Works like a charm

[@andrewcarr2431]

I find that the amount of product in the bag does make a difference. I can mix up half a bag and get the allotted time. Mix up a small batch from the remainder in the bag and it sets up differently. Could be how the ingredients of the mix settles in the bag? Although it *should* be even from the factory in each bag. Same as potato crisps (chips for the North American folks), you get the salt/seasoning left in the bottom of the bag at the end.

[@GoNaD5757]

I had a job where I noticed the 20 and 45 were behaving opposite. I thought maybe it was the water, but i used the same bags on another job and it did the same thing. Started thinking the bags were wrong from the factory! LOL I don't remember if the jobs were city or well water, but I think it was city!

[@FlatEarthMath]

How is it that you keep anticipating my needs? Do you have a camera in my house? :-P

[@aaron74]

Drywallery is a temperamental practice! I've been doing it the past few days and yes, it really seems quickset is either immediate-set or never-set. Ha ha ha

[@GoNaD5757]

I had a job where I noticed the 20 and 45 were behaving opposite. I thought maybe it was the water, but i used the same bags on another job and it did the same thing. Started thinking the bags were wrong from the factory! LOL I don't remember if the jobs were city or well water, but I think it was city!

[@ChrisTietjen_00]

I've found that a lot of the variability of using quick set can be eliminated if you accurately measure both your powder and water. If you do this through several batches in a row you can hone in on a ratio that gives pretty consistent results. Then all you have to do is keep a record of the quantities and use slightly less water than you might require so you can fine tune up to a regularly repeatable mix. Your brush method of adding water is killing your open time. You should know how much water to use given a certain weight (or volume) of powder within a couple of ounces. Great videos!

[@sundog8772]

What would you suggest for measuring purposes?

[@ChrisTietjen_00]

@@sundog8772 I use one quart transparent plastic cups that soup is often sold in. I mark them with a Sharpie as necessary. I mix in a small plastic bucket with a margin trowel and then transfer to a hawk or tray as required. If I'm going to do a number of consecutive batches I'll use a battery drill with a small painters stirring paddle to speed up the mixing process. I spin the paddle in a bucket of water set up just for cleaning to keep it free of setting mud. The key thing is to always keep track of exactly how much water and powder you're mixing into each batch. It doesn't take long to hone in on a reliable mixing process.

[@sundog8772]

@@ChrisTietjen_00 Excellent thanks for replying so thoroughly!

[@scottdibble8609]

I use 4/5 of a 20oz water bottle per full pan and mix with my 2" Purdy knife. Same mix every time

[@BigFarm_ah365]

3:1

[@stevehar883]

I ground a 4 inch blade down to fit the bottom of the pan. I use it for mixing. it gets the chunks and stuff.

[@stevehar883]

Also you can buy skateboard grip tape and apply to bottom of pans. It holds up for a while.

[@paulwoodman5131]

I liked the pre cut tape sections. Probably covered this in another video but I've seen just a few of them.

[@joegrimes6485]

An egg beater in a cordless drill works awesome.

[@motocross03087]

Thank you for your videos! I like that you take your time and try to simplify complex topics

[@mattbradford6731]

Awesome video, SUPER helpful and easy to understand, with no extra bull. Got me muddin in no time.

[@ballgms308]

I literally started a drywall repair “specialized” company after learning how to finish drywall from this guy. I had an insane boss/contractor sub me out the job and he got lucky I cared enough to research and hit up KZbin. By the time I finished I enjoyed taping/finishing. The The way Ben talks in his videos make it easy to relate to, super honest. I can’t even tell most of my customers that I learned from KZbin. Funny thing is I’m quicker with better quality than people I have tried to hire with decades of experience.

[@chaselight]

Great idea. Good luck to you.

[@maxgilbert18]

Yup I've experienced the same thing. 20 years experience doing it wrong, no idea what a building code is, never pulls permits. Yeah. We don't do that here. 😂

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

Yes I agree with your statement. But slinging mud is very easy when you have spent time practicing. I remember one day I blew through the job. Mud was not all over the place and had little sanding. That was the day I said to myself man I got this beast whipped. Then years later a contractor was talking crap and I said take you pencil and draw a circle on the sheet rock. I took my 6" dipped some mud and slinged it at the circle. 75% landed in the circle. Then handed loaded blade to contractor and said now your turn. He nailed the window instead while trying to hit the circle. I just smiled and said you got a mess to clean as I went over to the circle and ran the blade and removed the mud.

[@glennlavalle9807]

Sure you are. 😂🤣😂👍

[@toonybrain]

Ignorant people belittle the knowledge pool and first-rate craftsmen on KZbin. If you find the right “mentors” and you take pride in excellence, you will be the best just as they are.

[@Reecefpv]

Iv had the problem with dumping out extra water and the quick set wouldn't set up as fast. It took way longer. I believe it let's the hardener run out. And on that same point. The more disolved mud in the water, the fastest it sets up. There is more hardener in the water with what's already in the mud.

[@cantdriveamotosaka]

I enjoyed the video very much but would just like to say, I quit mixing quick-set with a taping knife years ago after somebody showed me how much faster it is with a stiff putty knife. I also discovered that ice water can actually cause a faster (not slower) set one day when a cold fountain was my only source for water.

[@im_a-man]

Try using a egg beater chucked into a drill for mixing hot mud

[@MsMVH]

We need to see these situations so we know what to do if it happens to us (home DIYers). Love your videos and am watching even if I'll never do some things. Oddly, they're really relaxing plus I love an expert sharing his knowledge, skills and experience so thanks so much! 🔨🚪👏

[@johnkruton9708]

Thanks for the tutorial. I’m finishing up one wall of my garage and I need to quick set my joints with tape. Your tips and information will help immensely. I have to keep reminding myself it’s my garage not my living room as far as the finishing work. I do want it to look good though....I have used your videos to better learn how to mud and tape. Thanks!!!

[@nombreapellido9568]

Hey I was wondering what tape I would use with my mud. I’m currently in a situation where handyman’s are charging me so much for small jobs and other ones don’t even want to do it because I guess it’s too small of a job. So I think I’m going to give it my best shot. Do you know what type of tape I can use with this type of mud?

[@johnkruton9708]

@@nombreapellido9568 well I’ve used both the paper and fiberglass in doing my own work. It depends on how much mismatch (if any) you have to cover and how much time and materials and work you are willing to put into it. My front doorway into my house (inside) took me several coats of mud after taping and feathering out the corners and the seams as it was only about 3 1/2 ft from door to wall but 8 1/2 feet up to the window above it. I ended up laying a skim coat and smoothing it out and making sure not air bubbles were in it. Was a real pain but since I see it every day several times a day (going up and down the stairwell to basement) I”m glad I put the effort and time in. Now about my garage wall I had to keep saying (its just a garage wall that will have 2 freezers against it and I’ll never see it. So I just covered up the seams with a decent thick coat of mud, imbedded the tape and then rough smoothed it out. After it dried I added another mud layer and feathered that out about 24inches from the seam. I had some decent gaps due to the framing and warped studs. I did add some shimming behind the drywall in spots as I didn’t want it to break when I screwed it down. The last coat was much easier and I did have some very small pin holes but I just forgave myself and got to finishing up the important part which is sanding it, primering, painting and getting the appliances and other stuff moved against it. 15 ft of wall and I really only see about 2 feet of it. So which tape depends on how mismatched your seams are. If they are money paper will be fine. If you have a butt joint against a tapered or 2 butt joints then fiberglass helps hold the mud to the drywall a bit better. Don’t skimp on the mud and attempt to just have a lil bit of mud over the tape. That’s what cheap handyman and cheap builders do. It doesn’t take much to add a little more mud and feather it out to look good.

[@vinnart]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make these vids. Very helpful!

[@brucegezon]

I switched to using a small paint mixing paddle with a drill (or single egg beater) and a plastic bucket. So much faster.

[@samuelbankston2108]

I use a normal mixer works ok. But only do that if I need more than one pan.

[@brucegezon]

I'm referring to small 1 pan batches.

[@andrewcarr2431]

I got one of those cheap electric mixers from the kitchen aisle at the department store, works great for mixing up a pan of mud for small jobs.

[@samuelbankston2108]

@@brucegezon I did it today lol.

[@samuelbankston2108]

@@brucegezon definitely way better. Have to admit

[@RunDMS]

Bro the fact that you tell us that even with experience it can still set funky makes me feel so much better. I’ll keep giving it my best. Thanks VC!

[@vinnythehandyman]

Love your videos bro you’ve been teaching me a lot thank you so much

[@lelion37]

Hey Ben did you know this trick i saw in a video ? Mixing whit a egg beater from and electric kitchen mixer mount on your battery drill. I had not try it yet because i just saw it 5min. ago but i think it will do well. 😃 By the way i learn a lot whit your videos. Thank you very mutch and keep on going. 👍

[@vinnart]

I'd like a more simple, idiot proof formula such as - fill pan 1/4, 1/3? with water, then fill pan with powder till about an inch from top? Stir for 2 min?

[@shyft09]

the water amount depends on the moisture already in the powder, so I don't think it's possible to specify exact ratios

[@TheDaveDryden]

Go for a yogurt like consistency

[@kds471]

When mixing by hand I notice more water is needed vs chucking a pan beater in the drill.

[@Z-Ack]

I made an egg beater with a quarter inch drill attachment and just wisk it.. then put the beater in the water and spin.. done in 30 seconds..

[@TheHouser21]

Honestly, it was really good to see someone like you with so much experience, see some hardship with this stuff because I just finished a garage and it was sooooo much mixing of mud and it’s too hard and so on. Haha. Good content.

[@DanaDangelo88]

Can you mix a higher number with a lower number to extend working time?Could you combine 5 min and 20 min?

[@self2self9]

I've seen experienced drywallers make all sorts of mud combos for various purposes but overall I would advise against it for number of reasons. For one, this wouldn't really extend the open time in any way. It wouldn't really even average out the working time to create a 10-15min mix, you would just have parts of the mud setting in 5 minutes and other parts setting in 20 minutes. And, depending on how evenly the two compounds are mixed, this may fool you in to thinking the mud has fully set and ready for sanding, another coat, or whatever you next step may be, when in reality it has not, resulting in a final product that ends up worse than if you just waited for the mud to finish setting. If you want to extend the working time for the 20 set your best option would probably be to just use a 40 or 45 min setting compound, those seem to be the most popular with all but the experienced pros. There are other trade secrets about adding different substances for certain effects but, unless you get lots of opportunities to experiment with different 'recipes' and techniques, I think your safest bet on getting the best results would be to follow the manufacturers' recommendations.

[@HenryTaala]

ben degros WHAT I have to repair my drywall but I love your skate videos!!!!

[@davidgrisco1939]

DIY here...I prefer 45min quick set, I use a scoop for the dry, and another scoop with water mixed with a small amount of adhesive. I mix on plastic sheets on the floor which allows me pick up the edge of the sheet to blend, like kneading bread, then I use my knife to transfer to the pan. When I'm done with the quickset, I immediately use a plastic razor blade scraper on the pan and knife before it hardens.

[@Stevesbe]

Depends how much you have do 20 is what i just most of the time

[@sawdustadikt979]

I’ve found using a 2 inch margin trowel is the best for hand mixing in the trod and the bucket. It’s offset really let’s you fold the material quickly like a paddle mixer does without getting your knuckles caked up. It also lets you get into the corners easily. This is a quintessential skill, thanks for walking us through it you always deliver knowledge/experience nuggets!

[@kennethyuen9849]

My 90 minute mud set in 45 minutes. The temperature was 50F. I thought it was my inexperience but apparently not.

[@MrRdpleasant]

Have you tired the mix ball? Game changer for making small to medium amounts.

[@Cindy25Cox]

Yup! Mud is def a "tempermental beast", I've learned the hard way and now I don't mess with 5 or 20 min quickset anymore....always 45. Makes me feel a certain kind of way knowing that this also happens to the pros. I'm not alone. Thanks for sharing Ben! Aloha :)

[@pound6599]

Yeah, I know. I would only use 5-minute mud for a very small job, but I go for the 45-minute mud. And that's pushing it for me.

[@paulowens8972]

Try a cake mixer in a cordless drill. Works great!

[@6string327]

Use a wooden stick to make your mud in a pale and scoop it into your mud pan. Happy days

[@kleepo7733]

And maybe it's a little easier to like say do half first and then add as you go. I've literally never seen anyone mix mud like this. Not sure how you get it mixed thoroughly without air bubbles.

[@mrtopcat2]

This is just the kind of elementary video that I was seeking. While I have seen older videos of you about mixing, it never hurts to see more. Also I have really appreciated your honest final conclusion about the "nature of drywall".

[@camiloardila2399]

Get a small silicone paint Mixer. Use power drill. If needed finish with knives but not much left. Can be done in seconds !

[@dhammer5645]

Hey Ben if you decide to talk to the camera for 5 minutes will mix a batch of quick set, you might want to think of using some 45 next time.🤣👍

[@markypolo55]

LOL. Good advice! I am retired now, last week I tried 20 min. mud, only got half the pan up. Immediately went to home depot for 45 min. mud! I just don't move so fast anymore.

[@carolinewells4355]

@@markypolo55 Ha‼️ I knew I needed some leeway time to watch KZbin diy videos as I go so I went with the 90 min

[@markypolo55]

@@carolinewells4355 LOL. A wise choice Caroline! I use the 90 minute mud for "texturizing", thus far, never had any "set up" before I was done! Keep in mind, I am not a "professional" so time is not so important to me.

[@covidcash3326]

Weather, air temp, under layment, all effects drying time

[@kevinstone9825]

warm waiter makes it set faster also, and I love my drill and gallon paint mixer, perfect for a pan

[@maxc7680]

Putty knife! & not too much fluffing or you’ll get bubbles! Love the vids man!

[@waltbrim5897]

I use a margin trowel for mixing larger quantities like shown here.

[@EfieldHfield_377]

Thank you I tried it - works good.

[@jacobmartin4088]

Can you put a link for your brush? Haven’t been able to find one like it.

[@Joetime90]

Those brushes are sold at Lowe's as "gong brushes". They're useful for cleaning your drywall knives, pans trowels, and hawks, and as you see, adding water to your pan. In case anyone was Amazon shopping.

[@hectorespudo5565]

When mixing in your pan like that it's best to mash it up against the sides of your pan. Gets those lumps out faster so you aren't working them out on the wall later

[@MultiMaverix]

So a bit soupy for applying tape and pancake consistency for feathering?

[@hectorespudo5565]

I dont think soupy is ever good when taping with a pan and knife. Or else you just make a mess everywhere you go. Pancake/sour cream consistency will provide the best resault everytime. Soupy can be good for skimming walls at the very end if the wall will have no texture and for spraying texture but thats about it.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

If you get a 1 inch knife its 100x easier to mix a batch of this in the pan and when it's getting close to mixed you can go up to a 4 inch to get the rest of the lumps out. No more spilling over the sides

[@frangiew9076]

You don’t realize sometimes how helpful you are, I am having difficulty with plaster getting hard to quickly and you helped with this video…your yapping:) is helping us.

[@tru_vision_bulliez]

“You can always add water but you can’t take it out” 45 seconds later! “If you have the feeling you have to much water you can pore some out” 🤔

[@dbeaulieu9730]

What I do is get myself a small bucket, drill and paddle and mix my mud in the bucket. It comes out well mixed and its faster. When I apply tape using hot mud I wet the tape first. It seems to keep the mud from drying too fast and I never get any bubbles.

[@Semperfries]

Crazy you taught me to kickflip and drywall... Bro u dah man ...a good teacher u r bro

[@JWade-xx3ht]

A small drill powered paint mixer is the best to mix a pan of mud quickly

[@JonnyDIY]

Ill stick to 45 mud and above 😆💕👍

[@andrewcarr2431]

You can also add good old table salt or plaster of paris if you want to speed up the drying time, if you need 15 minute mud and you only have 90 handy for those DIY patches. That works well on the ready mix joint compound to make "quick set compound"

[@billbriggs2309]

I find that a 2:1 by volume of powder to water gets me pretty close.

[@ericford6509]

On a whim I used a kitchen scale and, for me, a 1.5:1 weight ratio of powder to water seemed to yield the same consistency shown in this video. That worked great for the first and second coats over the tape.

[@yesreally7438]

THANK YOU for this guidance!!!! I've invested way more time than anticipated trying to find out any beginning direction on ratios lol

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

20 minute is fine for super quick patches but it’s too inconsistent to use on a regular basis. If you use 45 for some reason a lot of that random time to set goes away.

[@-supremebeing-]

I do this often when repairing electrical outlets. But just recently switched to using a drill and the ox mud pan whip. So much faster. You should do a video on that Ben.

[@mazzg1966]

Ya a few years ago i bought a Ox mixer and I use it all the time when mixing small batches in my pan...the shape really gets in the corners and works amazingly well...i carry it always and use frequently! Definitely should do a video Ben!

[@Danny87R]

Do you find that affects setting times? I have a bag of 20 minute that says don't use mechanical stirers, I tried it once in a rush and it set up in under 10 minutes!

[@mazzg1966]

Yes for sure if you mix too long it can speed up the set time a little... But not too much

[@MergedElement]

LoL the first time I mix quick set it turn hard in less then 10 min because I added more quick set inti the bucket because I thought it was too runny.

[@thatguy8005]

Hot water also speeds up concrete set time

[@ballgms308]

If you ever get a chance seeing you finish a closet would be like gold. Which joints to tape first and using what type of hot mud

[@JoeC92]

Hey Ben, how about a video on some of that no pock stuff and/or using dish soap instead?

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Beginners don't use 5 min hot mud. There is no time for playing with it. 20 minutes for small areas and larger you better go 90 minutes. Make sure between coats you clean pan and tools well because the ould will rapidly fire the new batch.

[@Smokecorleone415]

Seems like the Canadian stuff has a longer work time.if it were Sheetrock brand it would’ve already started to set

[@elindred]

As a home owner doing this on a project I found it helpful to use two identical ~1L plastic takeout containers, one to scoop powder out of the bag and one to roughly measure out water. After a few pans I was able to determine the ratio I wanted and from then on mixing was fast and repeatable. I also had a margin trowel which I found made mixing much easier.

[@elindred]

@@CharlesStaggs it's been a while, but I seem to remember doing 2 parts of 45 minute quick set for 1 part water, maybe more.

[@nailbanger2]

As always, use what works for you. I finish professionally and I would be at a loss using g a 6 to mix with. I use my 2" knife because it fits right into the flat bottom, and I would be willing to race those folks that use a cake mixer. Especially if we count clean up time ;)

[@motube2389]

You never linked the metal pan in the description box?

[@jackdolphy8965]

I’ve tried using an “egg beater” on a drill to (gently) mix batches of this stuff. Yes I’m a pretty green diy mud guy. Other than cutting the set time on 45’ maybe in half, what are the downsides of doing it like that? Tkx!

[@darylthomas4522]

Try storing unused mix in a bucket if not using immediately,it will suck moisture out of the air affecting set time and could be useless after as little as 2 weeks

[@dansievers8128]

I bought a small mixer from Menards that is designed to fit right in the mud pan. Just put it in the drill. It’s made of plastic so it doesn’t scratch. Works well but you still need to scrape the sides with the knife a couple times

[@tonygoshive785]

Bloody hell, that is possibly the hardest way I’ve seen. Just mix it in a bucket and scoop them onto the hawk. Who has time for this...

[@robertanderson4318]

Buckets are harder to clean later. Pans better

[@salzy1864]

Using wooden painters sticks for mixing is a game changer. If you have a large quantity, use the stick they make for the 5 gallon bucket so it doesn't break. Way faster, neater, easier, and the sticks are free! Thanks for the awesome video!

[@davebexton1412]

I would like to see a future video that deals with wet sanding the final coat for a dustless finish....or is this an Ontario thing.

[@bigpapaadam1]

lol 20 minute mud requires sprinting in my experience lol it’s dries so so quick 😅😅😅 I find myself coming back to your videos on drywall constantly for reminders on how to do a job more efficiently! Your channel is always very much appreciated when I am working with drywall!!!! Thank you 😊

[@andrewcarr2431]

I purchased a cheap ($10) electric hand mixer from the kitchen aisle at the local big box store, mixes up quickset in the pan in seconds and a quick dunk in the water bucket even means you don't need to clean off the blades too well....

[@ethantaibossigai9843]

Put a small paint mixer on a bat drill and spinner up save time

[@samhill2450]

I thought you needed to add glue to quick-set if you were going to imbed tape with it.