Warning: My helper said he could tape a whole room in two hours

I was at the supply house in Tacoma and overheard a guy telling his buddy he could tape and mud a standard bedroom in under two hours. He was talking about just slapping it on and not waiting for coats. I realized he was setting himself up for a huge call back when the joints crack. It made me think we should talk more about proper dry times with new guys. What's the fastest but still solid schedule you've found for a three coat finish?

3 comments

3 Comments

joseph_torres15d ago

My fastest solid schedule is a hot mud first coat, then 90 minute mud for the second, letting that dry overnight before the third. What do you use for the final coat?

sandrajackson15d ago

Wait, you're using 90 minute mud for a second coat?! That's crazy to me, it sets up way too fast for smoothing. I always use all purpose for the last two coats so I have time to work it.

avery_smith2213d ago

Honestly I used to rush coats too. Seeing a bunch of cracked joints on a flip job changed my mind for good. Now I always let that second coat dry hard overnight no matter what.