Replies

1. 
   artworks | Mar 24, 2009 04:22pm | #1

   I usually just add a bit of dish soap to mix, makes a creamer mix an more workable.

    

   IF IT WAS EASY, EVERYONE COULD DO IT !

2. 
   Shoeman | Mar 24, 2009 04:28pm | #2

   I've seen this in the stores, but, have not tried it myself.

   View Image

   http://www.proplaster.com.au/products/nopock

   I have also heard many times of people adding Dawn dish soap - I tried that once and it seemed to help.

   I am sure others will be along to comment.

   Hope to hear some comment on the No Pock - I am curious if that helps.

3. 
   jimAKAblue | Mar 25, 2009 11:52pm | #3

   I've used dish soap.

1. 
   BarryE | Mar 26, 2009 12:04am | #4

   did ya measure it with a coffee cup?

   Barry E-Remodeler

    

1. 
   Ted W. | Mar 26, 2009 01:40am | #5

   About a tablespoon or more per gallon. And yep, I do it too. Doesn't matter what dish soap, don't know why Dawn is so popular for this use. I prefer something lemon scented. ~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools - BuildersTools.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com

1. 
   IMERC | Mar 26, 2009 07:43am | #13

   try apple scented...
   the HO feels better about the mess... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

2. 
   Nick25 | Mar 27, 2009 04:23am | #17

   We also use it in our toilette bowl at work, keeps the bathroom smelling like lemons, and people like the suds.... kind of like those automatic foam dispensers.

2. 
   jimAKAblue | Mar 26, 2009 02:22am | #6

   LOL...don't get him started!

   I swear someone poured on half a bottle once...the drywall bucket smelled like soap.

1. 
   BarryE | Mar 26, 2009 03:03am | #9

   that's why I didn't mention dunkin donuts <G>gotta wonder if that much soap would have had an effect on paint adhesion

   Barry E-Remodeler

    

1. 
   jimAKAblue | Mar 26, 2009 03:32am | #11

   DO NOT TALK ABOUT DUNKING DONUTS!

   The paint stuck fine.

2. 
   Ted W. | Mar 27, 2009 05:56am | #18

   I've been soaping my mud for 10 years and never had a problem with adhesion. I've also heard of using baby oil, skin lotion and many other unconventional additivies, when there's no dish soap around, but I keep a bottle with me so never tried the others.

   As for dunking donuts, I'll stick with coffee, milk or beer. =)~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools - BuildersTools.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com

4. 
   Luka | Mar 26, 2009 02:24am | #7

   I wonder what pet-safe antifreeze would do to joint compound ?

   If mixed well, it would help prevent rot, mold, mildew, and bugs.

   Not sure what it would do to workability, and/or finish. But I am thinking it would be pretty close to what dishsoap does.

   ....

1. 
   Ted W. | Mar 26, 2009 02:54am | #8

   It would keep it from freezing =)~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools - BuildersTools.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com

2. 
   mikerooney | Mar 26, 2009 03:06am | #10

   Does it have glycerin in it?

   Hard work is damn near as overrated as monogamy.
   - Huey Long

1. 
   Luka | Mar 26, 2009 04:07am | #12

   I have no idea.....

5. 
   DonCanDo | Mar 26, 2009 02:39pm | #14

   I think that if there was an additive that improved joint compound and yet had no downside, that the manufacturer would add it themselves and sell the product as an "improved" version for more money.

   A little bit of soap and/or water does make compound easier to work with, but it also probably reduces some other desireable characteristics, like adhesion.  Of course, it would take many, many drywall jobs and some very careful analysis to figure all of this out.  Something that the manufacturers have probably already done, but aren't eager to share.

   If I add anything to compound, it's only for the top coats.  The bed coats go on unadulterated.

6. 
   Frankie | Mar 26, 2009 05:12pm | #15

   Get a compound mixing paddle for your drill and mix it up so it's creamy smooth. No need for additives. If there was a need, USG would have added it.

   Apply multiple thin coats. Skim on, skim off.

   Frankie

   Flay your Suffolk bought-this-morning sole with organic hand-cracked pepper and blasted salt.

   Thrill each side for four minutes at torchmark haut. Interrogate a lemon.

   Embarrass any tough roots from the samphire. Then bamboozle till it's al dente with that certain je ne sais quoi.

   Arabella Weir as Minty Marchmont - Posh Nosh

1. 
   Jake0358 | Mar 27, 2009 03:47am | #16

   Thanks for the input. As I said, I had heard about it,
   but that was all and was just wondering if there was
   anything that someone had used that they thought was
   worth using.

7. 
   WoodWolf | Mar 08, 2011 11:28pm | #19

   Drywall Compound Additive

   I've had good luck with a product called MudMax.

8. 
   WoodWolf | Mar 08, 2011 11:28pm | #20

   Drywall Compound Additive

   I've had good luck with a product called MudMax.

9. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 09, 2011 05:43am | #21

   Additive

   Dish washing liquid will help the mud keep from forming those pesky pin hole size buble in it. Doesn't effect the adhesion or finish at all. The soap acts as a surfactant to lower the surface tension and allow the entrapped air to release. I've not been able to tell if there is any detectable difference in the smoothness of the application. I use it mostly on remodel work where I am going over previously painted  DW. For new work, just thin the mud enough to make it easily workable. Straight from the bucket or box, it is to stiff.