Hi Everyone:
I’ve been struggling with a problem and I was hoping someone out there had some advice. When I’m skim-coating on a second (or third) coat with drywall compound, I’m fighting with these tiny bubbles that appear when I smooth out the compound. I usually use a slightly diluted mix (with water) that I’ve stirred using a drill mixer. There doesn’t appear to be any rhyme or reason to when these mystery bubbles appear. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Much appreaciated
Jean-Paul
Replies
dab of windex......or soap.
really.... I'll give it a try
Are you using all-purpose joint compound? If you are try switching to topping mix (same size bucket - different color lid) for 2nd & 3rd coats.
Is your coffee from Dunkin Donuts
Be careful when you mix the mud to not overwork the mixture
When your going over prepainted surfaces as well as previous coats the excess moisture can't drive out the back as easy. You get pock marks. never tried the additives but when i get the pock marks I finish up with a thin skim coat. Usually takes care of pocks and any scratches left by tool work
There are three things I know of that work to fix these holes. The first is a product sold by Lowes especially for this; it comes in a small squeeze tube, and it's in the paint department. I used it on my family room ceiling, and it worked perfectly. Another is a similar product produced by the Bondo company for filling similar holes in plastic auto body compound. I've only read about that. The last one is to mix regular rock compound with water about 50/50. I used this on my family room wall repair when I couldn't find the Lowes stuff.
I applied the Lowes stuff straight out of the tube and "leveled" it with my thumb. It was ready to paint as soon as it dried. I applied the thinned rock compound with a small "chip" paintbrush. That required light sanding with fine paper before painting. You get a better job with this method if you prime the sheet rock before filling the pits. The sandpaper won't attack the primer as aggressively as it does the filler.
Obviously I have no idea how to prevent the pits from happening in the first place.
George Patterson
Edited 7/13/2007 6:20 pm ET by grpphoto
There's a product that's mixed into the mud to reduce the bubbles, but I've been curious myself about what causes them.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Their is a product I pickup at Menards. I believe it's called No-Pox. Made just for this problem. Follow the directions and use a 1/2" drill and mixer bar.
Might also experiment with the angle of the blade you are using. Too flat and you trap more air. Also check the amount you are putting on. Thinner coats Pox less.
These remedies help but will not remove all the bubbles (pox). I use a Topper coat to repair whats left..
cheap $1 store dish soap... maybe 8oz to a bucket...makes finishing much easier and smooth
p
At last someone has mentioned HOW MUCH soap they put in. In the many posts over the years that mention putting in liquid soap, you are the first.
thanks
Roger
Amen!
I was just getting ready to ask how much.
Doug