Drywall mud, black spots – what to do?

I have about 2 gallons of lightweight joint compound and there are black spots all over the top of it. I think it’s just on the top like a skin. Stuff was stored in my basement.
What is it? Mildew? Mold? How do you tell?
What to do?
1st instinct was chuck it and get new stuff.
Can I just scrape the black stuff off and use the clean stuff underneath?
Didn’t really want to chance spreading it all over my nice new drywall unless you think it’s harmless.
Replies
what's a new bucket of mud cost compared to the cost of fixing it if it does turn out bad?
Its mold.
Scraping off the top layer may get rid of all of it, but I would ( and have) throw it out.
For the price of a bucket of joint compound, it's not worth taking the chance.
Here's a tip for storing any leftover from a new bucket- mix a little bleach in some water, and barely cover the compound with that. Just mix everything together next time you use it. No more chance of mold.
chuck it out
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Dump it!
Scrape it out in a box. Throw that out, and save the bucket, use 'em for everything.
Webby
Edited 7/31/2008 9:08 pm ET by webby
Edited 7/31/2008 9:08 pm ET by webby
Or you could poop in the bucket, put the top back on loosely and set it beside the dumpster and then watch out of the corner of the window where you can't be seen.http://grantlogan.net
.......nature abhors a vacuum cleaner.....
That's just mean! funny, but mean!
Lol.
"Poop in the bucket." dude you ain't right.
I read that and just about spurted Dr. Pepper out my nose.
Hey my brother lives in Lexington. Lexington is a beautiful town.
Webby
Edited 8/1/2008 8:20 pm ET by webby
It is because you did not buy certified organic drywall mud. Those black spots are the #### of Genetically Modified mould spores designed by the Monsanto BioTech Corporation to force you to buy new drywall mud every time you start a new job.
It is not safe to just throw this stuff out in the garbage. You will have to take it to a certified hazardous waste depot. Don't forget to wear full protective gear whenever you are within 30 metres of the bucket. If you inhale any of these spores, they will cause your teeth to fall out, your hair to grow at seventeen times its normal speed, and your umbicillus will produce enough lint to clog a 3" dryer duct every 24 hours.
Edited to add: I did not write the word "shît" where those #### appear above. It seems that Mzinga's word censor now includes the exclusion of the term "fêces". Holy ####, Batman!
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....
Edited 8/1/2008 8:18 pm ET by Dinosaur
Ditto what webby said.
Save that bucket!
Jim