I picked up a bucked of the new USG joint compound with dust control to try it out on a small job a few weeks ago. After doing the first coat, I followed my usual method and added a couple ounces of water to the bucket to prevent crusting. When I opened the bucket for the second coat a couple days later, the entire surface was covered with a layer of gray mold.
I used the compound to finish the job, and haven’t seen any mold on the wall or staining through the paint, but I’ve never seen joint compound mold in the bucket before – even after several months. Anyone seen this happen on this (or any other) kind of compound?
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It is interesting that you posted this comment. I just opened a partially used bucket and found the same thing!
However, I did have a problem with it and ended up scooping off the top layer and using what was underneath and it worked fine then.
I wonder what is up?
ditto here... The mold seemed spread throughout the compound, not just on the top. I opened the bucket maybe 2 mos ago, then this week. Wasn't moldy earlier in the week. Green buckets have lasted more than a year opened
I also scrapped the mold off the top before finishing the job - the though of having that gray mold in the finished job doesn't sit well with me. Like I said, no sign of a mold or staining problem on the wall (yet).
Not sure I'm going to use this type of compound again - there is a lot of panic out there about "toxic mold" in peoples houses. I wouldn't want someone to blame me for putting the mold there and making them sick.
The mold won't pose a problem if the wall is dry. It grew in the compound becasue of the moisture. There are mold spores all over everything, but they need the right conditions to grow
I encounter mold in drywall mud all the time. I probably shouldn't, but generally (especially if it's a nearly full bucket) scrape out the mold as best I can and use the compound. Probably not good to spread the spores around, but from what I understand, the spores are pretty much everywhere already (how else did they get into the mud in the first place!). So far have not had mold grow where I mudded--I think once the stuff dries there's not enough moisture for the mold to grow. Someone should invent mud with a mildewcide, or maybe adding the stuff they add to paint would work.
I believe the mold can be avoided by making sure the mud is completely covered with some clean water.
Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.