Tips For Hand Mixing Durabond

Kamala

I'm sure this has been covered here before, thanks for your patience

I recently pick up a new job as the repairman for a drywall company. I've been doing drywall repairs/patches/touch-up for another company that went bankrupt for almost 10 years prior.

I have always mixed mud or durabond with a drill/paddle, and had more flex time to complete the tasks.

This new company has some different procedures that has me mixing 20min or even maybe 5min setting compound by hand. I have been getting lumps and been just in general having a difficult time adjusting.

Any tips hand mixing and just in general would be highly appreciated and thanks in advance.

K.

ddm

I use a $20 cake mixer from walmart, mix it right in the pan.

Frankawitz

you have to work it, I use a 6" knife smash it against the side of the pan to get rid of the rocks, I like to get it like soft serve ice cream, with 20 you don't want to play with it so if you get your water Durabond ratio right it will mix up with no problems. I like the Cake mixer


www.frankawitz.net

neolitic

I chuck one of the beaters from an
old mixmaster in a cordless drill,
if I'm doing several batches.
For one or two, just mix with the
knife like Frank.

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Brockster

If you are only needing enough durabond for a patch or two just dip your pan in water to get maybe a half inch of water in your pan and reach into your bag and put a couple hand fulls of powder in your water and mix. Since of course you have the patch ready to mudd as your walking to the patch mix it up a little more and do your thing. Any remaining clumps will be smashed in when your doing your thing.
I used to know a fellow that would mix with his six in a five gallon bucket if he needed enough to coat a bead.
Also, the mini paint mixers work well in a one gallon bucket and a portable drill work well. Don't forget with anything over the 20 minute it needs to set up for one minute and then remixed.

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firemike

It may sound funny, but for years I have been using a stainless steel mixing bowl and whip like commercial bakers use. Heavy duty, has lasted over 10 years and cleans up easily. I use it for small batchs of hot drywall mud, thinset, grout, etc.

I have 2 sizes of bowls, and you can whip up a lump-free batch quickly. Just pick them up at any commercial kitchen supply like Gordons, or watch eBay or rummage sales, can sometimes find things like that cheaply.

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WarriorWithWood

I use this 2 1/2" mixer right in my pan. It works better than the cake mixer (mixes faster and no air pockets) and I don't get teased by the guys on-site.

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www.bowmanch.com

Sir Mixalot

Here's my mixing set up for hot mud. Works GREAT!

Brockster

Eggzactly!

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Kamala

Nice photo.

Hey, thanks to everyone for the great ideas. I figured out part of my problem was, I wasn't spreading the durabond evenly and finely in my pan.

I have been using 20min for 1 year warranty jobs/patches that need 2 coats in one trip. Then, after it sets up, scrape and skim with Plus 3.

Another question. I have been having a tendency to leave more mud on the finish because, if I pull the coat too tight, I can see some of the grey durabond.

If some of the durabond is visible, as long as the mesh is covered and smooth, as well as the rest of the area, it will paint, right?

The bubbles have been driving me crazy also. I have been finish sanding, then touching up with some tight Plus 3. At this time, its the only solution I have.

I also have been using the sticky metal/mesh screens for small holes and patches. Very fast. I staple and sometimes spray a little more glue on the back. This has been a time saver.

Any input or tips in general would be great.

K

Frankawitz

Kam try using topping compound instead of Plus 3 it sands out allot easier plus it has nice and smooth finish, as for Durabond use the stuff in the brown bag it's harder then the crap in the white bags, as for the Durabond showing through as long as it's smooth you'll be fine.

www.frankawitz.net

kgphoto

You do know to add the powder to the water, not the other way around, don't you?

davy crockett

I'd start by having a little meeting with my boss and explain that for 10 yrs you've been just fine with your system and maybe if you talk right you can show him that your way is better.This is not procedural with an experienced tech this is micro mgmnt. Is it a good place to work otherwise?

Kamala

Frankawitz, thanks and will do. I just was not sure if the durabond painted well.
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kgphoto, I guess with the number of questions ask by just ordinary homeowners and such, your question should be asked, but I'm well aware of that the water is first.
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davy crockett, it is an individually owned business and their procedures are as they are at this time. Maybe down the line, I'll be able to have more input. The owner and everyone else has been pleasant and supportive.

I think that at over time, they have had some troubles with employees, and these procedures insured that certain aspects were covered and taken out of the workers hands. I really can't blame him.

The owner was telling me of the problems with just having reliable help. At this time, it seems that things are behind a bit, and they are trying to catch up. Thanks for asking.

K

davy crockett

hang in there then and good luck to ya'

kgphoto

The comments above and some of your other questions are what prompted me to ask the water question.

oldrivers

i use a 5 gallon pail cause you can stir it really fast and it wont splash over the top. milleseconds

brutus17

i always mix in pan.... add water first(half of what you'd expect to use), then powder.... mix slowly with 1- 1 1/2" knife.... add remaining water to consistency.... eureka!!!

Heefs Home Impr

Whenever I get bubbles I will pull my knife in the opposite direction that I applied the mud in. That usually does the trick.

rockmagic

you know fish eyes, air pockets, pop marks, etc. etc. etc.

good luck