I finally saw both sides of the mud vs. compound debate

Last week on a job in Austin, this old hand told me hot mud is the only way for taping, but then a new guy said he uses all-purpose for everything and never looks back. I've been using a mix myself after 8 years, but I'm starting to wonder if one way is actually better. What do you guys lean towards for flat seams versus corners?

3 comments

3 Comments

jade_johnson1mo ago

My first three years I was all in on hot mud for everything until a blown corner joint forced me to redo the whole wall. Switched to all-purpose for corners after that and it saves me so much sanding time. Now I use hot mud for flat seams that need to hold up and all-purpose for everything else like a hybrid system.

seth_harris361mo ago

A blown corner joint? That's a nightmare, lol.

blair5971mo ago

Yeah, that "blown corner joint" bit hit home. A buddy of mine tried hot mud on a whole house of corners last year and ended up with half of them cracking and a big redo that ate his whole weekend. He swears by all-purpose for corners now and says the extra drying time is worth the peace of mind.