Drywall sponging water additive research
I like the soap in the mud trick (which I learned here on Breaktime). It makes dryer mud more workable (less shrinkage). It’s working so well I want to ask if anybody has tried adding anything to the water to make sponging easier when smoothing joints.
I just want to avoid something like “paint won’t stick now” (research expense) and ask if anybody’s had any success or failure with an additive. Thanks
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That's what happened to Edison's first light bulb. Hey, that's what happens to MOST of my light bulbs.
I've never sponged drywall, but regarding additives, you might give a try to mud max. Its an acrylic additive, and it really does make quite a difference in the mud. Trowels smoother and slicker, less little pebbles form less frequently, and it increases the bonding properties of the mud. I have no evidence to back up my theory, other than the way it feels to sand, but it seems, at least, like the mud dries harder, which makes it take a little more sanding pressure, but also seems to reduce scratches. I like the stuff well enough I don't plan on opening another bucket without using it.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
I've never heard of it. Can you describe what it looks like? (I have used latex "milk" additive in thinset and grout).
Its called Mud Max. Drywall supplier here started carrying it after I asked about it. I first saw it in JLC. And it looks much like your milky white additives for other products. Trimtex makes the stuff (I think thats who it is)- same people that do all the different beads."If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
I use water and PVA primer when I stomp, sponge, or stipple.