Fix-it-all patching compound

bluemoonshine

Can I use fix-it-all patching compound for filling in and tapeing 3/8'' gaps in the drywall joints? is there something else you might reccomend that doesn't crack/shrink? this would just be for the 1st coat.

sdsester

How did you end up with 3/8" as a drywall gap. Everywhere or just in a few places?

I would just use mud and lots of it, and just press paper tape in place. There is nothing I know of that is going to keep gaps that size from flexing and potentially turning nasty. I guess you could try the fiberglass mesh tape but I am not sure it will help either.

I hope it is at least nailed or screwed to the 2 by whatevers solidly?

bluemoonshine

the plastered wall isnt perfectly square so at one end on the ceiling the gap is 3/8'', I figured i'll just use the mesh tape and the fix it all. should I try and pack a sliver in tightly?

RickyBobby

I would use Durabond to fill the cracks first. Apply and let it fully dry, then do your 1st tape coat.

bluemoonshine

I went to a small construction store that said they had durabond but they had sheetrock brand lightweight setting-type compound, easy sand, they said its the same but this is sandable which is good, but is it really the same strength? should I use it? this is the same stuff they have at home depot lol, i got the #45.

also just wondering what the differnce is between patching compound and setting type compound? I've used the fix-it-all before to patch plaster and thought it was really strong, its also sandable, it just goes off quick and hard to cleanup.

dberladyn

For Pre-Filling gaps/joints you can use anything.

However you are correct in looking for a material that doesn't shrink. The best product to use is a product made by SYNKO called Concrete Fill. It chemically hardens within 30 mins, it doesn't shrink, and it doesn't crack. It actually has strands of fiberglass in the material which give the material excellent structural strength. You still need to apply drywall tape over top, but sometimes people are tempted not to (which is incorrect).

~ A Professional Drywall Finisher.


PS. For repairing Plaster walls, Concrete Fill is almost a necessity. I wouldn't attempt a job without it.