Mixing Mud

helpless handyman

Hi everyone, I need to know whats the amount of water one puts into a 5 gallon bucket of compound? I know it has to be like a pancake batter, but just don't want to over do it. I have the mixer that goes on the drill to mix it.
Thanks

joewho

Never really measured it.

Add the compound first, then some water, start mixing it and add more water until the consistency you like is achieved.

RippySkippy

Add the water until it's too thin, take some out! Ok, just kidding. Like joewho, I've never measured...you'll get to the point where you can tell as you mix it up. I like adding water to the pre-mixed buckets as well. I recently started using durabond...what an amazing product, wish I'd used it years ago, and it's since it's a powder you have complete control of it's thickness.

AtlanticWBConst.

HH,
Unfortunately, you don't state what you are planning on using the compound mix for.
By your question, it sounds like you plan on using this for an orange peel spray?

Start by removing some of the compound from the bucket. About 1 to 1 1/2 cups worth and set it aside in a sealed container for other use.

You need that room in the bucket to add the water, otherwise, when you start mixing, it will swirl right out the top.
Get about a 1 cup's worth of water and start mixing. Add more water at about 1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time to get it to the consistency that you want. If you found that you added a little too much. Dump the compound that you removed back into the bucket.

Good Luck.

Tip: When you start mixing, you need to place the bucket between your legs and hold it tightly and firmly (locking it in place) using the insides of your calves. Otherwise the bucket will spin with the drill.

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helpless handyman

Thanks again!

klemmy

I just did this same thing. I put my hopper gun on the 3/8" opening and set my compressor at 60psi and it turned out awesome. It took longer to mix up the compound than to actually spray my bath.

joewho

Now that you're on your way to mixing up mud, here's the inside info.

For your first batch or two, start with the powder first, since we don't know how much water you need.

After you get the idea, mix subsequent batches by adding the water first then add mud until it's a little too thick, then add water again to the proper consistency. Sounds funky, but it's true.

At least one Mfg. recommends this procedure also. I forget who.