When to Use Setting-Type Compounds
Not all joint compounds are created equal. If you've worked with drywall or plaster repairs, you've probably seen both ready-mix joint compound (the premixed mud in buckets) and setting-type compounds (powdered products like Easy Sand or Durabond that you mix on-site). Both have their place — but knowing when to use each is the difference between a repair that lasts and one that cracks or crumbles.
Ready-Mix Joint Compounds
Pros
- Simple and convenient — just open the bucket and go.
- Cost-effective and widely available.
- Long working time, so you don't feel rushed.
- When combined with paper tape, creates strong drywall joints.
Cons
- Air-drying → prone to shrinking and cracking, especially in deep fills.
- Lacks structural strength on its own.
- Not suitable for plaster repairs or heavy-duty patching.
Best Use
Ready-mix is great for standard drywall finishing: taping, topping, and general smoothing where the compound doesn't need to carry weight.
Setting-Type Compounds (Easy Sand, Durabond, etc.)
Pros
- Stronger and more durable than premixed mud.
- Minimal shrinkage, even in thicker applications.
- Chemically sets (instead of air-drying), so it cures reliably.
- Available in different set times: 5, 20, 45, or 90 minutes.
Cons
- Must be mixed on-site — a little less convenient.
- Shorter working time, especially with fast-set formulas.
- Harder to sand (Durabond is especially tough).
- Requires clean tools and water to avoid premature setting.
Best Use
Perfect for repairs, patches, and any application where strength matters.
When to Use Setting-Type Compounds
There are jobs where ready-mix just won't cut it. Use a setting-type compound instead when:
- Repairing plaster walls: ready-mix has no structural strength and expands differently than plaster.
- Prefilling drywall gaps: ready-mix shrinks as it dries, leaving voids.
- Filling patches that need strength: larger or deeper repairs demand the durability of setting-type compounds.
They're also great for:
- First coat on corner bead (extra strength).
- Deep fills or large repairs.
- Plaster crack repairs.
- Fast turnaround projects where multiple coats are needed in a single day.
Best Practices for Setting-Type Compounds
- Mix small batches. Only prepare what you can use before it sets.
- Keep tools clean. Residue will cause the mix to harden too quickly.
- Work in layers. Thin coats bond and sand better than thick ones.
- Use the right product for the stage. Durabond for deep fills and base coats, Easy Sand for finishing layers.
Safety and Handling
- Sanding setting-type compounds produces fine dust — always wear a dust mask or respirator.
- Ventilate the workspace and use drop cloths to control dust.
- Once cured, these compounds are harder to clean from tools and surfaces, so wash up promptly.
Finishing and Painting Timeline
Even though setting-type compounds set fast, they still need curing time before painting.
- Recoating: you can often recoat within 1–2 hours (depending on the formula).
- Painting: wait at least 24 hours after the final coat before priming and painting.
Example timeline:
- Morning → patch with Easy Sand 45.
- Afternoon → sand and apply skim coat.
- Next day → prime and paint.
Pro vs. DIY Perspective
If you've ever watched a professional finisher, they make it look effortless. If you've ever tried it yourself, you know it's not quite so simple.
- Pros use setting-type compounds every day because they're faster, stronger, and more reliable.
- DIYers often avoid them because of short working times, but with practice — and by starting with a longer set time like Easy Sand 90 — they're manageable.
A smart approach is a hybrid: let a pro handle the finishing and skim coats, while you take on prep, cleanup, sanding, and painting. This keeps costs down without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion
Ready-mix compounds are ideal for most standard drywall finishing. But when you need strength, durability, and speed, setting-type compounds are the right tool for the job. From plaster repairs to deep fills to quick turnarounds, knowing when to reach for Easy Sand or Durabond will save you time, money, and frustration — and leave you with results that last.
