It takes some extra patience, sure...but the results might surprise you. Curious if anyone else has tried alternative methods with success.
Interesting points here. I've definitely had success with lightweight compounds myself—much easier to sand and control. But honestly, I've found that a lot of the smoothness comes down to technique and patience rather than materials alone. I remember restoring our dining room walls (built in 1895!), and no matter what compound I used, it was the careful layering and feathering that made the difference. Has anyone else noticed certain tools or application methods making a bigger impact than the product itself?
"I've found that a lot of the smoothness comes down to technique and patience rather than materials alone."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've seen folks achieve amazing results using basic joint compound just by taking their time and feathering carefully. One thing I've noticed helps a ton is using a wider taping knife—like 10 or 12 inches. It spreads the compound more evenly and reduces ridges. But yeah, patience is key...rushing drywall finishing never ends well, at least in my experience.
"One thing I've noticed helps a ton is using a wider taping knife—like 10 or 12 inches."
Definitely agree on the wider knife, but I've also found that the angle you hold it at matters just as much. Too steep and you scrape off too much compound, too shallow and you leave ridges. Took me a while (and a few frustrating weekends...) to get that balance right. Curious if anyone else has experimented with sanding techniques—do you prefer wet sanding or sticking with dry?
Definitely agree on the wider knife, but I've also found that the angle you hold it at matters just as much.
Interesting points about the wider knife and angle—though from my experience, sanding technique can sometimes matter even more than the knife itself. I've tried wet sanding a few times, and while it definitely cuts down on dust (a huge plus), I found it harder to gauge how smooth the surface was getting. Dry sanding, despite the mess, gives me better tactile feedback. Maybe it's just personal preference, but I feel more confident in the final finish that way...
I've noticed the same thing about wet sanding—less dust is great, but I kept second-guessing myself on smoothness. Ended up switching back to dry sanding with a good mask. Messy, but at least I know when it's done...
