I hear you on the green joint compounds—I've had mixed experiences too, but I actually think they're worth sticking with, even if they aren't perfect yet. One thing I've noticed is that if you use a slightly damp sponge instead of sanding, some of the grit goes away and you get a smoother finish. It's not quite like the traditional stuff, but it's close enough for most projects. I do think the drying time is a pain, though... sometimes feels like watching paint dry, literally. But for clients who care about eco-friendly materials, I try to make it work.
That’s a solid workaround with the damp sponge—definitely helps cut down on the dust, and I’ve found it’s easier on the lungs too. The drying time with green compounds is a real patience-tester, though. Sometimes I’ll set up a fan or crack a window just to speed things along, but it’s still slow going. Still, you’re right—if the client wants eco-friendly, it’s worth the hassle. I’ve had a few jobs where the finish wasn’t quite as slick as with regular mud, but most folks don’t notice unless they’re really looking for it.
I hear you on the drying time—green mud can be a real drag, especially in humid weather. I’ve tried using a dehumidifier along with a fan, but sometimes it still feels like watching paint dry. Have you ever experimented with mixing in a bit of regular compound to speed things up, or do you stick strictly to the eco stuff?
Mixing in regular compound? I’ve tried it a couple times when I was desperate to get a coat on before dinner, but honestly, it’s a bit of a gamble. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it just turns into a lumpy mess that dries weird. The eco stuff is great for the air quality, but man, it’s like waiting for bread to rise on a rainy day.
I’ve found that if you can get your hands on some hot mud (the powder kind you mix yourself), it’s a total game changer for speed. It sets up fast, even in humid weather—just don’t let it sit in your pan too long or you’ll be chiseling it out. Downside is, you gotta work quick and clean your tools right away, but it beats staring at wet joints for hours.
Fans and dehumidifiers help, but sometimes Mother Nature just wins. At least sanding green mud is less dusty... silver linings, right?
