Tinting joint compound for drywall

[ratdoggy]

I'm doing some drywall work and was wondering if anyone tints the joint compound so they can see where their 2nd,3rd coat and repairs are so they don't miss any spots. also what can I tint it with? I was thinking some chalk dust.

 

[trbomax]

you can see the low spots when you trowel it on because its a darker color when wet.When and if you block sand it you will se a surface texture change that will show the lows.Its not a car panel,its a wall!

 

[Big-Foot]

Be prepared to do an additional coat of primer or paint to cover any tinting.. I just use pencil to mark where I need to fill low spots.

 

[ears]

Blue chalk is commonly used by painters so they can see their repairs on a white wall for sanding prior to painting. DO NOT USE RED

 

[JC23]

I use a tinted primer to catch the last minute divots. I tint it lighter than the finish color will be. It's always enuf to see the divots and even the repairs easily.

But you should use metalflake on the basement walls!

 

[Motofixxer]

I used regular food coloring. Yes I used too much and yes I used red. Don't worry though, lesson learned

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

I have been tinting joint compound for years. As a general rule it is wise to avoid reds and yellows but even when I have used orange I didn't need multiple primer coats.

You only need a tiny bit to tint a lot of mud. Here is what I use for premixed, it is dirts cheap and lasts forever it seems:

For hot mud (drymix) I just shoot a bit of blue snap line chalk in the mix.

 

[readhead]

If you use topping after the all purpose it is a different color. I just don't see the need. I have never seen a pro tint their mud. When you start coating and don't see many dark (wet) spots you are done.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

If you use topping after the all purpose it is a different color. I just don't see the need. I have never seen a pro tint their mud. When you start coating and don't see many dark (wet) spots you are done.

Lots of pros do it especially the ones who who insist on perfection and those who are getting older and can't see like they used to...

 

[brownbagg]

you dont need to see the mud you just need to see the smooth, it usually only take one coat anyway, why are you doing mult coats that how it cracks

 

[CTyankee]

Never seen it tinted, but I have seen tapers add a few drops of dishwashing soap into the compound. Helps to eliminate bubbles?

 

[grumpygator]

Not to be irreverent but I thought we were talking about garages here.
It's just mud.Like bondo when you think you are done mix up some 20 minute and fill in the low spots if you must.
Save that level of prefection for the projects that roll out of the garage.
**************Just Saying************Gator*********

 

[djjsr]

If you really want to see how smooth your joint is, hold a droplight up against the wall to the side of the joint. All of the imperfections will be easily visible.

 

[Norcal]

I'm doing some drywall work and was wondering if anyone tints the joint compound so they can see where their 2nd,3rd coat and repairs are so they don't miss any spots. also what can I tint it with? I was thinking some chalk dust.

NOPE. Not needed.

 

[Justanoldguy]

you dont need to see the mud you just need to see the smooth, it usually only take one coat anyway, why are you doing mult coats that how it cracks

I sincerely hope you are NOT being serious.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

I think some of you guys are missing the point of a tinted final coat. It is not to highlight imperfections, divots, or bubbles. It is to simply show you where you still need to sand so you don't end up having to re-sand the whole room or so you don't over sand a particular area.

As to finding out if my mud is sanded smooth, I don't rely on my eyes. I run my hand along the joint and can quickly tell if it is a go or a no go. I don't rely on any special lighting or anything, generally because I can't see do to all the dust in my contact lens!

 

[willymakeit]

We use to put red food coloring in it for the inspectors to call it fire mud.
This was used during fire taping.