Was this covered recently/ Compound air bubbles

[Mr.Magoo]

What methods are there to reduce air bubbles in drywall compound after mixing. Is it coming from air being entrained by the paddle mixer or the speed of the mixing. The thinning of the material is only 1 pint to a 50# box. I believe I saw this addressed a short time back, can anyone bring it back up, I thought there was some type of remedy to the problem. After applying to a field area or taped joints and troweling flat, hundreds of pinhead size air bubbles appear. My remedy to this is to let stand and after they surface I run the knife or trowel back over the surface, usually once or twice and there gone. I would really rather not have to put up with this.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

My understanding is the tiny air bubbles tend to be more prevalent when mudding on a painted surface. That been I own personal observation also.
A lot of "old timers" and even some of the professionals today add soap (like Ivory dish soap) to the mud. Usually about 2-3oz per box or bucket. They say this helps to eliminate bubbles- I have scepticism. But, understanding the chemical makeup of soap it would be a plausible aide.
Detergents contain surfactants/surface active agents/wetting agents. These surfactants work on a molecular level to reduce surface tension. In essence, they "relax" the mud. Just like they relax surface tension in water-borne mixtures. Hence, allowing the air to easily escape(?)

However, I've also heard that this practice will void the manufacturers warranty if there is a claim. General result- paint won't stick. That why the limit is 2-3oz.

I generally, don't do soap nor do I worry about the pinholes- sanding will usually eliminate most. Whatever is left-over is usually filled with sanding dust. I don't blow off walls or vac them. Just a moist cloth towel to wipe down.

Or after mixing, place container in a vacuum to pull the bubbles out- that's how it's manufactured.

 

[ranger302]

x2 on the soap, works great.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Guys around here use Dawn dish washing liquid. A couple of good squirts and then mix it well. Like noted above, not too much or you will have problems.

 

[JamieK]

Slow down the drill, and don't overmix.

 

[jlckmj]

I just had my house drywall done, and the taper added 2-3 oz's of dawn dish soap before mixing like the other said, not a bubble in the whole house that I could see.
Jim

 

[A_Pmech]

Mix SLOWLY and thin it more.

When the compound is in the trough, squeeze it against the inside wall a few dozen times to pop the bubbles and homogenize the texture.