Tip of The Week

January 27, 2007

This week’s tip comes from our “Don’t kick the bucket before its time” file.

A bucket of joint compound (affectionately termed “drywall mud”) can cover a multitude of sins in any project.  It can also come in handy if you have an unexpected repair to make.  Of course one of the home improvement frustrations is opening the bucket of mud to make one of those emergency repairs only to find it hard as a rock.  So how do you make sure that the bucket of mud in the garage or basement is ready to use when you are ready to work?

Saving the mud almost indefinitely is very easy.  When you have completed a project and you are ready to store the mud follow these easy steps.  Use your trowel to clean the mud off the inside of the bucket.  Smooth off the top of the remaining mud and then pour about ½ to 1 inch of water on top of the mud.   Pour it in slowly and do not mix it with the mud.  Then seal the bucket with the original lid.  The layer of water creates a seal between the mud and the air. This prevents the mud from drying out.

When you are ready to use the mud the next time pour off all of the excess water, mix the mud and you are ready to go.  So before you kick the bucket…of mud…prematurely, try this little trick.

Thanks for visiting Ask John and Dave.com and we’ll see you on the air,

John and Dave

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