You need the right material for fixing various imperfections on surfaces or for drywall installation. You can use texture mud or joint compound to do this. However, choosing between texture mud and joint compound can be challenging if you don’t know what suits your working surface.
The difference between texture mud and the joint compound is pretty obvious. Texture mud tends to be thinner and shrinks after application. It hides imperfections on drywall better. On the other hand, joint compound is thicker, more durable, and more robust. However, it is not easy to sand and requires you to be cautious when using it.
If you’re planning to install drywall, this article will help you understand the best material to use after this in-depth comparison.
What Is a Texture Mud?
Texture mud is a compound you can use to hide imperfections on drywall because of its subtle appearance on surfaces. You can use powdered or spray texture mud, depending on your preference. When using this compound, you can add sand to improve its texture and holding capacity.
When using texture mud, ensure you prepare your working area to get the best results. Clean the area using tri-sodium phosphate solution and allow the walls to dry. You can also improve its adhesion by applying deglosser to de-gross the paint. Then sand the painted surfaces and prime the area to help better the texture mud.
What Is Joint Compound?
A joint compound, popularly known as a drywall compound, is a white powder that you can mix with water to create drywall mud. You can get it in different forms like dry or wet compounds. The wet joint compound comes in the ready-to-use form, suitable for DIYers. But you need to mix dry joints with water to form mud.
The joint compound exists in different types and can be used for varying purposes depending on your work surface.
Types Of Joint Compound
The types of the joint compound include;
- All-purpose compound
It’s lightweight and easy to use but with a long dry time. It best suits skin coating and texturing.
- Topping compound
This type of joint compound is low-shrinking and is a good choice for a final coat. It helps reduce the sanding time.
- Taping compound
This is good for covering plaster cracks or laminating drywall panels on the ceiling.
Texture Mud Vs. Joint Compound
Before we delve into the difference between the two, it’s best to know that both joint and texture mud are filler compounds available in dry powder and premixed forms. They help hide imperfections and create an outstanding pattern on the wall.
You can note the difference between texture mud vs. joint compound by looking at their;
Thickness
One of the notable differences between the two compounds lies in their thickness. Texture mud is thinner than joint compounds. This affects its quality and durability on surfaces. Remember, the consistency of the drywall mud is critical as it also affects how the joints hold and how the finishing will look.
A thinner drywall mud will also give you challenges while handling, and it’s prone to crack, requiring you to do repairs after some time. Since the joint compound is thicker, it’s easier to use, crack-resistant, and durable.
Easy of Use
You will have to master applying texture mud as it’s a complicated process. The process can make you mess with the compound going at a loss as you have to buy a new one after the texture mud dries. However, it is easy to use a joint compound that doesn’t require hiring a professional to get the best finish and look. You can do it as a DIY project, saving some money.
Durability
If you want the best drywall mud, it’s best to consider its durability. A durable mud will prevent you from regular maintenance and make your surfaces look cared for. Durable drywall should be thicker, holding the surface for long.
The joint compound is much thicker than texture mud making it more durable. It will give you a lasting solution to reducing your work. But this doesn’t mean that texture mud does a shoddy job as it also does offer better results.
Finishing
Another difference between the texture of mud and joint compounds lies in their texture. Texture mud doesn’t require much prepping work to get the best finishing. On the other hand, you will have to prep the surfaces after applying the joint compound. Doing this will help you get the best finishing. You will have to sand it for some time and do it carefully to get the best results.
Application Areas
The main application areas of these compounds also differ. The texture mud works best to create mottled surfaces, while the joint compound is for tapping seams. You can also use joint compound to finish drywall joints.
Shrinkage
Whenever you’re applying drywall mud on surfaces, you should be ready to see it shrink after it settles. If your drywall mud shrinks, you’ll have to use more than you budgeted for. This can inconvenience you if the drywall mud has a higher shrinkage rate.
You will also have to re-apply the mud to have the desired results, which can be time-consuming. Texture mud has a high shrinkage level, which can frustrate your efforts to seal off surfaces. However, the joint compound doesn’t shrink easily and doesn’t require you to re-apply.
Which One Is the Best: Texture Mud Vs. Joint Compound?
This will depend on the application area and your preference. Go for a joint compound if you want an easy-to-use drywall compound with low shrinkage. The texture mud is thinner and has higher shrinkage, which can affect your budget. It also requires you to be keen during application to get the desired results.
Can You Use Joint Compound as Texture?
Yes, the two compounds do the same job, with the only difference lies in their features. However, you might not get the same results because they work best in certain areas.
Bottom Line
Both texture mud and joint compound are good adhesives that give excellent results on surfaces. However, the two have different features that set them apart. Texture mud is thinner, with higher shrinkage than joint compound. This makes the joint compound more durable and requires less maintenance.
