How long does it take for Drywall Joint Compound to dry after water damage?
People who have hung and mudded drywall know the concept of working time vs. total time.Applying the joint compound to the wallboard can be done quickly.A skilled worker can finish a wall in minutes.
Total time is something else.It can take days for the compound to fully dry.How long does it take for the joint compound to dry?
When it comes to drying time for each coat of drywall mud, it takes a lot of time.
Drywall joint compound manufacturers are hesitant about providing targeted drying times, preferring instead to provide a wide spectrum and leave the rest up to the user.The reason is that there are many factors that can affect the strength of a reinforcing tape or bead.
The joint compound needs to be dry for 24 hours between each coat before it can be sanded, primed, and painted.It is possible to apply the 24 hour drying time recommendation to nearly all factors.Some manufacturers will bring the number down to 12 hours if a few tricks are used to speed up the drying process.
It takes less time for each layer to dry when you apply thinner coats of drywall mud.This is the best way to decrease dry time.
The first coat that you apply will take the longest as it needs to be the thickest to fill the joints between the sheets and cover the screw holes.You can thin out the remaining coats once the initial coat is done.This cuts the drying time and reduces the likelihood of future cracking.
The heat can be turned up in a room that is being painted.If you want to speed up dry time, put a furnace in the room.A hairdryer can be used for a small patch of wall.Keep the hairdryer away from the patch.
It's a good idea to set up a dehumidifier in the room.The process of moving water away from the wall system is accelerated by a dehumidifier.It's a good idea to check the water pan frequently and dispose of the contents.