Will Joint Compound Stick to Concrete?

Will joint compound stick to concrete? Can you use it to ensure a smooth finish on your wall?

First, let’s talk about joint compounds. A joint compound or drywall compound is a powder and water mixture that forms a mud-like consistency. Hence the term mudding. It’s used to seal joints to achieve a seamless base when painting walls.

Mudding refers to the process of applying thin coats of joint compounds to indents on walls. It may sound messy, but when done right, these ‘mudded’ spots will barely show on the wall once the finishing is done. 

Will drywall mud stick on concrete?

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If you’ve long been meaning to smooth out those concrete walls, yes, drywall mud may work. It depends on several factors.

You need to consider the type of drywall mud you’re using, which, of course, involves the prep work. You also need to look into the humidity level in the area. Singapore experiences high humidity year-round. 

Look into available construction wall renders, concrete floor screeds, and concrete joint compounds in the market. All materials you use must be approved by your building administrator. 

Bonus points if you find environmentally-friendly and HDB-approved concrete joint compounds.

Dry vs. premixed joint compounds

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You’ve probably seen dry or wet options for joint compounds. Which one is more suitable for your project? 

Dry compound is the traditional option, which is still widely used. It’s generally cheaper and has a long shelf life too. However, it may be difficult to mix, especially if you’re a beginner do-it-yourselfer. And you’ll most likely need extra tools so you can mix properly.

The wet joint compound or the premixed joint compound, on the other hand, is the newer option. Its advantage is that you no longer need to mix, which means you also won’t need tools anymore. You can ensure mixture consistency and you can start working on your project right away. 

Some variants may spoil quickly, so you need to be cautious to avoid wastage. You might want to look for products that are made with recycled materials or those labelled green by the Singapore Green Building Product Certification Scheme. 

Tips for finding the best construction wall renders 

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You need your walls and floors to be level, so one challenge when mudding is achieving a smooth surface. 

If you want to finish your home improvement project faster and more efficiently, you’re probably leaning toward premixed construction wall renders, concrete floor screeds, and concrete joint compounds.

When comparing products in the market, consider looking for the following:

• Water-resistant properties to prevent water from seeping, especially if you’re working on concrete floors
• Fits both interior and exterior applications on concrete block works, brickworks, and concrete surfaces
• Can be used to patch concrete, serve as masonry joint mortar, or create slopes
• Can be used as a substrate for marble and granite slabs or ceramic tiles
• Approved by HDB material listing
• Made with recycled materials

Note that features and benefits can vary depending on the product type. Application instructions from the manufacturer can also vary. Ask the supplier which specific product is most suitable for your project requirements.