Anyone used drywall mud over bonding coat to plaster a block wall?

Answer 1

Yes you can do so..but not with the regular drywall mud..you can get what is called durabond or quickset drywall mud that comes in a powder in a bag that you mix with water and a drill...This mud will actually set UNDER WATER..and you need to be careful which one you get ..they have a 20 minute..30..45..60..90..and 120 minute drying or working time..only mix what you need at one specific time..I suggest the 120 drying time for you will at least be able to m ix up a 5 gallon bucket at a time to plaster/texture with...Oncve mixed..you have to use it all..and clean your tools like your drills etc right after using them..for simply setting them in water will not work..it willharden as I mentioned..under water...let dry completely once plastered..prime and paint...The link below tells you you can use this product on concrete surfaces...available at home depot..although it will be under a different manufacturer..USG I believe..just tell them you want "quickset drywall mud in the bag"....Durabond was the original manufacturer of this product, then many other companies followed suit and made thier own..Very tough stuff..I have done many block walls with this as a finish..

http://www.usg.com/navigate.do?resource=/USG_Marketing_Content/usg.com/web_files/products/prod_details/SHEETROCK_Brand_Durabond_Joint_Compound.htm

OOps..I'm assuming this block wall is on the interior...I wouldn't use it on the exterior for this...

Answer 2

PCbeach offers a valid thought, although I personally wouldn't use it. I refer to it often as "HOT Mud"

He also offers a valid thought in noting interior or exterior.

Are you looking to achieve a smooth or textured surface?

I am curious however. Is the block RAW, or has it been finished in the past? And in that regard, what purpose is the bonding coat?

If the Block is raw, why not just use a poly blend thinset mortar. The process will be the same. Actually on raw block, IF I wanted a stucco finish, I'd use Fiberglass blended stucco mix.

Just my two cents.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Drywall mud is not plaster and needs to be kept dry after drying as it will soften again - used in cleaning joints with a damp rag. Will your block wall be holding back moisture?