Learned the hard way not to mix joint compound batches from different weeks on a job in Portland

Was finishing up a basement remodel and ran out of the bucket I started with. Grabbed another one I had sitting around from a different job. Thought it was the same stuff. Next day the seams were cracking in spots I never have issues with. Had to sand and redo three full walls. Cost me an extra day and a half. Anyone else ever get burned by using old compound or mixing brands mid-project?

2 comments

2 Comments

veraramirez8h ago

Wait, you used compound from a different job without checking the batch date? Oh man, that's a nightmare. I would have been so mad at myself for that oversight!

gavin9285h ago

Oh man, I used to be the total opposite on this! I figured compound is compound and dates don't matter that much for most jobs. But after messing up a big batch of epoxy floor coating because I grabbed an old can from a previous job, I totally get it now. The stuff had separated and the hardener was toast, ruined the whole pour. That was a costly lesson for me. Now I'm paranoid about checking dates every single time I grab material.