Setting Joint Compounds Avoid Dust

Real plaster work involves minimal dust. The plasterer trowels the wet, white plaster until it is as smooth as glass. There is no sanding.

You can do the same with setting type joint compounds. As they get hard, you can work with them and trowel them just like real plaster. A rubber ceramic tile grout float works best. The joint compound needs to be very hard to achieve the best results.

Wet the compound slightly. Glide the rubber float across the patch with just the trailing edge of the trowel touching the compound. You do not want the entire bottom surface touching the plaster. If you make successive strokes much like you would squeegee glass, it will work. Trust me, it takes practice.

If you can't get the hang of it, you will have to sand. You may be able to rent some new wonderful sanding vacuum tools at your local tool rental shop. These tools have a sanding pad attached to a shop vac. They really eliminate 95 percent of the dust in most situations. The key is keeping the filter clean.

Makers of Joint Compound

Want to know more about these powdered setting plaster repair products? Just check out the websites of these manufacturers.

All of these products perform well. The key is to mix only the amount you can comfortably use in 15 - 20 minutes. If they start to get hard in your bucket or mud pan, do not add additional water. It will weaken the mix and fall from the wall or ceiling. Clean your tools well, as the compounds can stick like concrete!