Everybody wishes to have a nice-looking home.
There are several ways of making your home look great, and skim coating should be at the top of the list.
Skim coating is the best way to hide cracks, ridges, small spots, imperfections, and blemishes of your drywall.
This technique will make your surface uniform and more beautiful.
Joint compound is also known as drywall mud. You can use it to texture your drywall and make it more appealing.
However, selecting the right joint compound for skim coating is not an easy task based on my experience.
I had a rough time choosing the best joint compound when I wanted to rejuvenate my home.
However, that should not scare you as I have prepared a list of the 3 best joints compound for skim coasting, based on my experience.
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1. Regular all-purpose joint compound
This joint compound is a ready to use premixed compound that comes in either boxes or buckets.
What the tool can do
This joint compound is mostly used for finishing drywall seams, taping, and skim coating since it adheres strongly to surfaces.
Key specifications
- It is very soft
- Very easy to sand to hot mud
Key features
- It is durable
- It takes few hours to dry
- Has heavy fillers
Pros
- Durable
- Good for taping
- Excellent for skim coating
Cons
- Not good enough for deep patches repair
- Very heavy
- Shrinks more
Why I included it
This joint compound drives hard anytime you want to crack a crumb, plus it can be used to repair seams on any drywall.
2. Lightweight mud
Lightweight mud is similar to regular all-purpose mud, but it is lighter.
What the tool can do
This joint compound can be used for topping and skim coating.
Key specifications
- It is lighter
- Ease of topping
Key features
- It is premixed
- Less shrinkage
Pros
- Light in weight
- Can sand easily
- It uses eliminate taping and topping compound
Cons
- It can be scratched easily
- Less durable
- Requires more drying time
- Poor adhesion
Why did I include it
Its weight is 25% less than a regular all-purpose joint compound.
3. Quick setting joint compound
Quick setting joint compound is also known as hot mud.
What the tool can do
This joint compound is best when you have heavy fillings in drywall’s exterior and interior boards.
The bags are indicated with the setting time and not the drying period.
Key specifications
- Superior bonds
- Less in weight
- It comes in powder form
Key features
- Need mixing with water
- Ease to mix
Pros
- Quickset
- Less shrinkage
- Smooth finishing
- Good for deep patch fix
- Suitable for patchwork
Cons
- Not ready to use
- Has a less open time
- Hard to sand
Why I included it
Quick setting joint compound allows you to finish the work quickly or when you want to apply several coats in a single day.
- Bridge sheathing and penetration gaps up to 1" and provide continuous support of fluid-applied flashing membranes, waterproofing or air barrier components.
- Suitable for all climates, Joint & Seam Filler bonds directly to damp or dry surfaces and cures under a variety of weather conditions.
- Dramatically reduces surface preparation time by eliminating the need for reinforcing tapes at sheathing joints, inside and outside corners.
- May be fully exposed to UV and weather for up to 12 months.
- Solvent-free. Isocyanate-free. Phthalate-free. Passes ASTM E84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. LEED, Living Building Challenge and Cal Green Ready.
- 【Professional-Grade Ultra-Flexible Stainless Steel Blade】Crafted from premium, tempered stainless steel, this 10-inch/25cm skimming blade offers exceptional flexibility and durability. Its ultra-thin edge glides effortlessly over drywall, ensuring a smooth, bubble-free finish for skim coating, joint compound application, or wallboard repairs.
- 【Precision Design for Flawless Results】The tapered, non-corrosive blade adapts to curved or uneven surfaces, eliminating ridges and streaks. Ideal for professionals and DIYers tackling plastering, texturing, or final paint prep, it delivers salon-quality finishes on ceilings, walls, or decorative panels.
- 【Ergonomic Comfort Grip Handle】Features a cushioned, non-slip handle with balanced weight distribution to reduce hand fatigue during extended use. The reinforced spine provides optimal control for detailed work or broad strokes, enhancing efficiency in demanding projects.
- 【Versatile Multi-Surface Tool】Perfect for drywall mud, spackle, veneer plaster, or concrete patching. Use it to feather edges, blend seams, or apply thin coatings on wood, metal, or masonry surfaces—indoors or outdoors.
- 【Easy-Clean & Rust-Resistant】Stainless steel construction resists adhesives and corrosion. Wipe clean with water or a damp cloth after use. Its compact size stores easily in toolboxes, making it a must-have for contractors, renovators, or hobbyists.
- Price For: Each Compound Type: Paste Item: Joint Sealing Compound Application: Pipe Joint Sealant Max. Working Pressure: 10, 000 psi Temp. Range: -200 Degrees to 400 Degrees F Size: 4 oz. Color: Blue Country of Origin (subject to change): United States
So what’s The Best joint compound for skim coating?
Here are my top 3 picks of the best joint compound for skim coating
- Regular all-purpose joint compound
- Quick setting joint compound
- Lightweight mud
However, if I had to pick just one, it would be a regular all-purpose joint compound because it is durable, thanks to its heavy fillers compared to other joint compounds.
Last update on 2025-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API