All-Purpose Mud vs Fast-Setting: Use Cases, Pros and Cons

Drywall mudding is an art. Choosing the right drywall mud can make all the difference between a professional result and time-consuming rework. It’s tempting to use all-purpose mud for every job, but sometimes fast-setting mud can save you time and effort. Each has its pros and cons. The key is to know which drywall mud is best for each job. 

All-purpose mud is a pre-mixed joint compound you can use at each stage of the drywall process. Also known as “ready-mix,” it is ready to go straight from the container with no water or mixing. Because all-purpose drywall mud dries as the liquid evaporates, you can work with it longer.

It is also versatile. All-purpose mud for drywall serves as a single product for your whole job. You don’t have to use a separate taping compound or topping compound.

Fast-setting mud, also called “hot mud,” is a setting compound that hardens in minutes. It comes in a powder that sets with a chemical reaction with water. This feature gives you reliable drying time, and the compound shrinks less than all-purpose mud.

Speed and precision are key to working with fast-setting mud because the chemical reaction begins as soon as you mix the compound. Hot mud is also harder to sand because it becomes hard and dense once it dries. It can even stick to mud pans and other tools.

When it comes to quick set versus all-purpose mud, one product is not better. All-purpose mud is great for some situations, while others are easier with hot mud. Use this guide to decide which is right for you.

All-Purpose Mud

This drywall mud is best for taping, finishing, skim coating, and texture. Using all-purpose mud for texture gives you multiple finishing options, and you can experiment while the mud is still wet.

The positives:

• No Mixing: You can use this pre-mixed drywall mud right away, and you know you’ll get a consistent texture throughout the job. You don’t need to worry about mixing errors. Just pour into one of our drywall mud pans.
• Easier for Taping: All-purpose drywall mud is strong and adheres to paper tape better than hot mud. If you’re new to taping, opt for ready-mix with high-quality joint knives.
• Key Positive: Since all-purpose mud dries as the water evaporates, it offers a long working time. You can control your application for feathering and refining seams. This product is good for finish coats that require precision.

The negatives:

• Heavy: Because all-purpose mud is ready-mixed, it’s heavy and can be cumbersome to carry around with the rest of your job supplies.
• Hard to Store: All-purpose drywall mud contains a lot of water, so it can freeze, dry out, or mold if you don’t store it properly or use it shortly after you buy it.
• Key Negative: This drywall mud’s water content also extends its drying time. If you’re working on a time-sensitive project, this product might slow you down. It also shrinks as it dries, especially on thicker coats. For deeper fills, you risk cracks and other shrinkage issues.

Fast-Setting Mud (Hot Mud)

Quick-set is great for repairs, deep gaps, and jobs that require a tight turnaround. Always mix it onsite just before you’re ready to start.

The positives:

• Strong and Durable: Hot mud contains more gypsum than other compounds, which makes it strong and durable.
• More Weather-Resistant: Hot mud drying time varies by formula. Some dry in as little as five minutes, while others can take 90 minutes. Since fast-setting mud dries through a chemical reaction instead of evaporation, it’s easier to use in cold environments and high-humidity areas.
• Key Positive: Hot mud’s fast chemical set makes it ideal for repairs and deep fills. You can also complete multiple coats in one day, making it great for jobs with tight timelines.

The negatives:

• More Potential Waste: If you mix up too much mud for the job, you can’t reuse it. Once it hardens, you have to throw it away.
• Difficult to Sand: Using fast-setting mud as a finish coat can extend your surface preparation time when you’re ready to paint.
• Key Negative: Hot mud has an extremely short working time. Once it loses plasticity and becomes firm or leathery, you can’t spread it smoothly. You will end up with uneven surfaces or ridges if you overwork it. Use drywall hawks and similar tools to apply quickly and evenly.

You can use fast-setting mud for taping to save yourself time. Some all-purpose mud has to set overnight, particularly in humid environments. If you use hot mud to tape, use mesh tape for a strong first coat. If you are using paper tape, mix the quick-set mud thinner and apply it in thin coats. Use good drywall finishing tools once the tape layer dries.

Each job comes with different challenges, so use your best judgment when choosing between quick set versus all-purpose mud. In general, each type is best for specific scenarios.

• Repairs: Finish small and medium repairs in a hurry by using quick-set mud. You can apply it, sand it, and finish the repair in one day and move on to the next room.
• Deep Fills: Hot mud is less prone to shrinkage, so it’s better for deep fills. All-purpose drywall mud can shrink significantly once it dries, which leads to cracks or indentations that you have to rework. Do the initial fill with hot mud and finish with all-purpose mud to feather and sand with the best sanding tools for a quality result.
• Finishing: All-purpose mud gives you more time to feather your edges and refine your finish. Once it dries, it’s easier to sand, giving you an even surface for painting, stain, and different types of spackle.

All-purpose drywall mud and fast-setting mud each have their own strengths. Whichever product you choose for your job, using the right tools can cut your sanding time and give you a professional result. Hyde Tools offers a wide selection of tools, including joint knives, sanders, and dust-free sanding options, to give you a clean finish.

Check out our drywall and wall repair tools and our dust-free collection to make your drywall jobs go smoothly.