Drywall question

[Code54]

We just smoothed a few textured walls and I am having a small issue. Getting pin hole in the top coat. We did our entire downstairs and didn't really have any problems but the hall is giving me fits. I always used all purpose premix without any issues and it worked great, but not this time. The first coat went on great, almost no hole, the second coat was a new bucket and started getting the holes. Noticed the the 2nd (and 3rd) bucket were a darker gray but same make and type (from different stores however. When I went to fill the pin holes after sanding it just sort of makes a bubble over it and it doing it again. I know the walls were clean and like I mentioned, even already had one coat on them.
Should I be trying something different ? Prefer premixed is there something better?
Thanks

 

[Steppenwolfe]

How long are you waiting between coats? Any moisture from a previous coat will bubble and leave small holes. Try letting it dry a day or two. Also, for a final skimcoat try the light weight easy sand, I've had great luck with that.

 

[Hay Dude]

Could be moisture from below, from first coat, or maybe even the basement.....they can be very wet.

 

[dlctcg]

How long are you waiting between coats? Any moisture from a previous coat will bubble and leave small holes. Try letting it dry a day or two. Also, for a final skimcoat try the light weight easy sand, I've had great luck with that.

^^^ This...

Could be moisture... It could also be a bad batch of compound (even stored incorrectly). We use a lot of the USG general purpose premix with great result... (sometimes we whip it up a little).. If you don't mind mixing the USG Easy Sand is also a great product & you can purchase it in workable set-up times... sands out great...

 

[spitter]

Thats from air bubbles did you spackle over paint ? dirty walls ? Which mud did you use? all purpose green ? Lite Blue? did you mix your mud potatoe masher or drill and paddle ? When you sanded off the texture you could have had some spots with paint some not. Lots of varibles . but definitly traped air.:drink:

 

[Frankenkubota]

An old sheetrocker told me to put a little dish detergent in the mud. That Dawn is like a wonder drug!

Worked for me.

 

[Egon]

You probably got some bad mix.

 

[EddieWalker]

Are you mixing your mud before you use it? I like the blue colored boxes of mud, I think it's called lightweight, or something like that. I buy dozens of boxes a year, and can't remember what it's called. I put a mixer in it before using it, and mix it so it's all smooth and soft.

I think you are creating air pockets when you are applying it. You have to work it into every hole. When you apply it super thin, you will see the air bubbles happening, that's when you scrape it off, and work it in again. Sometimes it takes several tries to fill up the holes.

 

[PILOON]

I've done drywall on and off for quite a while, not my favorite thing.
Recently a professional gave me a tip that I tried.
Taping blades come with the ends 'square cut' and wear to round as they age.
Dragging the rounded blade causes the mud to curl and bubble while the square end does not.
Try it!

I used a single cut file to 'square' my blade ends and was pleased with the results.

Also important is the humidity content of your mud.
You have to get it 'just right'.

 

[Code54]

Thanks everyone!

I ended up getting a new bucket of mud and trying it - NO problems at all. Looks like it was a bad mix. Caused a bunch of extra work but at least the problem is solved and I can get it all finished now.
Thanks for the help and advice!