Drywall compound is one of the most used materials to finish a wall to get this smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish. However, when it comes to applying Drywall compounds on Plywood, it might not stick. In fact, they even break off.
Drywall compound will not stick to Plywood properly. It’ll eventually flake and split. Instead of Drywall compound, you can use chicken wire which you staple on the Plywood. You can Mesh tape over small areas and cover them, use PVA primer, or use wood fillers.
Even though you can apply drywall compound directly to Plywood, it doesn’t mean it’s a good solution. One problem that many homeowners complain about is that it doesn’t stick. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t work your way around it.
Can I Use Drywall Compound Over Plywood?
Even though Drywall mud is mainly known to fill the joints between drywall panels, once you know which you need, it can be useful as a bonding agent or as a filler, sticking to almost any porous surface.
And if you want a neater or aesthetically pleasing look over your Plywood, Drywall compound (AKA Drywall mud) is the perfect solution.
However, there are a few safety concerns that you need to keep in mind.
Drywall joint (old or new) compounds in their powder form may contain dangerous substances such as crystalline silica and known carcinogens acetaldehyde and formaldehyde. Most pre-mixed joint chemicals contain dangerous biocides, such as the endocrine disruptor tributyltin, which is highly destructive to aquatic life. Still, in some instances, it can also make you sick.
Look for joint compounds free of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde and low in VOCs and biocide. Use the proper ventilation and safety gear. Powdered joint compounds that need to be mixed on-site are less likely to include biocides but may present additional inhalation issues.
How To Stay Safe While Using Drywall Compound?
- Opt for the compound type that requires it to be mixed on-site to reduce its harmful effects.
- Drywall compound has the potential to produce an extremely dusty environment. It would help if you used dust masks or respirators while working to protect your mouth and nose from the dust’s irritating effects on your respiratory system. Additionally, it would be best if you covered household things to keep them free of dust.
- Use protective gear such as gloves and masks to prevent the harmful ingredients of the compound from reaching your body.
Will Drywall Compound Stick To Plywood?
The drywall compound may stick to Plywood for a brief time, but this is unlikely to last very long. Eventually, it will flake and split.
A common problem with applying drywall compound over Plywood is cracking. If the gaps are wider than 0.25 inches, you can also have drywall mud cracking. Before skim coating, you might want to fill the gaps in this situation with wood filler or spackle.
The good news is that you can get your desired smooth surface by skim coating your wood paneling with drywall mud if it is not glossy and doesn’t have many gaps. If you’re still unsure if Drywall over wood paneling is what you should do, check out this article.
So the main solution for this problem is to use a rough surface of Plywood to make drywall compound stick to it for longer and ensure not to leave spaces between drywall panels of more than 0.25 inches.
How Do You Get Drywall To Stick To Plywood?
Some solutions, as explained below, can ensure that your drywall compound sticks to Plywood properly.
Use Of Chicken Wire
Chicken wire can be easily stapled to Plywood to provide a surface for the drywall joint compound to stick to when drywall and Plywood are being transitioned. This is effective in corners of unconventionally shaped rooms and other weird angles.
Using Mesh Tape In Smaller Areas
Mesh tape can be applied to minor joints and openings. A small section of Plywood, such as the overlap between a piece of drywall and a piece of Plywood, can be covered with mesh tape. The tape will increase the joint compound’s grip on the wood and prevent it from flaking and breaking as it cures.
Use PVA Primer
Because PVA primer and drywall joint compound are compatible, they will easily adhere to one another. Almost any hardware or home improvement store sells PVA primer. It will prepare the wood for accepting joint compound and is put directly over the Plywood in a few layers. To avoid further sanding when the joint compound is applied, sand any rough areas before applying the PVA.
Use Of Wood Filers
In the same way, joint drywall compound is drywall; wood filler is wood. Wood filler can bridge seams between two pieces of Plywood and fill in any gaps or holes in the wood. Joint compounds cannot adhere to Plywood and filler, which can also be sanded or stained as necessary.
Steps To Consider When Sticking Drywall Compound to Plywood
- Look for any raised rough patches on the plywood surface, such as splintered wood or wood knots. For the compound to adhere flawlessly, these must be sanded smoothly.
- Your hand-held sander should be equipped with a pad of coarse sandpaper.
- Turn on the sander, then place the disc against the rough plywood area. Firmly press down on the sander’s handle and make wide, circular passes over the surface. For every harmed area of the plywood surface, repeat this step.
- Wipe away all the sand and plywood scraps with a wet towel.
- Incorporate drywall compound as directed on the packaging. Mix with a joint knife. Some ready-mixed substances can be used straight from the container, but most must be thoroughly mixed.
- With the blade of your joint knife, scoop out a generous amount of compound and spread it on the board.
- Using your joint knife, spread the compound across the Plywood, packing any small gaps or seams flush.
- Till the plywood surface is completely covered in a smooth layer of joint compound, repeat Steps 6 and 7. Skip this step if you only want to cover a small section of the Plywood or patch a hole.
- The time recommended on the bottle or at least 24 hours should be given for the compound to cure.
- If desired, sand the dry compound with a hand-held sander and a pad of fine sandpaper. Use a moist towel to clean the board after sanding.
FAQs:
Can I Use Drywall Mud As A Wood Filler?
Yes, you can use drywall mud as a wood filler. Both applications are quite similar, so you can substitute without a difference. Because the compound won’t be tinged to match the color of the wood, the painting will be necessary (and sanding.) Sanding and painting are a must for a complete finish unless the project is for an area that is out of sight. Also, you should make sure not to use Gloss paint as it does not adhere well with Drywall mud.
How Do You Cover Seams In Plywood?
Yes, it is important to cover seams in Plywood. The plywood seams should be sanded. To get rid of all the grit left over from the sandpaper, use a clean rag to wipe down the areas where you have sanded. The plywood pieces’ seams between them should be measured in length. Apply glue to the veneer piece, then mount it and the remaining parts in the same way, covering all of the seams.
Can You Plaster Over Plywood?
Over Plywood, you can either plaster or apply drywall mud. However, unfinished drywall is very absorbent and dry. As a result, the coating will be completely dried up, which may result in cracking. To avoid this potential issue, the Plywood should be primed, sealing the pores on the wood’s surface.