Today was another spackle day at the rental. First day was filling in the big gaps which will have a lot of shrinkage. Second day was mudding in the mesh joint tape and smoothing a bit. Even if it's not done the first round, always leave a nice smooth surface for the next time. Any lumps should be shaved down or cut off before the next coat. Sanding dust sucks and good work will not even need it.
I used a 14" tray, 12" Blue Hawk knife which was rusty, and a 4" knife for mixing and cleaning pan/knife and corners. The E-Z Sand 45 compound (15-20min usable) dries too quickly for anything more than a small area at a time. A pain which takes much more time dinking around. I've yet to try the 90 version or other brands and probably will.
Pour the powder into the tray outside. Lots of dust and spillage is expected! Add water on the sides a little at a time in the sink. I add enough to get everything wet using very slow circular motions. Then drag down the center using friction to crush the lumps and fold the sides in. Then more water to get a nice smooth batter. There is a short working time and then a point of no return despite the extra water and stirring and cussing and praying. Scrape off that batch into the trash and start again. I pull from one side of the tray and wipe off the knife on the other side. Not a pro by any means but that method seems to work okay so far.
The ceiling was 1/2" drywall and the walls were 5/8". Dumb mistake but not a biggie because it blended by pulling in thick from the edges and then smoothing from bottom to top. Any compound on the outside of corners is very easy to remove. Just lightly push the 12"knife angled upwards while still wet. It leaves a nice crisp edge (obviously not shown in this pic tho).
