Durabond Vs. Easy Sand: When To Use Which?

Durabond and Easy Sand are currently two of the most well-known brands of joint compounds. You might be wondering when these joint compounds are used. We’ve researched this topic extensively and created the best answers for you.

Durabond and Easy Sand are both setting-type joint compounds for drywall exteriors and interiors. These compounds guarantee a proper drywall finish when working in a high-humidity environment. However, if you want an easy application, Easy Sand is more convenient. But in cases where you need tougher sealing, then consider Durabond.

In this article, we will talk about Durabond and Easy Sand in detail and state your curiosity about them. We will also share with you the variations of these two products and some other joint compounds. So read on to find out more interesting inputs!

Collaged photo of a house under construction, Durabond Vs. Easy Sand: When To Use Which?

When To Use Durabond or Easy Sand?

Durabond and Easy Sand are both quick-setting compounds. Helpful for patching up large holes and deep fissures in plaster and drywall when drying time might be a concern.

Worker applying Durabond or Easyhand onto the drywall

Durabond

Durabond is a setting-type joint compound that saves time and money by allowing for the same-day finishing of joints and typically decorating drywall interiors and exteriors the next day. It practically isn't impacted by dampness, making it perfect for heavy fills.

Before drying, it should be sanded since it becomes hard and has a plaster-like surface. Due to its minimal shrinkage and strong bonding, Durabond is a good choice for heavy fills. By presetting the joints, you can also utilize it for veneer plaster finish systems.

Easy Sand

Similar to Durabond, Easy Sand is a chemically setting joint compound that you can apply to both the interior and exterior of drywall. Compounds are 25% lighter than standard setting-type joint compounds for simple handling and sand readily for quick, flawless finishing. 

Easy Sand is resistant to dampness and excellent for heavy filling. It can be used, among other things, to fill in gaps and finish interior concrete ceilings. One of its applications is laminating gypsum panels to gypsum panels.

Both Durabond and Easy Sand serve essentially the same purposes; the differences in the two products' properties are minor.

To guarantee a proper drywall finish when working in a high-humidity environment, you may want to use these compounds. Unlike other compounds, it is set by a chemical reaction rather than just water evaporation. This implies that a quick-setting substance will set in a moist environment.

Pros & Cons: Durabond and Easy Sand

Durabond

Pros

  • Excellent bond and minimal shrinking.
  • When the compound dries, it has a very hard, plaster-like surface.
  • Suitable for heavy fillings.
  • Completion of joints in one day.
  • Unique resistance to humidity.

Cons

  • Difficult to work with.
  • A suitable sanding tool is required.

Easy Sand

Pros

  • Minimal shrinking.
  • Lighter and more manageable.
  • Sanding with ease for a flawless finish.
  • Unique resistance to humidity.

Cons

  • Not as strongly adhesive as Durabond

Product Line: Durabond and Easy Sand

House interior with visible plastering on the drywall

A comprehensive line has been built to offer flexibility for setting times in order to accommodate different task requirements. The suffix number that distinguishes each joint compound indicates an estimated working time.

Durabond

Durabond 20 joint compound has 20 minutes working time and sets in about 20-30 minutes; 

Click here to see this Durabond 20 on Amazon.

Durabond 45 joint compound has 45 minutes working time and sets in about 30-80 minutes; 

Click here to see this Durabond 45 on Amazon.

Durabond 90 joint compound has 90 minutes working time and sets in about 85-130 minutes; and

Click here to see this Durabond 90 on Amazon.

Durabond 210 joint compound has 210 minutes working time and sets in about 180-240 minutes.

Click here to see this Durabond 210 on Amazon.

Easy Sand

Easy Sand 5 joint compound has 5 minute working time and sets in about 10-14 minutes; 

Click here to see this Easy Sand 5 on Amazon.

Easy Sand 20 joint compound has 20 minutes working time and sets in about 25-35 minutes; 

Click here to see this Easy Sand 20 on Amazon.

Easy Sand 45 joint compound has 45 minutes working time and sets in about 50-65 minutes; 

Click here to see this Easy Sand 45 on Amazon.

Easy Sand 90 joint compound has 90 minutes working time and sets in about 95-120 minutes; and

Click here to see this Easy Sand 90 on Amazon.

Easy Sand 210 joint compound has 170 minutes working time and sets in about 170-270 minutes.

Click here to see this Easy Sand 210 on Amazon.

How To Prepare A Mixture Of Durabond/Easy Sand?

Gypsum panel joints must be finished in cold weather with a minimum surface, mix, water, and 45°F air temperature until the joints are entirely dry. It must have enough airflow to remove extra moisture. Combine what will be used throughout working hours. 

Interior of a hosue undergoing construction

You should put each batch in a cleaned container. Add one bag to roughly 1-1.5 gallons of pure water. Mix for one minute, and scrape down container edges. If necessary, add water and roughly mix. one minute, or until desired consistency. Retempering or mixing with other materials is not allowed.

Points To Remember When Using Setting-Type Joint Compounds

Durabond

  • Joint compounds used in Durabond setting systems should be smoothed before setting or when damp but not yet totally solidified, as they are more challenging to sand and smooth after drying.
  • Dilution with water cannot stop or delay setting activity.
  • Unless they are protected from direct moisture exposure, applying over wet surfaces, below-grade surfaces, or surfaces that extend outside the building structure should be avoided.
  • Use Durabond setting-type joint compounds after 60 days or more of interior new concrete curing. Eliminate ridges, oils, protrusions, efflorescence, and grease.
  • Consult the maker of the epoxy coating before applying it to any surface that has been treated with joint compound and abides by their instructions on substrate suitability or preparation. 

As the thick epoxy film shrinks during curing and drying, several epoxy coatings place a large amount of shear stress on the substrate. The joint compound's bond may break under this stress, leading to delamination issues.

Easy Sand

  • Water dilution cannot stop or delay the setting action.
  • If not shielded from direct exposure to moisture, under grade surfaces, wet surfaces, and surfaces that protrude from the building structure should not be covered with it.
  • Allow new internal concrete surfaces at least 60 days to mature before applying anything over them. Eliminate ridges, oils, protrusions, efflorescence, and grease.
  • For thin skim coats, avoid using setting-type joint compounds.
  • Bond failure may occur if the setting-type joint compound dries before it sets.
  • With the exception of USG Standard Strength Accelerator or Retarder, other products may not be blended or mixed. The temperature of the mixing water can impact setting times. Typically, setting times might rise with cold water (below 55°F) and decrease with hot water.
  • Use of mechanical tools is not advised.
  • Temperature, relative humidity, and wetness thickness are three factors that might influence the setting time range. Use on porous surfaces or at a depth of less than 1/8-inch. Thickness could obstruct chemical bonding and setting.
  • Consult the maker of the epoxy coating before applying it to any surface that has been treated with joint compound and abides by any special instructions they may have regarding substrate suitability or preparation.

As the thick epoxy film shrinks during curing and drying, several epoxy coatings place a large amount of shear stress on the substrate. This tension may result in the joint compound's bond failing, which would lead to delamination issues.

What Are Other Types Of Joint Compounds?

Gypsum ore on a white background

Joint compound is frequently referred to as mud or simply drywall mud. Gypsum and limestone make up the majority of it, but it also contains clay, mica, perlite, and starch. Its colloquial moniker "mud" refers to the spreadable quality of joint compound. 

Nevertheless, the consistency varies depending on the particular joint compound. It is typically utilized for large-scale wall repairs or new drywall installation. In addition to filling in small holes and divots in walls, the joint compound can also be used to do so.

Primarily use joint compound to smooth and seam new drywall installations. It can be purchased already mixed in 1- to 5-gallon containers, or you can purchase it in powder form and mix it yourself with water. 

Although it comes in large containers and is made to cover a large area, you can also use it for smaller applications. Additionally, the joint compound needs up to 24 hours to dry completely before it can be sanded or painted. Four different kinds of joint compounds exist:

  • Quick-setting: It is where Durabond and Easy Sand belong. Sometimes known as hot mud or setting compound. Dries more quickly than the other materials and is effective at filling large and deep cracks.
  • Taping: Fixes the seam between the drywall by going over drywall tape.
  • Topping: Usually applied as the last coat after two dry applications of taping compound.
  • All-purpose: Utilized for all phases of the patching procedures.

The joint compound is reasonably priced. Although it doesn't cost much upfront, it is unnecessary to buy a big container of the material for little repair jobs. 

Limestone rocks

Additionally, due to the joint compound's consistency, some homeowners can find it challenging to achieve a smooth finish. However, achieving a seamless finish does require practice and patience.

Final Thoughts

Collaged photo of a house under construction

By carefully examining both products and their variants, we can conclude that there aren't many differences between them. They are used in almost the same areas and successfully accomplish the same goal.

You can select either one based on the work plan you have developed. Easy Sand is more convenient to use but if you need a stronger seal, you may make a case for Durabond.

Read the following articles on our blog if you want to learn more:

How To Mud A Ceiling?

How To Repair Cracks In The Foundation Of A House?

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