On a renovation site, the plastering stage is fundamental because it prepares the substrate – whether wall or ceiling – for painting. Good plastering smooths out irregularities and creates the perfect surface to showcase the paint. And for flawless quality, every professional will take care when bonding the joint tapes.
There are several techniques and tools for coating them, including the mudshot, which is particularly suitable for coating inside corners. This technique allows professionals to save time and effort compared with manual application. Let’s take a closer look.
What is the Mudshot for sticking joint tapes?
The MudShot is a tool that lets you apply jointing compound using a specific piece of equipment: the mudshot gun. With this device, a professional can apply compound to the joint tapes on a surface quickly and evenly, saving time and delivering higher quality.
How does it work? Using this syringe-like mudshot. The tool is specially designed to apply compound on all surfaces that need jointing, and especially inside corners, which require a specific technique.
With this syringe, the professional deposits the compound precisely. For even greater accuracy, a special tip can be fitted to the end of the syringe depending on the width of the joints to be treated. Once filled with compound, the mudshot places the product exactly where it is needed.
Note that, as with any plastering technique, choosing the right compound is essential. To bond joint tapes with a mudshot, it is advisable to opt for a ready-mixed compound and prepare it as recommended by the manufacturer.
How do you stick joint tapes with the Mudshot?
Using a MudShot to stick joint tapes means following a precise procedure made up of four main stages.
Step 1: clean the tool and the surface.
The first essential check is to make sure the surface to be treated is clean and dry; if it is not, carry out thorough cleaning, dusting and drying.
Before starting, also check that the mudshot has been perfectly cleaned since it was last used. The professional can then pour the properly prepared compound into the reservoir and adjust the device according to the width of the joints to be treated.
Step 2: applying the compound.
This step is fairly technical. You need to apply the compound while keeping the tool at about a 45-degree angle to the surface and maintain as constant a pressure as possible for a perfectly even application.
Steps 3 and 4: finishing and sanding.
After the compound has dried, the professional removes the last imperfections with a jointing knife, then sands the substrate. It is very important to respect the recommended drying time if you want to avoid any cracking issues.
Mudshot: tips to know, pitfalls to avoid
Using a mudshot to stick joint tapes requires investing in this equipment and knowing how to use it properly. That is why this type of device is generally reserved for professionals who need to cover large surfaces and work quickly.
Because it is particularly suited to coating angles, the MudShot is often used in addition to another joint-tape gluing tool, such as the bazooka. The bazooka is filled in the same way as the mudshot, using a loading pump. When undertaking a major renovation project, such as an entire house or a building, the professional will therefore bring out the bazooka and, killing two birds with one stone, the MudShot as well.
With experience, applying joint compound with the mudshot becomes easy. And to build confidence, training courses are available. With technical knowledge and a little practice, anything is possible!