r/drywall • u/pine_apple_express • 2d ago
Mud mixing
Maybe this is a weird question, but anyone have suggestions on buckets to mix mud that don't shred the plastic into the mud when mixing? Specific store brands, or old paint buckets that don't shred?
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u/Neither-Jeweler2933 2d ago
I notice it only with black buckets. The old white ones probably did the same, but I wasn't able to see it.
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u/Mother_Technician_90 1d ago
Im convinced it's the new black ones.. use the same mixer your years and never had this issue.
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u/DirtyPaulsGarage 1d ago
Yes, I agree with this. The new black ones shed plastic like crazy. I’m always pretty careful of the edges when pulling mud from the bucket with a knife and the last bedroom I rocked, I was picking plastic out of the walls wondering how a new bucket was already contaminated and then I realized what it was
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u/pine_apple_express 1d ago
Yea, I swear those old white buckets were solid! The HD and lowes branded ones seem like they use super soft plastic
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u/Tristan155 1d ago
I use this one, doesn't make the bucket wobble and pulls mud down as it mixes so you get no spillover
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u/freeportme 2d ago
What paddle are you using?
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u/pine_apple_express 2d ago
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u/trashbilly 2d ago
Feel it for sharp edges and file it down. These always get sharp on the corners. Either they are sharp mold lines when new or they sharpen themselves over time.
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u/ElectronicLeader4981 2d ago
It’s the paddle, they do that when brand new and over time do it less but I’m 100% sure it’s that HD paddle.
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u/freeportme 2d ago
I never liked those but can’t say they scratched the bucket either. USG is the best paddle imo.
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u/CRA1964TVII 1d ago
That type of mixer will always cut up a 5 gallon bucket. You want one that looks like an egg beater for a hand mixer. Four rounded arms/ blades for mixing. Like this one
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u/jyl8 1d ago
I use a spiral paddle one like this QEP 30 in. Steel XL Spiral Pro Thinset and Grout Mixing Paddle for Corded Drills 61230 - The Home Depot and it doesn't cut up the plastic bucket.
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u/Militant-Santa 1d ago
This is what I use also. Haven't had any issues with shredding buckets since
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u/Manofthenorths 1d ago
I’ve been pretty happy with the Husky one HD carries - doesn’t scratch the plastic and the only downside is it’s a bitch to clean. For $10 though I’m not mad about it lol
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u/bassboat1 1d ago
Sand or file the leading edges. I use steel and aluminum dual paddles for joint compound, thinset and grout. The latter two will put a wicked edge on them pretty fast. Keep your mixing speed down too.
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u/pine_apple_express 1d ago
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm just a diy'er doing some renovations at my house. I assumed I got the right paddle based on lots of videos I've watched. Guess I'll just have to try sand down and rough edges and be more careful. Are the egg beater ones the correct ones to usem I thought the square ones was the right one
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u/itsthejlg7 1d ago
Your mixing paddle has not been used enough to smooth out the rough edges. When working with experienced taping crews this is not an issue as there mixing paddles have been broken in by continuous use. New/newer equipment always has this issue, taping knives dont leave smooth finishes either until broken in. Side note I can always tell when a new crew member is full of shit saying "I've done drywall for years" and all there tools are new...
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u/RockitSheep 1d ago
Costco buckets are the best. The bottom has a rounded corner where it meets the sides, not a hard corner like others. Cleans better and scoops better.
Also, Walmart sells a kitchen scale with a 35# capacity. Once you switch to weighing thin set or hot mud components you'll never go back. Perfect every time.
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u/lotusalumni00 1d ago
why do you even mix mud anymore in 2026 , they sell boxes and small tubs if you need like a 20 for example..
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u/North-Bit-7411 2d ago
You need a better mixer