Green Vs. Blue Lids Sheetrock Joint Compound

Whether you are a professional contractor or a homeowner doing repairs yourself, you will need to use a sheetrock joint compound at some point. What is a sheetrock joint compound? It’s a white powder that is used to patch tears, holes, and other damage.

It’s made from gypsum dust; however, it’s actually a wet material. It’s also known as drywall mud because of its thick consistency. Along with repairing damages, it’s used in the drywall installation process too.

There are several types of sheetrock joint compounds. Should you use the type with the green or blue lid? The difference is that the blue lid product is lighter weight and more flexible. It’s an ideal finishing layer. The green one is harder and works more like sheetrock, so it’s a better option for heavy-duty jobs.

In this guide, we’re going to give you an in-depth look at both types of sheetrock joint compounds. By the end, you will know which option is the right choice for your project.

The green lid sheetrock product is also known as the all-purpose sheetrock joint compound. Since it’s a heavier product, it has a more solid bond.

It’s more durable than the blue lid sheetrock joint compound. The consistency is also thinner and stickier.

It’s also a unique product because it has achieved GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it emits a low amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As the dangers of VOCs become more obvious, homeowners like that this joint compound is a safer option.

As we said, this product is stronger, so it has a great cold bond and hard finish. When it dries, the surface is slick and smooth. Unlike the blue sheetrock, the color of this product does not match its green lid. Instead, it’s a white color that can be tinted to match primer paint.

This all-purpose sheetrock joint compound provides professional-grade quality, which is why it’s the top choice among contractors. Like the Plus 3 option, it also eliminates the need for taping and topping compounds.

You can also use the all-purpose version with the Mold Tough Sheetrock product to create a completely mold-resistant system.

When it comes to which product is better, it depends on what you need. For instance, if you need an easy repair job done, you will like the blue lid product better because it’s easier to sand.

On the other hand, the green lid product has a more durable hold. In fact, in the home renovation industry, professional contractors refer to the blue lid product as “fluff.” They call it that because it isn’t as strong, so it’s not the best choice for a long-lasting hold.

However, since the blue Plus3 product doesn’t shrink as much, it’s more efficient. It’s ideal for skim coats.

For the best of both worlds, you can use both products together. The manufacturer does not recommend mixing them, but you can layer them.

For example, you can start with the green lid all-purpose sheetrock joint compound as the bottom layer. Then, add the blue lid Plus3 product on top as the finishing coat. This method gives you the durability and stronghold of the green lid product.

Additionally, you get the ease of the blue lid sheetrock joint compound. With this product on top, it’s easier to sand and finish your project. Plus, the blue hue helps distinguish the joint compound from the paint so you know where you’ve applied it.

Layering your drywall mud in this way will give you the best outcome. You get all of the benefits of both products while sidestepping some of the downsides.

Related Questions

Can either of these products be used on the exterior of my home?

No. Both of these products are designed for interior use. However, there are other Sheetrock products that can be used on exteriors, like the Easy Sand and Durabond products.

What happens if I use the blue lid drywall mud for the bottom layer?

It will not be as strong or durable as the green lid product, so you may have to repair cracks later on.

What happens if I use the green lid drywall mud as the top layer?

It will still work well, but it will be difficult to sand. It will also shrink more, which means you have to use more of it.