First off, my son and i are not dry well experts - have only small DIY experience, we're doing repairs in dry wall and mixing our mud in small amounts (not bucktes). However we are getting a lot of lumps, also tried a small mixer with an electric drill, smaller lumps but still some lumps. Needless to say, when we put it on the areas we are working, the lumps put i, perfections in the surface. What are we doing wrong? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Presumably, you're using hot mud. For hot mud...
Because I'm an expert (i.e. I made
LOTS of mistakes), I recommend a good mud pan (
http://www.all-wall.com/Categories/Mud-Pans/Sheetrock-Classic-Mud-Pan.html) and a 3/4" joint knife (
http://www.all-wall.com/Categories/Joint-Knives/Hyde-Plastic-Handle-Knife.html) to mix the mud.
Add a small amount of dry mix to the pan, add a bit of water to the mix, and stoke the knife gently back and forth in the pan to mix. If you see a lump, smush it with the knife. If all the mud is not wet, add a bit more water, and mix again gently. When it's at the consistency you want, mix gently a few more times and then STOP! Do not over mix.
As Paul mentioned, try to get at least 90 minute mud to start of with. I've used 90, 45, and 20 minute mud. 20 minute mud is for quick patches.
Also, not all brands of mud are created equal. Try getting another brand. Go to a drywall supplier if necessary. They will typically carry more brands than the big box stored.
Regards,
Dan.
P.s. if you are using drying type mud, I recommend that you use premix mud.