Old timer vs my method on finishing... which way is right?

I was on a job in Nashville last week and this guy with 30 years in the game watched me tape and mud for a bit. He said I was working too fast and not letting the first coat dry enough before the second. I always thought you can push it a little and save time, but he swore it leads to cracks later. Now I'm wondering if he's right and I've been cutting corners for 5 years. Has anyone else had an old timer challenge their whole approach like that? Usually I get 3 coats in a day, but maybe I need to slow down and do 2 coats over 2 days.

2 comments

2 Comments

jamesmason27d agoOG Member

Took me years to learn slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

jessicamiller27d ago

Gently push back on that "slow is smooth and smooth is fast" thing. It's a catchy line from shooting and driving circles, but in real life, rushing just makes you sloppy and slow. You get way more done by focusing on doing it right the first time, not by trying to be smooth.