Tape Drywall with Easy Sand:5, 20, 45, 90 & 210

When it comes to taping drywall, applying a first layer of setting compound is a crucial step that cannot be ignored. Easy Sand, a popular setting compound product in the USA, offers different versions with dry times of 5, 20, 45, 90, and 210 minutes.

Easy Sand Type	Setting Time	Recommended Use
Easy Sand 5	5 minutes	Quick repairs
Easy Sand 20	20 minutes	Small projects
Easy Sand 45	45 minutes	Medium projects
Easy Sand 90	90 minutes	Large projects
Easy Sand 210	210 minutes	Extensive projects

In this article, we will explore the Easy Sand product line and provide a detailed comparison of its various versions.

Table of Contents

Easy Sand 5

Easy Sand 5 is a setting-type joint compound primarily used as a base coat for taping. It dries quickly and becomes rock hard, but it cannot be sanded to achieve a smooth surface. Therefore, it is not recommended for use on the tape itself but works well as a tapping coat.

Here are some key characteristics of Easy Sand 5:

Setting Time: Easy Sand 5 has a fast setting time of approximately 5 minutes. This means that the compound starts to harden and dry within a short period after it is mixed with water.
Recommended Use: It is commonly used for small repairs or patches, where a quick drying time is desired. It is suitable for minor cracks, nail holes, or surface imperfections in drywall.

Application: Easy Sand 5 is typically mixed with water to create a workable paste. It can be applied directly to the damaged area using a putty knife or trowel.
Sanding and Finishing: Once the compound has fully dried, it can be sanded smooth to achieve a seamless finish. Easy Sand 5 is known for being easy to sand, making the finishing process more efficient.
Additional Coats: For larger repairs or areas that require more extensive filling, it may be necessary to apply multiple coats of Easy Sand 5, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next layer.

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Easy Sand 20

Easy Sand 20, manufactured by USG, is another setting-type joint compound. It shares similarities with Easy Sand 5 but takes a bit longer to dry, typically around 25-30 minutes. It is slightly sandable and is suitable for use under the tape.

Key features of Easy Sand 20:

Setting Time: Easy Sand 20 has a setting time of approximately 20 minutes. This means that it takes about 20 minutes for the compound to start hardening and drying after it is mixed with water.

Recommended Use: It is suitable for small to medium-sized projects, where a slightly longer working time is desired compared to faster-setting compounds. Easy Sand 20 is commonly used for repairs, patches, and filling joints in drywall.
Application: Similar to other Easy Sand products, Easy Sand 20 is mixed with water to create a paste-like consistency. It can be applied to the damaged area using a putty knife or trowel.
Sanding and Finishing: Once the compound has fully set and dried, it can be sanded smooth to achieve a seamless finish. Easy Sand 20 is designed to be easy to sand, making the finishing process more efficient.

Additional Coats: For larger repairs or areas that require more extensive filling, multiple coats of Easy Sand 20 may be necessary. It is important to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next layer.

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Easy Sand 45

Easy Sand 45 is a moderate-level joint compound that can be used both under the tape and as a filler coat. It takes approximately 50-65 minutes to dry and offers sanding capabilities. It is a recommended choice for individuals with some experience in taping.

It is suitable for medium-sized projects, such as taping drywall joints and filling gaps. It is mixed with water and applied using a putty knife or drywall trowel.

Once dried, it can be sanded for a smooth finish. Multiple coats may be required, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and drying times.

Easy Sand 90

Easy Sand 90 is an easy-to-apply compound that provides a generous time limit to complete the project. Its setting time ranges from 95 to 120 minutes. It can be used both under and over the tape and is easy to clean up once the project is finished. In summary, Easy Sand 90 has

The creamy consistency ensures easy application and smooth blending.

It can be sanded for a seamless, smooth finish.
Suitable for taping joints, filling cracks, and repairing damaged areas.
Provides excellent bonding properties and adheres well to drywall surfaces.

Lightweight formula reduces strain during application.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper mixing, application, and drying times.

Easy Sand 210

Easy Sand 210 offers an extended time frame for project completion, taking around 170 to 210 minutes to dry. It is beginner-friendly and provides extra flexibility for work.

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After drying, it can be easily sanded, and cleaning up is comparatively simple. It is suitable for use both under and over the tape, but it should not be used as a final coat.

Key Differences between Easy Sand Versions

All Easy Sand products serve the same purpose, but their features set them apart. Here are some notable differences:

Primary Uses: Easy Sand 5 and 20 are primarily used as tapping coats, while Easy Sand 45, 90, and 210 can be used for both tapping and filler coats.

Dry Time and Work Limit Time: Each version has specific work limit times and dry times. Factors such as weather conditions can affect the drying process. Easy Sand 5 sets and dries within 10-14 minutes, while Easy Sand 210 takes 170-270 minutes.
Difficulty: Easy Sand 5 is the most challenging to work with, suitable for professionals, while Easy Sand 210 is the easiest to use, making it beginner-friendly.
Durability: Easy Sand 5 is the hardest compound after drying, while Easy Sand 210 is less hard and more sandable.

Coverage: Easy Sand products require thicker layers, and on average, 23.58 KG of joint compound is needed for 1000 square feet.
Shelf Life: Easy Sand has a shelf life of approximately 12 months when stored properly.

Easy Sand 5 vs. 20 vs. 45 vs. 90 vs. 210

Easy Sand Type	Difficulty	Water Mixing Ratio	Clean-up	Sanding	Primary Uses	Working Time	Setting and Dry Time	Durability	Adhesion	Water Protection	Average Coverage	Shelf Life	Odor	Color	Availability	Cost
Easy Sand 5	Very Hard	1:2	Very Hard	Impossible to sand	Only for tapping base coat, very quick tapping project	5 minutes	10-14 minutes	Good	Stick very hard	Water resistance	52lb or 23.58KG / 1,000 sq. ft.	12 months	Low to no odor	White, Natural	Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.	Moderate
Easy Sand 20	Hard	1:2	Hard	Almost impossible to sand	Only for tapping base coat, quick tapping project	20 minutes	25-35 minutes	Good	Stick hard but less than Easy Sand 5	Water resistance	52lb or 23.58KG / 1,000 sq. ft.	12 months	Low to no odor	White, Natural	Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.	Moderate
Easy Sand 45	Moderate	1:2	Medium	Medium	Tapping base coat, filler coat, medium tapping project	45 minutes	50-65 minutes	Good	Stick hard but less than Easy Sand 20	Water resistance	52lb or 23.58KG / 1,000 sq. ft.	12 months	Low to no odor	White, Natural	Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.	Moderate
Easy Sand 90	Easy	1:2	Easy	Easy to sand	Tapping base coat, filler coat, easy sandable tapping project	90 minutes	95-120 minutes	Good	Stick hard but less than Easy Sand 45	Water resistance	52lb or 23.58KG / 1,000 sq. ft.	12 months	Low to no odor	White, Natural	Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.	Moderate
Easy Sand 210	Easy	1:2	Easy	Easy to sand	Slow dry project, tapping base coat, filler coat, easy sandable tapping project	170 minutes	170-270 minutes	Good	Stick hard but less than Easy Sand 90	Water resistance	52lb or 23.58KG / 1,000 sq. ft.	12 months	Low to no odor	White, Natural	Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.	Mode

Conclusion

Choosing Easy Sand as a setting compound for taping drywall is a wise decision. Each version has its own advantages and recommended applications.

By knowing the differences outlined in this article, you can select the right Easy Sand product for your specific needs. Remember to consider factors such as dry time, difficulty level, durability, and coverage to achieve optimal results.