Also known as “mud,” joint compound is a pre-mixed finishing product for achieving smooth drywall finishes. It is used to set joint tape, fill gaps and seams between panels, and create a smooth surface for painting or other finishes. And with a drying process based on evaporation, joint compound gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace.

Benefits of Joint Compound

• Pre-mixed and ready-to-use

• Dries evenly to extend further flexibility on a job site

• Suitable for any project

• Ideal for taping, finishing and touch-ups

Joint setting compound, sometimes called “hot mud,” is a fast-setting drywall finishing product for filling joints and gaps between panels. Particularly useful in patching and repairs, joint setting compound cures chemically so it dries much more rapidly than pre-mixed finishing products. This joint treatment solution is especially useful for contractors and builders who need to adhere to strict schedules on their job sites.

Benefits of Joint Setting Compound

• Fast-setting formula limits downtime throughout the finishing process

• Features a crack-resistant finish

• Perfect for initial coats and patchwork

If you’re building a curved wall, accommodating expansion and contraction in a large room or covering irregular surfaces, specialty joints deliver the precision and reliability you need. These joint treatment products offer customized solutions for non-standard drywall finishing applications where traditional treatments won’t do. From irregular angles to significant temperature changes, specialty joints provide the durability and flexibility required to protect the structural integrity of your custom project.

Benefits of Specialty Joints

• Ideal for unique designs, including curves and odd angles

• Professional-grade finishing solution for custom projects

• Long-term performance in areas with temperature or moisture fluctuations

• Prevents cracking in areas prone to movement or stress

Joint tape is an essential component of the drywall finishing process. Covering seams between drywall panels, joint tape strengthens walls and ceilings, prevents cracks from forming and prepares surfaces for finishing work. At GMS, we connect professionals with a large variety of options, including paper tape and fiberglass mesh tape.

Benefits of Joint Tape

• Creates crack-resistant seams

• Reinforces walls and ceilings

• Smooths out surfaces

Applied with brushes, rollers or sprayers, joint textures can add depth, dimension and patterned designs to walls and ceilings. From the classic knockdown to lively orange peel designs, these joint treatment solutions are the perfect way to add some personality to your finished ceilings and walls. Plus, joint textures provide an aesthetic approach to covering up past damage or imperfections.

Benefits of Joint Textures

• Wide range of customized, decorative choices

• Can conceal minor surface damage

• Features a myriad of application techniques

Beads and trim are used to reinforce edges, protect corners and create smooth transitions between surfaces in commercial and residential applications. At GMS, our selection of beads and trim, such as paper-faced, metal and plastic options, has all the materials and products you need to achieve a flawless drywall finish.

Designed for corners and edges, paper-faced beads adhere with joint compound to create a crisp line to minimize cracking and craft a smooth transition between drywall panels. These joint beads contain a metal core wrapped with a paper covering.

Made with galvanized steel or aluminum, metal beads are designed to protect corners in high-traffic areas like hallways or commercial spaces. They are typically nailed or screwed into place for a secure fit, then coated with joint compound for a perfect finish.

Flexible and rustproof, plastic joint beads are designed for use in moisture-prone rooms like basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms. They can accommodate irregular surfaces and angles, making them an excellent choice for custom-designed spaces.

• Available in metal, paper-faced, plastic and more

• Shields edges and corners from heavy traffic

• Creates a clean drywall finish between surfaces

No matter the size or scope of your next commercial, residential or industrial job, GMS is here to help you access the highest-quality acoustical ceiling solutions needed to execute your project to perfection. Check out our yard finder to connect with the nearest GMS location in your area and take advantage of our unmatched industry expertise and end-to-end customer service today.