Thread: What is a Good Monster Mud mix?

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like exact measurements and the stuff to make it with. also could i use interior paint?

Thanks!
-BYH

The monster mud mixture I use is made using a 5 gallon bucket of joint compound (any kind from Lowe's or Home Depot) and one gallon of Latex paint. Any color will do. I use the paint that has been discounted for what ever reason. I don't use an exact measurement, but it should be about 5 parts joint compound to one part latex paint. Yes, interior paint is fine, but it needs to be latex. Don't use Alkyd paint, also known as oil-based paint. I use the joint compound bucket to mix the monster mud. Just add the latex paint to the joint compound and mix using a drill with a BRUTUS Super Mixer or similar type of mixing paddle used for mixing thinset, grout or mortar.

^^^^Same, get a 5 gallon bucket of joint compound and mix in a gallon of black latex. The drill mixer is 100% necessary

Depending on what you're looking for, I like light weight props that's easy to move. No matter what mixture you use, you can't mess it up.

You can thin down the mud a lot more than 5 to 1 and still get the same look. This prop I used a 2 to 1 mixture



Both of these are paint only....no dry wall mudd. A lot easier to move compared to the 5 to 1 mixture.

It depends on the prop and the texture your are trying to achieve. It is really a person preference. For more details visit http://terrorsyndicate.com/tsp_mm.html .

Agreed, it's your preference. I use 4 to 1 ratio because I like it a bit thinner so it is easier to coat fabrics. Plus, it's also easier to mix it in the bucket. Just remove a gallon of the drywall mix and then pour in the paint. I use exterior latex only because I'm hoping there's an extra ingredient in it to make the piece tougher. I have no idea if I'm right or not. heh.

Here's a picture of the drywall compound that most people use and the most important tool of all - the paddle mixer attachment. Like others said - YOU NEED THAT TOOL! or you will quickly go insane mixing it by hand.






The reason I said "here's the drywall mixture others use" is because I accidentally bought the lightweight version of the compound. Not sure if that makes a difference or not. Here's a picture of the lightweight and the regular side-by-side:

Good stuff. Question - how do you get things to "drape" so nice ? The pics from madmax look great. Also, Terra's work is great as well. Terra - I know you used a wedding dress for Beloved, but what about others ? Do people just use regular sheets or buy heavier fabrics ? Thanks !!!

The wedding dress was great because it had many layers and the toile underneath helped 'push out' the last layer.


You ask a great question and yes the fabric choice is critical. Here's one where I used a store bought reaper that had nylon:



I think is drapes very nice. But, you may notice a layer of fabric near the bottom of the cape (underneath)? That's a different fabric. Look at the following picture you will see it pooled at the bottom of the stone...




I didn't like the way it looked at all. Doesn't it look thin? That is just plain old sheet fabric.








Now, for another stone I used my favorite fabric so far... flannel sheets. It's so bulky and substantial:

Awesome info. Thx !

Question...once you mix up the monster mud, will it keep for a long time? Or should you only mix amounts as you need them..