Thread: Monster Mud discovery!

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We've all heard the ratio of monster mud is a 5 gallon bucket of drywall compound to 1 gallon exterior latex paint.

Well, I wanted to make five different colors of mud so I started to measure a gallon of drywall compound into 5 different buckets. Guess what...I only filled 4 buckets. I was like....WHAAAA???? There's only 4ish gallons of drywall compound in a 5 gallon bucket? I was ripped off

Closer look at the drywall bucket answered the mystery. It's NOT a 5 gallon bucket of compound, it's a 4ish gallon bucket. The bucket is smaller than a 5 gallon bucket. Wow, never noticed that before. See?...



So all this time I have NOT been using a 5 to 1 ratio I wonder, was Terror Syndicate (mm creator) thinking it was a 5 gallon bucket too when they created the recipe? Or, do they like a true 5 gallon to 1 gallon ratio?

So I'm curious: Am I the only one that never noticed that? And, what ratios does everyone use? This discovery got me wondering what would be an ideal ratio... at least to start with.

So Terra, if you were measuring a gallon into each, what was your mix ratio of latex paint going to be to that? 4 to 1, Four quarts of joint compound to one quart of paint? Or were you going with a fraction of a quart a little larger than 3/4? Maybe the true ratio is 4ish to 1ish! lol

Terra this happens all the time and is FRUSTRATING but good for you in a way. If the product you are buying says 5 gallons and it turns out that it is not. You need to contact the company and give them all the info. Numbers from the bucket where you bought it from and keep your receipt handy. Most of the time depending on how many you buy they will REPLACE IT FOR FREE. I would let them have it. It happens too often.

This has happened to me and a few people I know with different items: Karo Corn Syrup, Laundry Detergent and more. They rip people off every single day and take advantage of the trust we have for companies. It sucks, but we have to keep on them to get what we THINK we are paying for. Not enough people write or call in.

Oops:
OH... LMAO I just reread your post and the container said 4ish gallons. LOL I'm sorry that gets me fired up cuz with regular household items that say a certain amount are not.

Also it is possible that if it is an old recipe that there maybe used to be a true 5 gallon bucket and they lessened it to 4 gallons and kept the same price.

My intention was to add a quart of paint to one gallon of compound. When I realized I was short, I just evenly divided what I had so I think I ended up with about 3 1/3 quarts of compound. Then I added in the quart of paint. Looked like a good mix but thinner than I wanted. It's about the consistency of what I used for Beloved. But, I wanted a thicker mix (normal) so I can smear it on set pieces in my haunt to give it a grimy look.

Then, I made matters worse. Two of the buckets weren't even close to the color I wanted so I kept adding more and more paint. Now they are almost too thin for what I wanted. I plan to get another 4ish (heh.) bucket of drywall compound and beef 'em back up.

SimplyJenn: Hey, I was right there with you! Then I looked at the labeling and instead of saying 5 gallons, it just has a weight there. GAH! I am also thinking the same thing about the original recipe. Did drywall compound used to come in 5 gallon buckets?

I actually sent Steve an email about this. (Am still awaiting a reply...so I resent it this morning ) One of the questions I asked him in my e-mail is whether he used the "pre-mixed" bucket or if he used the powder and mixed his own... When/If I get an answer I'll post it here.

~ Bill

Oh cool. I was thinking of asking him too. Yes, can't wait to hear what he says.

Here's Steve's reply...
Hi Bill,
It was more so that it is sold in a 5gal container and not 5 gallons of compound. I have always said go with what works best for you. The key to a great MM prop is to always work the compound into the material and not just smear it on like a shell. Have fun...
Steve

Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless

So there you go....
~Bill

So great he replied so fast. Totally agree on working it into the cloth. Important!

But, I'm a bit confused on his answer. Is he using 5 gallons of compound or just mixing the 4ish gallon bucket of drywall compound and 1 gallon of paint in a 5 gallon bucket? That's what I'm starting to think he's been doing.

I think you are right... I think he used the bucket as is (4-ish gallons thinking it was 5 gallons) and just added paint until he got the consistency that he was looking for.. That's what I've done anyway... I used the recipe as a guide and then when it was what I thought was right I stopped adding the paint... so far that has worked for me...
~Bill

I bought some joint compound yesterday. It also now comes in a 50 lb box ready mixed. I had to but the bucket seperately. Oh well.