Jointing Compound

About Jointing Compound

Jointing compound is an essential material used across construction, renovation and DIY projects to create smooth, professional finishes on walls, ceilings and outdoor surfaces. These versatile products serve two main purposes: filling and sealing joints between plasterboard sheets indoors, and securing paving slabs or block paving outdoors. Whether you're a professional plasterer working on new builds or a homeowner tackling a garden makeover, choosing the right jointing compound ensures durable, weather-resistant results that stand the test of time.

Indoor jointing compounds, often called filling and jointing compounds, are specifically formulated to create seamless transitions between plasterboard panels. They're applied over taped joints and screw heads, then sanded smooth to create an invisible finish ready for decoration. These products typically dry quickly, shrink minimally, and provide excellent adhesion to plasterboard surfaces. Outdoor jointing compounds, meanwhile, are designed to fill gaps between paving slabs, block paving and patio stones, preventing weed growth whilst allowing water drainage and accommodating natural ground movement.

Modern jointing compounds have evolved considerably, with many products now offering all-weather application capabilities, rapid setting times, and enhanced flexibility to prevent cracking. From professional-grade solutions used by plasterers and landscapers to user-friendly formulations perfect for DIY enthusiasts, today's jointing compounds deliver reliable performance across both internal and external applications.

Jargon Buster

• All-Weather Compound: A jointing product formulated to cure properly in various weather conditions, including lower temperatures and damp environments, making it ideal for outdoor paving projects throughout the UK climate.
• Permeable Jointing: Compounds that allow water to drain through the joints rather than sitting on the surface, helping to prevent puddles and comply with sustainable drainage requirements whilst maintaining joint stability.
• Taping Compound: A specific type of jointing compound designed to embed joint tape between plasterboard sheets, providing reinforcement and creating a smooth, crack-resistant finish before applying finishing coats.
• Setting Time: The period required for the compound to harden sufficiently for the next stage of work. Fast-setting compounds may be ready for sanding or overcoating within hours, whilst others require overnight curing.
• Pointing: The process of filling joints between bricks, paving slabs or blocks with compound or mortar to seal gaps, improve aesthetics and prevent water ingress or weed growth.
• Polymer-Modified: Jointing compounds enhanced with synthetic polymers to improve flexibility, adhesion and weather resistance, making them particularly suited to external applications where movement and moisture are concerns.

Who Uses Jointing Compound?

Jointing compounds are used by a wide range of professionals and DIY enthusiasts across the construction and landscaping industries:

• Plasterers and Drywall Installers: For taping and finishing plasterboard joints in new builds, extensions and refurbishment projects
• Decorators and Painters: To prepare walls and ceilings for decoration, ensuring seamless surfaces free from visible joints
• Landscapers and Groundworkers: For pointing paving slabs, patios, driveways and garden pathways with weather-resistant compounds
• Builders and General Tradespeople: Across various projects requiring both internal finishing and external paving work
• Property Maintenance Professionals: For repairs to cracked joints, damaged plasterboard seams and deteriorated paving pointing
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners: Tackling home improvement projects from replastering rooms to laying garden patios and repointing paving
• Shopfitters and Commercial Contractors: Creating professional finishes in retail, office and commercial environments

How to Choose the Right Jointing Compound

Selecting the appropriate jointing compound depends on your specific application and working conditions. Consider these key factors:

Application Type: Determine whether you need an indoor compound for plasterboard joints or an outdoor product for paving and patios. Indoor compounds prioritise smooth finishing and sandability, whilst outdoor versions focus on weather resistance and flexibility to accommodate ground movement.

Setting Time: Fast-setting compounds allow you to complete projects more quickly, with some ready for sanding or overcoating within hours. However, slower-setting products often provide more working time for larger areas and can be easier for less experienced users to achieve professional results.

Weather Conditions: For outdoor applications, all-weather formulations can be applied in damp conditions and lower temperatures typical of the UK climate. Traditional compounds may require dry conditions and temperatures above 5°C, limiting when you can work during autumn and winter months.

Coverage and Quantity: Calculate the area you need to cover, considering joint width and depth for paving applications, or the number of plasterboard sheets and screw heads for internal work. Buying sufficient quantity avoids colour variation from mixing different batches.

Permeability Requirements: For paving projects, particularly driveways, consider permeable jointing compounds that comply with sustainable drainage regulations whilst preventing weed growth. These products allow water to drain naturally rather than creating runoff.

Ease of Application: Ready-mixed compounds offer convenience and consistency, particularly for DIY users, whilst powder products requiring mixing may be more economical for professional tradespeople covering large areas regularly.

Popular Accessories

Enhance your jointing compound application with these complementary products:

• Joint Tape: Paper or mesh tape for reinforcing plasterboard joints before applying compound
• Filling Knives and Trowels: Various widths for applying and smoothing compound on walls and ceilings
• Sanding Blocks and Abrasive Sheets: For achieving perfectly smooth finishes on dried plasterboard joints
• Pointing Trowels: Specialised tools for pressing compound into paving joints and creating neat finishes
• Joint Brushes: For sweeping compound into narrow gaps between paving slabs
• Mixing Paddles and Buckets: Essential for preparing powder-based compounds to the correct consistency
• Dust Sheets and Protective Coverings: To protect surrounding areas during application and prevent staining
• Weed Membrane: Laid beneath paving before jointing to provide additional weed prevention
• Sealers and Stabilisers: Applied after jointing to enhance durability and weather resistance on paving projects

Safety Information

When working with jointing compounds, observe these safety precautions to protect yourself and others on site:

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses or goggles to prevent splashes entering eyes, particularly when mixing powder compounds. Disposable gloves protect skin from prolonged contact with alkaline compounds, which may cause irritation. When sanding dried compound, use a dust mask rated FFP2 or higher to avoid inhaling fine particles.

Skin Contact and Washing: Jointing compounds can be drying to skin with repeated exposure. Wash hands thoroughly after use and apply barrier cream before starting work. If skin irritation develops, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Dust Control: Sanding dried compound generates fine dust that can irritate respiratory systems. Work in well-ventilated areas, use dust extraction where possible, and consider wet sanding techniques to minimise airborne particles. Follow COSHH regulations when working in enclosed spaces.

Storage and Handling: Store compounds in cool, dry conditions away from frost, which can affect performance. Keep containers sealed when not in use to prevent premature drying. Check product data sheets for specific storage temperatures and shelf life information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same jointing compound for indoor plasterboard and outdoor paving?

No, these are different products designed for specific applications. Indoor filling and jointing compounds are formulated for plasterboard with fine textures suitable for painting, whilst outdoor paving compounds must withstand weather, accommodate movement and often provide permeable drainage. Always use the appropriate product for your specific application.

How long does patio jointing compound take to cure fully?

Initial setting typically occurs within 24 hours, but full curing takes 3-7 days depending on weather conditions, joint depth and product type. Avoid heavy traffic and water exposure during this period. All-weather compounds may cure faster in suitable conditions, whilst cold or damp weather can extend curing times.

What's the difference between taping compound and all-purpose jointing compound?

Taping compound is specifically designed for the initial coat over joint tape between plasterboard sheets, offering strong adhesion and embedding properties. All-purpose or finishing compounds provide smoother finishes for subsequent coats and are easier to sand. Many professionals use taping compound for first coats and finishing compound for final applications.

Will jointing compound prevent weeds growing between my paving slabs?

Quality patio jointing compounds significantly reduce weed growth by filling gaps where seeds would otherwise germinate. However, no product offers 100% weed prevention indefinitely. Proper preparation including weed membrane beneath paving, complete filling of joints, and occasional maintenance provide the best long-term results against persistent weeds.

Can I apply outdoor jointing compound in winter?

All-weather jointing compounds can be applied at temperatures down to approximately 5°C, making them suitable for year-round use in typical UK conditions. Traditional compounds require warmer, drier weather. Always check manufacturer specifications for minimum temperature requirements, and avoid application when frost is forecast within 48 hours or when surfaces are frozen or saturated.