How to Apply Green Glue Compound (Pails)

Installation Video for Pails of Green Glue Compound

Quick Bits of Info

  1. Smell: Green Glue Compound does have a slight smell, but it is less noticeable than paint and begins to fade within a couple hours.

  2. Not Really an Adhesive: While Green Glue Compound is sticky, it is not an adhesive and should never be used without fasteners.

  3. Cleanup: Green Glue Compound can be washed off your hands, tools, or other objects using soap and water. Pumice soap is recommended if the Green Glue Compound has been left to cure.

  4. Messiness: Responsible application will lead to no mess. Green Glue Compound is thick enough to not run off the drywall.

  5. Coverage Requirements: No specific coverage pattern is necessary to ensure excellent results. Apply at least semi-evenly for successful application. If new to application, try covering an entire 4' x 8' sheet with one tube, then repeat for the second tube. This approach will give you a good idea of what it takes to cover an entire sheet with the proper 2 tubes per 4' x 8' application rate.

  6. Larger Nozzle Opening: We include a larger metal nozzle with a 1/2" opening to speed up the process of loading the dispenser and emptying the dispenser.

Loading Our Dispensing Gun

  • dip dispensing gun nozzle in green glue compound pail

    Dip Nozzle Cone Into Compound

    Submerge the orange cone nozzle about 2″ into the Compound. Eliminate mess by keeping the barrel of the Green Glue applicator gun from touching the Compound.

  • pull back t lever to load dispensing gun

    Press Recoil Thumb Plate and Pull T-Lever

    Press the recoil thumb plate down while using a Green Glue dispensing gun, and pull back on the recoil T-lever, drawing Green Glue Compound into the adhesive dispensing gun, until full.

    QUICK TIP: Priming the dispenser with water before first use will help lubricate the interior components of the dispenser.

Different Levels of Coverage

  • standard coverage of green glue noiseproofing compound

    Standard Coverage

    2 tubes per 4′ x 8′ sheet

    Consistent gains from low to high frequencies.

  • heavy coverage of green glue noiseproofing compound

    Heavy Coverage

    3 tubes per 4′ x 8′ sheet

    No increase in mid to high frequencies. 50% gain in low frequencies.

Four Steps to a Successful Green Glue Compound Installation

  • dispensing green glue from bucket

    Dispense the Green Glue Compound

    With your drywall on the floor or leaning against a wall, apply the Compound from your green glue caulking gun in a random pattern. Be sure to leave a 2″ perimeter so you can hold the drywall while lifting it into place.

    GOOD IDEA:  Have a bucket of water for the dispensing gun. Green Glue Compound will cure very slowly if kept wet so the dispensing gun can be left submerged in water for days.

  • hang drywall after green glue application

    Place Drywall Against Wall

    Once the Compound is applied, lift it into place against the wall or ceiling. It is important to accurately mount each panel the first time without sliding it around.

  • fasten drywall while green glue compound is wet

    Fasten Drywall to Framing

    Fasten each sheet of drywall into place entirely before installing the next sheet. The second layer of drywall should be fully attached to the studs with the same screw pattern as the first layer.

  • caulk perimeter of wall after installing drywall

    Seal Your Wall

    Offset the seams of the second layer from the first layer to avoid having to seal the first layer with caulk.

    Once the topmost layer of drywall is attached, seal thoroughly using Green Glue Sealant or a comparable caulk. Tape and mud your seams as you would normally and prepare for your wall finishing.

Other Useful Tips:

  • We strongly recommend using a Green Glue Dispensing Gun for quick and accurate application.

  • A 1/8″ notched trowel can be used, but is more messy and difficult to apply the correct amount of Green Glue Compound per square foot.

  • There is no correct pattern to follow when applying Green Glue Compound. Consistency in ounces per square foot is the only requirement.

  • You can use any thickness of drywall with Green Glue Compound. The more mass, the better the performance in low frequencies.

  • Leave a 2″ border along the drywall perimeter for easier handling and room for the Green Glue Compound to spread on compression.

  • Sealing the wall is crucial to the performance of any sound assembly. Unsealed gaps can transfer significant amounts of sound.

  • The first layer of drywall should be attached using 1-1/4″ drywall screws and the second layer with 1-5/8″ or 1-7/8″ drywall screws.

  • Green Glue Compound must compress between layers to work properly. Completely fasten each sheet within 15 minutes of application.

Cleaning the Dispensing Gun

Green Glue Compound is a very sticky product that becomes incredibly difficult to clean once it has cured. For this reason, it is crucial to fully clean the dispensing gun after each use. Otherwise using a Green Glue dispensing gun will become impossible. Cleaning involves disassembling the dispensing gun and using water pressure to remove all Green Glue Compound residue from the cone nozzle, barrel, and inner workings of the tool.