Green Glue application method question

My sheetrock crew is going to start hanging the rock next Monday. Im going to use 2 layers of 5/8" with green glue. I bought the green glue gun and have the green glue in 5 gallon buckets. When I explained the recommended method of application to them, which is putting the glue on the rock while it is laying on the ground and then hanging it, they got worried. They think it will be too messy and slow. They want to try putting the glue on the 1st layer of rock on the wall and then hanging the 2nd layer of rock on the wall. Will this work? I havent opened up the buckets of glue yet so I dont know how thick the stuff is. It seems like an easier way to do it if it will work, but I havent heard anyone suggest this, so there may be a good reason. Another way that might work would be troweling it onto the rock on the wall. Has anyone tried either of these alternate methods? Thanks!

They think it will be too messy and slow.

Then maybe you should look for another crew! Who is paying for their work? You or them? Find a crew who is willing to do it right.

They want to try putting the glue on the 1st layer of rock on the wall and then hanging the 2nd layer of rock on the wall.

I doubt that would work! How do they plan to get it to not run down the wall? There's a reason why GG recommend applying it flat, I'm sure... But seriously. if the crew you hired doesn't know how to read instructions and can't figure out how to apply GG in the correct manner, then get another crew: it sounds like they just want to cut corners, and cutting corners is a really, really bad idea when building a studio... - Stuart -

They will do it however I ask them to. We just want to know if doing the way I suggested will work. It seems like it might save time and be cleaner. It sounds like you are saying that the green glue is too thin/runny to stay on the wall until the 2nd layer is attached. Is that right? Thanks for your help.

I'm saying that the manufacturer knows their product, knows how it is designed to work, knows the best way to apply it if you want to get the results it is supposed to produce. Maybe you should ask them if it is OK to squirt it on the wall, then stick the second panel up against it?

I just went thru the same process. 5 gal buckets and easy loader. The BEST way is to use a panel lift for the ceiling. Put sheet on lift, load up with GG and raise into position. For walls I recommend "standing up" your layer with the GG. Stand up, means sheets run vertically. Put sheet into position on wall, then lower to the floor, apply GG then raise into position. YOU DO NOT WANT TO HANDLE SHEETS VERY MUCH ONCE LOADED. Follow instructions and leave space around the edge for handling. Treat GG as hazardous material in the respect of ; wipe up every drop as you go (it will not just dry up like caulk.) It will remain a possible mess the next day and the next. It is not hazardous, just treat it as such. You can squirt on wall, but they don't recommend it. Alternatively put sheets on saw horses, load and hang like instructions recommend handling carefully. My advice is best method for ease and cleanliness, maybe not fastest, unless you add all the cleaning time you will have, moving loaded sheets around.

Hi gn87berner, Thanks for the reply. Just to be clear, are you saying that you loaded the GG on the 2nd layer of rock and then attached it to the wall, or are you saying you put the GG on the wall and then attached the 2nd layer? Thanks! PS I used to spend my summers when I was a kid in Fort Collins because my grand parents lived there. They had a house and 7 acres on North Taft Hill Road. I love it out there, you're lucky to be there.

From the greenglue.ca website: http://www.greenglue.ca/installation.htm Implication is that installation can be done in two ways: 1) Apply glue to first layer of drywall, add second layer of drywall 2) Apply glue to second layer of drywall, attach second layer to first layer They indicate that either way works, but method #2 is a "neater and cleaner" solution. My 2cents for what its worth. Andy

Byra, tell your hangers to stand up the sheets like I already advised. The reason you load the sheet to be hung with GG rather than load the already hung sheets is because you will get drips. Now drips shouldn't seem that bad, but it should be DRIPS :shock: Because when you get a DRIP you can't just wipe it up. You have to carefully wipe it up as to not spread it and then use a wet paper towel and dispose of the paper towel or it will transfer from the garbage. You have to contain this product. If your hangers insist on manhandling it (rather than a lift) they need to be told how to handle the stuff. Have a warm bucket of soapy water, tons of paper towels and a big garbage bag and when ever it gets on anything wipe it, wet towel wipe it up, dispose of it or it will be hell. Now you can clean it after it dries a bit (it doesn't dry for days so when you don't wipe up, 3 days later it can bite you again. Get your hangers a few cans of wd-40 when it does get sticky and it will,screw guns tape ect they can again use wd, paper towel and dispose. THE BEST THING IS NOT TO GET IT WHERE YOU DON'T WANT IT NOOOOO DRIPS That's why they advise atleast putting the sheet on saw horses and applying GG If your hangers insist on applying to already hung layer, definitely video tape it and post on you tube. :D

I agree. #1 The Green Glue will not flow once on a board. The consistency was designed for this specific purpose. #2 It is definately much easier to install the "Glue" to the back of the second layer. The risk of wearing the material on your shoes is too great to apply directly to the wall. #3 Leave a 3" Green-Free perimeter around the board so you have a clean place to handle the board. This also eliminates the opportunity to have the glue squeeze out and on to the drywall surface. #4 Clean up any spots as soon as possible using soap & water or common isopropyl alcohol.

Byra, tanks for the kind words, I like living on the front range. Now is not the time to be thinking production, they need to be thinking quality. Alot to spend to not follow the directions. Read your booklet and have your drywaller read it. So they know to not move it all around messing up the "spread job" it needs to go where it's supposed to the first time it goes up. wd worked for me cleaning tools occasionally. FWIW

gn87berner wrote:

So they know to not move it all around messing up the "spread job" it needs to go where it's supposed to the first time it goes up.

Great point

Thanks everyone for the advice. Im convinced. Ill have the crew apply the GG as recommended. --B