Are you considering using Durabond or Easy Sand joint compound?
If so, it’s essential to understand the main differences between the two products.
This comparison guide will look at the key differences between these two popular products.
The main differences between Durabond and Easy Sand are the adhesive properties, strength and durability.
We will also present both their pros and cons so you can get a better idea of the product you’re using.
Understanding these two options allows you to decide which is suitable for your project.
What is Durabond?
Durabond is a synthetic resin that is used for binding reinforcing elements as well as architectural surfaces.
The first use of Durabond bonding was in concrete structures and it has since been used on various other materials such as steel and wood.
The primary material formula includes epoxy resins and fillers mixed with hardeners to form the unique bond needed for each application.
Durabond can be applied in multiple ways depending on the surface being bonded, from spraying to standard brush applications.
Durabond curing processes differ based on the type of material being bonded.
For example, cured concrete subfloors will typically require barefoot traffic overnight wait time before they can be walked or driven on without damaging the surface, while cured steel will typically require a two-week wait time before it is safe to paint or apply another bonding agent.
Durabond has become one of the most popular types of surface bonding because of its versatility and strong and durable properties when used on various surfaces.
It is widely used in worldwide residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Durabond remains one of the top options for surface bonders due to its unique strength and durability that stands up to extreme conditions, such as high humidity or large temperature swings over time.
The most common uses of the Durabond joint compound are in drywall and concrete.
Drywall compound is typically used to fill seams and nail holes created by builders when constructing walls in new houses.
It can be used on the surface of new drywall or applied over existing drywall in homes that are being remodeled or renovated.
In addition to filling holes and smoothing out uneven joints, the Durabond joint compound is a sealant for cracks in cement surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and floors.
The uses of Durabond are many; however, its most common use is concrete surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks and floors, as well as a sealant for cracks and gaps.
Other uses of Durabond include filling seams and nail holes created by builders when constructing new walls in houses and smoothing out uneven joints.
There are several reasons why Durabond is an ideal sealant for cracks and gaps in a variety of surfaces.
It’s easy to apply as it can be spread with a flat trowel or spatula like traditional concrete mutes.
In addition, it dries quickly, usually within 24 hours of application, allowing minimal downtime between applications if necessary.
Furthermore, unlike many other sealants, Durabond is flexible and can be used on surfaces subject to expansion or contraction without the risk of cracking.
What is Easy Sand?
Easy Sand is a joint compound usually used as a setting and finishing material in the drywall industry.
It has a wide range of uses, including filling joints and cracks, mending damaged corners or edges, nail holes and smoothing and sealing rough surfaces before painting or wallpapering.
Although this product is known for these applications because it can be easily sanded after drying, EasySand also has other benefits that make it ideal for use on many projects.
For example, unlike some other joint compounds, which require only one coat to be applied with a trowel or spatula to achieve desired result/finish level, Easy Sand is a two-coat plaster-like cement base mix that requires a single-coat application with one trowel and then sanding to achieve the desired level of finish.
Easy Sand also has other characteristics that make it excellent for use on many projects besides drywall (stucco, plaster, etc.).
This is mainly due to its lightweight nature, ease of spreadability with a putty knife or trowel, consistency when wet (thick but not too thick) and the ability to be skimmed easily over a wall surface or corner to cover up any unevenness/imperfections in the wall surface itself.
Also, it offers a fast drying time compared with other compound products today (less than an hour) – as long as you work slowly and efficiently when applying it rather than too thickly.
When using Easy Sand, you should wet the compound with water and mix well until the consistency is smooth (not too thick, not too thin).
If there are areas of high porosity on the wall surface, you may want to apply a second coat after about 30 minutes of drying.
After applying two coats of Easy Sand, the compound needs to dry completely (usually less than an hour) and then it is sanded down using medium-grit paper until desired finish level is met.
Easy Sand is one of the most easy-to-work-with joint compounds available today.
Not only can it be used for various applications in both indoor and outdoor environments, but it is lightweight, easy to spread with a putty knife or trowel and consistent when wet if appropriately mixed (not too thick or thin).
Easy Sand is excellent at covering up unevenness/imperfections in wall surface areas if skim-coated properly after application.
Easy Sand is ideal for professional and DIY projects, from filling joints or cracks in walls to mending damaged corners on drywall surfaces.
What are the differences between Durabond and Easy Sand?
While they may appear almost identical, there are specific differences between Durabond and Easy Sand that could help you make up your mind and decide on the ideal joint compound for your project.
1. Adhesive properties
Regarding adhesive properties, it is safe to say that Durabond takes the win in this aspect.
This is due to its high adhesiveness and ability to hold building materials together successfully.
Durabond is made from a mixture of chemicals, which has been used for many years as an adhesive material.
It works by bonding itself to surfaces ( 2 or more surfaces) at a molecular level and creating a strong, stable bond that keeps things together.
Though this is also true for Easy Sand, it does not have the same success or longevity when working with different materials, unlike Durabond, which offers more versatility in this area.
2. Overall strength
Durabond is stronger than Easy Sand as it dries harder, making it more durable and long-lasting for your home projects.
On top of this, Durabond sets faster than Easy Sand, so you don’t have to monitor it to dry before you can continue working with it.
Another benefit of Durabond’s wateDurabond’smula makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use and provides longevity and durability in both scenarios.
3. Flexibility
Even though Durabond is more durable and offers more security and strength, it isn’t as flexible and easy to work with as Easy Sand.
Easy Sand is also easier to sand down and shape, so if you are looking for a more pliable, malleable material, then Easy Sand is the better choice.
However, if you need something that offers higher strength and durability, Durabond will be the better option.
Ultimately, it depends on your needs and what type of project you are working on when deciding which product to go with.
4. Price
Since Durabond is a more suitable choice for heavy-duty applications and offers a higher level of adhesiveness and durability, it’s no wonder it comes at a higher price.
That being said, if you want something flexible, easy to shape, high-quality but not as durable, yet affordable – you will be satisfied with Easy Sand.
Durabond vs. Easy Sand: Are they the same?
The short answer would be no.
While they have multiple mutual applications and uses, Durabond and Easy sand are not the same.
Durabond is also slightly more expensive and is a heavy-duty, durable, highly adherent choice.
However, Durabond isn’t as easy isn’t with and Easy Sand is the more flexible option.
Durabond and Easy Sand are popular products in the construction industry due to their versatility and ability to withstand extreme conditions.
Both materials have advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to consider what kind of project you are working on when choosing between these two options.
Whether you want something flexible and easy to work with or something stronger and more durable, Durabond and Easy Sand can help you get the desired results.
David Kessler is a CSLB licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience. He is specialized in home building, construction, and electrical works; he also has a keen eye for interior design and, over the years, has collaborated with various architects.
