Masonite

[ETD66SS]

I just bought a house, it was built in 1954. They didn't use sheetrock & plaster, but instead used masonite.

All the trim has been painted over a million times, and I want to put in all new trim.

However, all internal & external corner seams use trim to hide the seams in the masonite.

I'd like to only install trim on the floors & ceilings, and tape & mud all the vertical corner seams.

Can I use drywall mud & tape on masonite, or will that just bubble & ruin the hardboard?

Pulling out all the masonite and putting up drywall is not an option.

 

[Scooby074]

I dont think mud will stick to masonite very well (could be wrong). Would paintable caulking do the job of smoothing out the gaps?

 

[ETD66SS]

I dont think mud will stick to masonite very well (could be wrong). Would paintable caulking do the job of smoothing out the gaps?

Nah, I have holes to fill & such.

Bummer...

 

[dave1949]

Never tried it, but you might find a bonding agent to paint over the masonite. Maybe put a good primer coat on the masonite first, then bonding agent. Just thinking out loud. Google 'bonding agent' for more info on that.
Dave.

 

[TheKid]

I don't know why drywall mud wouldn't stick to Masonite. I've gotten it on windows before and if it will stick to something as slick as glass it should stick to Masonite. If there are any areas that are bare you should give them a couple of coats of a good primer to keep the moisture from the mud from soaking in. Use an oil based primer like Kilz Original.

Here's a link to Kilz contact information. Give them a call to see what they say.
Masterchem Industries, Inc. - Contact Us

 

[smstonypoint]

I can't answer your question, but the folks over at the Breaktime forum should be able to give you a definitive answer. You have to register, but it's free and there are some very knowledgeable folks on the forum.

Steve

 

[CurlyDave]

Think about how fire resistant drywall is vs. how non-fire resistant masonite is, and consider either replacing the masonite or covering it completely with drywall.

 

[Pops15]

You can tape Masonite like you do drywall. You might have to skim coat the entire wall to get the same texture. You should lightly sand the wall first so the mud adheres better. As previously mentioned you'll need to seal any bare areas as the moisture in the mud will cause a stain, and the stain will bleed right through most paint.
Pops

 

[o2batsea]

I'm one of those that hate drywall. I hate installing it. I hate taping it and mudding it. I hate priming it. I hate painting it and I hate the way it looks when it's done. I hate pretty much everything about it. So with that understanding, I would tell you to do anything but get involved with drywall or mud or spackle or any of that stuff.
Instead invest in a brad nailer or finish nailer, a nice chop saw with a fine blade and redo all the trim. Or cover it all with sheet aluminum. Or paint it for the million and first time.

 

[dave1949]

I'm one of those that hate drywall. I hate installing it. I hate taping it and mudding it. I hate priming it. I hate painting it and I hate the way it looks when it's done. I hate pretty much everything about it. So with that understanding, I would tell you to do anything but get involved with drywall or mud or spackle or any of that stuff.
Instead invest in a brad nailer or finish nailer, a nice chop saw with a fine blade and redo all the trim. Or cover it all with sheet aluminum. Or paint it for the million and first time.

Ditto, wallboard is about the most boring thing to put on a wall or ceiling. It's cheap and fire resistant - that's what is has going for it.
Dave.