What Pattern Should I Use for Applying Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound on Drywall?

One of the more common questions we receive regarding the Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound involves the correct pattern for applying the damping compound to sheets of drywall.  On the internet, Instagram, Twitter, etc, you will find many different application patterns in photos.  Round circles, tight spaghetti squiggles, even the sound studio's or contractor's spelled out with the compound.  We are not saying that any of them are incorrect, but we want to reiterate that once you screw that drywall in place you will never see your fancy design again.  Keep in mind that dispensing one tube or one pail gun load should take less than 1 minute.  If you find that your pattern is taking minutes, you are probably just wasting install time.

This short blog post will give you our foolproof Green Glue application pattern:

Criss-Cross Green Glue Application Pattern:

With the first tube apply one bead around the perimeter of the sheet of drywall approximately 2" inches off the edge (going to close to the edge can cause joint seepage).  Then with the first tube make 12" to 24" passes back and forth in one direction so the entire sheet is now covered in zig zagging lines.  

Then with the 2nd tube, make the same zig zag pattern back and forth, only this time apply at a 90° angle from the first tube (perpendicular).  You will be left with what looks like a checker board with lots of misshapen boxes.  If you see any bare spots go back and fill in where needed.  See photo below showing our Criss-Cross pattern.

*Please keep in mind that there is no right or wrong pattern for applying Green Glue, the key is to not leave large sections of drywall without Green Glue.  Patterns can be completely random, but we find if you have a more deliberate application plan, you will save install time.