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When you are learning how to tape and mud drywall, waiting for things to dry requires a lot of patience. So how long does drywall mud take to dry? On average, it takes about 24 hours. However, it depends on things like the thickness of the mud, as well as the room’s temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Using thin layers of mud in a warm, low-humidity room with good airflow reduces average drying time. You also could speed up drying time by making use of hot drywall mud, which consists of a powder that you mix with water, instead of using pre-mixed mud. 

Yes, you can speed up the time it takes for plaster to dry, but it's important to do so carefully to avoid issues like cracking or crumbling. Proper ventilation is key; open a window or use a fan to circulate air in the room. Heat can also accelerate drying, but be cautious, as too much heat can cause the plaster to dry too quickly and crack. Check the plaster's packaging for the recommended drying temperature and set the room's thermostat accordingly. While managing humidity is important, avoid using a dehumidifier, which can remove moisture too aggressively and result in crumbly plaster.

Deciding whether to repair or replace drywall can be tricky, but your top considerations should be the extent of the damage and what caused the damage. For instance, if you need to repair a small hole caused by a doorknob that hit the wall, you can safely patch it without a second thought. However, if you have significant drywall damage caused by water damage, it’s best to thoroughly remove the drywall to inspect and repair the pipes behind it before replacing it.

Whether you can reuse a drywall anchor depends on its type, material, and how it is removed. Plastic anchors, such as expansion or self-drilling types, are generally considered single-use because they are designed to expand and are likely to break or become deformed upon removal. Metal anchors, like toggle bolts, are more durable and can often be reused if they are not damaged during extraction. However, with toggle bolts, the toggle mechanism can fall inside the wall when the bolt is removed, making it difficult to retrieve. If an anchor is damaged or must be cut for removal, it cannot be reused regardless of its material.