Our remodel project is proceeding happily along. Today, after allowing the polyurethane on the floor to cure for 48 hours, and allowing the first coat of joint compound to set for the same length, I was ready to get back to work. The poly still has another 24 hours to cure before before we can reinstall the water heater, but it was ready for light foot traffic today (yesterday, actually, but I was really tired). It looks really good, and though the color does not exactly match the rest of the floor, I am pleased with the results. The poly will protect my beautiful 100-year-old hardwood floors, and that is the important thing.
So, I covered the floor with a plastic drop cloth, and donned my work clothes, safety goggles, and dust mask. I grabbed my handy sanding sponge and got to work. It took quite a while, since I had really glopped on the first coat of spackle, but I finally got it sanded to the point that I felt I could apply a second coat fairly neatly. I am not very proficient at spackling, which is one of the reasons that I wanted to practice in the closet.
As you can see, it needs a second coat, but the first coat looks pretty good after sanding. I applied the second coat and smoothed it as well as I could. The second coat will dry overnight, and I will sand it tomorrow. Then, we can paint, install the new trim, and reinstall the water heater. And then we will be able to have nice hot showers!