Gypsum panels and mats therefor with wetting agent to enhance gypsum penetration

A gypsum panel, comprising:

• a gypsum core having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;
• a first fiberglass mat having a first surface associated with the first surface of the gypsum core, such that gypsum of the gypsum core penetrates at least a portion of the first fiberglass mat;
• and
• a wetting agent deposited across an entire thickness of the first fiberglass mat, wherein the wetting agent is deposited onto the first fiberglass mat in an uncoated state of the first fiberglass mat, such that the wetting agent penetrates the entire thickness of the first fiberglass mat,
• wherein the wetting agent is a surfactant selected from a group consisting of multifunctional acetylenic agents, ethoxylated low-foam agents, siloxane-based surfactants, and nonionic superwetting and coalescing surfactants,
• wherein the wetting agent is deposited across the first fiberglass mat in an amount of about 0.01 lb/1,000 ft2 to about 10 lb/1,000 ft2, and
• wherein the wetting agent penetrating the entire thickness of the first fiberglass mat facilitates the penetration of gypsum of the gypsum core such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated.