Joint Compound vs. Spackle: When to Use Each - The Spruce Learn more, find a participating store, and enroll at TrueValueRewards.com. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. However, the price can quickly accumulate because you will utilize a large quantity at once. 22 Reviews. You can use Spackle instead of drywall mud, also called joint drywall compound. Always close the spackling compound lid after youve taken out what you need. Both types of spackle are elastic, minimizing shrinkage. Lightweight spackle is usually made of sodium silicate or vinyl- and will effectively fill in minor dents and gouges on the wall. It will crumble if used in larger spaces than recommended. The joint compound is extremely thick and heavy. This works because it holds up well in small spaces. Joint compound can also be used to fix small holes, smooth out dents in walls, or make small or medium repairs in plaster walls. While some people may feel they're interchangeable, they aren't. While you might be tempted to use plaster in place of joint compound in larger projects, it wont give the same smooth finish you get with joint compound. Heres Everything You Need to Know About Short-Term Storage Costs. With these tips, your walls should look good as new. At Home Affluence, Eddie covers home improvement, repair, renovation, household cleaning, Basement, Ceilings, Flooring, Home Decor, Home Gym, Home Interior, Home Office, House Plans, Pool, Doors, Furniture, Paint, Wall, Plumbing & Piping, Laundry& General Household Cleaning blogs. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Can you use spackle in place of joint compound? Two coats of tapping compound are effective for a perfect wall repair. The product goes by joint compound, drywall mud, or just mud. Let it dry for 30 minutes before sanding smooth. Spackling paste is preferred for minor wall restoration projects because it cures within 30 minutes. This filler paste is made by mixing water and gypsum dust and its consistency can be compared to that of cake frosting. of respondents would recommend this to a friend. Spackle vs. Joint Compound Differences and Uses, How Much Weight Can Drywall Anchors Hold? Anytime youre unfamiliar with a product that you need to work properly for you, its wise to learn what affects its performance. The ready-to-use joint compound is efficient and easy to apply. It works with joint compound to reinforce the drywall beneath and create a smooth finish on your walls. Its important to work quickly with both joint compound and spackle, and you should keep either product covered when not in use. Using a putty knife, just apply the spackle to a hole. The joint compound has use in more significant projects such as drywall installation and larger drywall repair projects. Joint Compound vs. Spackle: Which One is Best? HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE Canada are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. It might be more economical than a joint compound. It is substantially less expensive than joint compound and usually comes with a brush on one side making it easier to apply the product.. However, it has a more paste-like consistency, expanding its usefulness. High-quality paper tape can simplify this project, but it requires time and effort. Just keep in mind that it is not as versatile as spackle, and could crack if used in thinner amounts. Fast dry premium Spackling is a professional-grade Spackling compound uniquely formulated to provide strength and durability like traditional heavyweight Spackling, but also dries fast and can also be painted in as little as 15 minutes. Then, a trowel helps to apply and smooth the joint compound over the joint tape. Enter your City & State or zip code to see stores near you. Exterior Patching & Spackling Compound at Lowes.com A major difference between spackle and joint compound is the latters frosting-like consistency, whereas spackle is thicker. Joint compound is great for a few different types of projects, however, it is not so great for other projects. Wipe away dust and debris caused by sanding with a damp cloth. Also note that sheetrock mud shrinks more than spackle as it cures, necessitating the application of multiple coats. Spackle vs. Joint Compound: What's the Difference? - REthority Both vinyl and acrylic add elasticity to minimize shrinkage. Whats more, both of these finishing pastes shrink to a certain degree once they cure. Spackle costs more, but you use so little of it that a quart will last you forever. Solved! Its ready-to-use, smooth white formula spreads easily for fast, professional repairs that will not sink, shrink or crack. Anytime you cut or sand material that creates dust, protect yourself by wearing the appropriate protective gear. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Time to mix and apply to the hole in the wall! If you have a large repair job and would typically use a joint compound, spackle will not work. Joint compound is thick and can be put on in multiple layers, without shrinking. Its sold premixed in 1-quart to 5-gallon containers or in a powdered form you can mix yourself with water. Step 1: Preparation. (Always close the lid after getting what you need so the paste doesnt dry out.). Due to traditional plastering, dust disperses and can settle even in inaccessible areas of your home. If it is still in the process of settling, you will have to redo the cracks multiple times. At its most basic, spackle is a paste made from gypsum powder and other binders. Compare. Scrape away excess compound from the wall with your putty knife with the blade at a 90-degree angle to the wall. If you get a rush every time you enter HomeGoods, you might already know exactly when to snag the best deals and find unique items. Do this until the hole is completely filled in. On the other hand, if youre all out of joint compound but have what looks like enough spackle to patch a large hole or finish your drywall installation, hold off. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homeaffluence_com-box-4','ezslot_9',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeaffluence_com-box-4-0');Due to their susceptibility to evaporation when you expose them to air, both items can become ineffective if used prematurely. To patch holes that have gone all the way through drywall or plaster, like one made by a doorknob, use Wall Repair Patch Kit with DAP DryDex Spackling. Spackle is used to repair small damage in drywall and other surfaces around the home. Using spackle for heavy-duty sealing, filling, or similar tasks is inappropriate. Both popular putties are used in wall and ceiling repair and construction, and they look almost identical to the untrained eye. Use it all once you open the product. What Is Spackle And How Do You Use It? | HomeServe USA Proper Spackling Techniques | True Value Joint compound is easy to apply. Spackle is a compound made to repair cracks and holes in drywall. Spackle is a little more expensive than joint compound. By completing the task quicker, you will save time and effort. However, you need more of the latter to completely finish your drywall seams. Whatever the cause, youre now facing small dings, dents, and gouges to your plaster or gypsum board walls. HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE USA are trademarks of HomeServe USA Corp. All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Move from right to left, then left to right, spreading evenly with vertical strokes. Paintable. Follow the steps below to make your drywall look good as new. Use this for larger holes. What Do You Need a Property Survey for and How Much Does One Cost? Lightweight Spackling, has a light and fluffy consistency, allowing it to dry quickly. Is Spackling Compound the Same as Joint Compound? A can of joint compound is unnecessary unless you are a professional handyman who likes to be ready for anything. Both products are white, thick, and have a paste-like consistency. Lightweight spackle has many advantages- including faster cure time, less shrinkage, and a smooth finish. Standard Spackle is a general-purpose spackling. If necessary, replace the damaged drywall with a new piece. Remove any loose debris around the hole. In Conclusion. Prosif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'homeaffluence_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeaffluence_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); A joint compound is great for large-scale projects. The joint compound is used when hanging new sheetrock or doing sheetrock repairs. The vinyl does not let this compound dry instantly, and it sands well. If you make your joint compound out of the water, dont make more than you need. Its recommended for use on holes not exceeding 0.25-inches deep or one-inch wide. Vinyl Spackling Compound is mostly used to fill the cracks or holes up to inches. Debbie has also written for HGTV, DIYNetwork, and House Method. Spackle is sold in a premixed tub container. Just give it a couple of quick brushes with the sandpaper to smooth it down. $35.99. Spackling, Joint Compound, Epoxy: Which is the Best for Filling Holes? It dries out quickly if exposed to open air, so be sure to store properly between uses. So, what's the difference between them? When would you use one product instead of the other? True Value Rewards is available at participating stores. Hopefully, after reading out the above short guide, you will choose the best for your work! He has a vast knowledge of the security industry and has worked with various security companies during his career. The answer depends on the size of the cracks. To make your lawn secure against the weeds, invest in the Yard Mastery Granular Pre-Emergent Herbicide 0-0-7 .38% Prodiamine. You can use joint compound instead of spackle. It comes in powdered (mixed with water before application) or paste form, the paste form being the most commonly used and known. So, the spackling compound is much stronger than the drywall as it dries by chemical reaction rather than evaporation. How to Properly Use Spackling Compound | DoItYourself.com Joint compound is primarily used for drywall only. Spackle compound comes two ways: in a convenient pre-mixed paste or in powdered form that you'll mix with water for proper consistency. Be careful not to make the hole or crack bigger.