How to Choose Between Joint Compound vs. Spackle

When you're patching or repairing your drywall, choosing the correct product makes all the difference. If you're skilled enough to handle a DIY drywall installation, you probably already know that joint compound/drywall mud is the way to go, but for smaller projects, when does it make sense to switch to spackle?

DIYers often confuse joint compound and spackle, but there's a big difference. The differences are namely in adhesion and each product's ability to fill gaps, divots from screw holes, and seams. Let's break it down.

When to Choose Joint Compound

A coat of compound is typically used for larger projects or finishing jobs, such as taping drywall joints, mudding drywall seams, filling gaps or larger holes in drywall, repairing extensive drywall damage, and creating textured finishes.

• Consistency: It has a thicker consistency. It's available in gypsum powder form which needs to be mixed with water to form a paste-like consistency (the mix is only fresh for about 45 minutes). Premixed compounds are also available in resealable 1-quart to 5-gallon containers.
• Dry Time: Joint compound takes longer to dry before sanding. Usually overnight.
• Strength: It provides stronger adhesion. It's suitable for drywall repair and covering joint tape between sheets of drywall.
• Sanding: The patching process often requires multiple layers. You should always sand between skim coats to improve adhesion and achieve a smooth finish.
• Types: There are different types of compound, such as lightweight or all-purpose, each with its specific uses. The main difference between lightweight and all-purpose joint compound lies in their weight and application; light weight, quick-setting joint compound is less dense and easier to sand, making it suitable for overhead applications and quicker drying, whereas all-purpose compound is denser and offers greater strength, making it ideal for covering drywall tape or gaps in the pieces of drywall.

When to Choose Spackle

Projects using spackle include filling nail holes, patching small cracks in drywall, making minor repairs, touching up damaged areas, and smoothing imperfections on walls. If you're on the fence, keep in mind: if your project requires layers of thick, heavy spackle, you should probably use joint compound instead.

• Consistency: Comes ready to use in a paste-like form straight from the airtight container.
• Dry Time: Dries relatively quickly, often within minutes to an hour depending on the thickness applied.
• Strength: Not as strong as drywall compound, but it's suitable for small repairs that don't entail larger gaps or require you to cover seams.
• Sanding: Light sanding may be needed to achieve a smooth surface. Whether you're filling a nail hole or small dents in drywall, it's usually best to apply the product proud of the wall surface. Once it's dry, you can sand down the excess spackle with a fine sanding block before applying a coat of paint and primer.
• Types: Some varieties are specifically designed for interior or exterior use, and some are labeled as lightweight spackle for easier application.

Which should be used to repair lath and plaster?

When fixing lath and plaster walls, use joint compound. Joint compound for drywall is favored due to its compatibility with both the plaster and the underlying wooden lath; the formula is better able to form a strong bond. Joint compound can provide durability and resilience, which is important for supporting the weight of the plaster and preventing future cracks. Remember: before applying the compound with a putty knife, clean the damaged area thoroughly and consider using a bonding agent or primer to enhance adhesion.

Do you have to prime before painting over spackle?

Yes, priming the walls after using either compound type is important. Both spackle and joint compounds are porous and will absorb the paint if there is no primer, resulting in a dull paint finish that stands out on an otherwise flawless wall. Prepping the walls for painting with a coat of primer or a paint-and-primer-in-one product makes a big difference both in disguising seaming tape and imperfections in walls after a repair project.