spackle vs joint compound

spackle vs joint compound

4. However, if you’re trying to cover a large area, thicken up a wall, or you want a surface that’ll be easy to sand, then joint compound is the better pick. To help you choose the best option for your current project, we wrote this complete guide. However, joint compound is used for large projects. To use spackle: After you have sanded down the surface, you can then paint or tile your wall the way you want. Although spackle dries much faster than joint compound, doesn’t shrink nearly as much, and is easier to use, joint compound is much easier to sand down. These extra joint compound applications are both time consuming and sometimes a hassle. Moreover, some people still think they are alike, whereas if you look deeply into them, you’ll easily get the contradictions. In addition to this, joint compound is also more dense, thicker, and all-around durable. They are both widely available and can be found relatively cheap if you're prepared to shop around or in bulk. Unfortunately, many. Another advantage to spackle is that it doesn’t shrink as much as joint compound once it’s fully dried. Spackle on the other hand is the more appropriate pick for smaller jobs like covering nail holes and other minor blemishes on your walls. So, is joint compound the same as spackle? When they are left exposed to air, they are prone to quickly drying out. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Can I use spackle instead of joint compound? Hardware stores stock a variety of types of spackling paste for filling holes prior to painting, but in a pinch, you can always use drywall joint compound. Spackle is harder than joint compound and dries faster IMO. So, use it sparely. Joint Compound Vs Spackle: The Two Wall Repairing Tools. Pages. Another difference between the two is in their compositions. Most all spackle comes in a convenient container ready to use, and although a lot of joint compound does too, there are some you have to mix yourself before applying. Joint compound, however, should be applied in two or three layers. Spackle is good for little nail holes and stuff, but joint compound is a better product, and is good to have around the house. When using the joint tape to cover a seam: You can now paint or tile your drywall the way you want. You should not breathe them in when possible. Spread some of the spackle in and over the hole you’re trying to cover. Note: Most of the preferred "old style" heavy spackle is also a pain to use in comparison to joint compound because it drys really hard and is a total pain to sand down. It’s usually comes in a pre-mixed container for your convenience and is commonly used for taping and finishing drywall seams. Jump ToWhat is Spackle?Spackle UsesWhat is Joint Compound?Joint Compound UsesSpackle vs. Joint Compound – Conclusion Most houses built within the ... Read moreSpackle vs. Joint Compound: What are the Differences? To some extent, spackle and joint compound can be interchanged without issue. Drywall joint compound vs. Spackle.Joint compound is the better choice for taping and finishing drywall seams whereas Spackle is the better choice for filling in small to large sized holes in your walls. This excess sanding can cause a lot of dust to fall onto your floor and in the air you’re breathing. All-Purpose Compound: Best All-Around Drywall Mud . Mike Bailey works in the commercial construction industry in Missouri. Even though joint compound usually comes in larger and more expensive qualities, it doesn’t dry out as fast as spackle. Plaster sets quickly and is generally more difficult to work than joint compound or patching compound. Joint compound is relatively inexpensive. Also, for joint compound to appear flush with the wall near the damage site, “feather” the mud as you apply it. It can be used for all phases of drywall finishing: embedding joint tape and filler and finish coats, as well as for texturing and skim-coating. Interestingly, it is a different product that shares similarities with painters putty. You can use either spackle or joint compound. The dust can cause irritation in your throat, coughing, and breathing difficulties. If you’re planning on using joint compound, you’re going to need joint tape. Spackle and joint compound are very similar. This will allow you to cover the seams. In fact, after you fix a hole with spackle, the surface can be sanded and painted within an hour whereas when you fix it with joint compound, it’ll take a lot longer to dry. You can use it for larger projects, but it’ll take longer, and you’ll end up spending more money. Note: Most of the preferred “old style” heavy spackle is also a pain to use in comparison to joint compound because it drys really hard and is a total pain to sand down. Even if you don’t currently have a project in need of spackle or joint compound, you may want to consider stocking up on them just in case. Fixing a few small holes in the wall don’t require than much spackle but covering the joints between panels does require quite a lot of joint compound. All-purpose compound is a pre-mixed mud sold in buckets and boxes. But in the battle of spackle vs joint compound, you cannot use spackle in the large amount. Spackle on the other hand tends to get used more to cover holes. However, when in doubt, consider how much you need to use. For massive projects, you still end up spending a decent amount of money even though it is a cheaper material. The best thing you can do, whether you’re using spackle or joint compound, is to make sure you put the lid back on the container when you’re finished using it. Spackle is a bit more expensive than joint compound in general. All rights reserved. They are both handy and high-quality in their own way, so it isn’t merely a matter of choosing the best option. Typically, joint compound is used to cover the seams that lays between two pieces of drywall. Now the question might arouse that which one is best for wall repairing project and heavy renovation? Both of these materials do similar things, but they are required in different jobs and situations. Finish coats, on the other hand, need a … Because joint compound shrinks so much, multiple applications are usually needed to get the surface fully finished. However, you’re going to use quite a bit of it at a time so that the cost can add up after extensive use. Another advantage to spackle is that it doesn't shrink as much as joint compound once its fully dried. Cut the tape to the exact length you’ll be needing. Since spackle is used sparely, it’s usually sold in smaller containers for a lower price. If you’re redoing a wall or a room, you may need joint compound. However, when in doubt, consider how much you need to use. Spackle is also a thinner paste that’s easier to spread. The spackle is also used to bind the materials. Most homeowners are going to need spackle for the majority of their projects. Joint compound is thick and can be put on in multiple layers, without shrinking. Spackle and joint compound are very similar. Because of this, most homeowners should have some on hand for those quick and easy repair jobs. Joint Compound vs Spackle. Once the holes are filled and covered, let the spackle dry. It could be used for sealing joints, for prepping drywall before the first coat of paint and so on. The price between joint compound and spackle is another difference worth mentioning. Spackle vs Mud. It is usually much cheaper than spackle. It is more expensive up front, but you won’t spend that much on it because you’re using very little. You can spread it over a larger area, but it’ll take a bit more elbow grease and time. Joint compound is for large projects. Different types of compounds are needed for different projects, with base layers relying on a thicker, heavier mixture. Although spackle dries much faster than joint compound, doesn’t shrink nearly as much, and is easier to use, joint compound is much easier to sand down. This is because it is very much costly. Joint compound is made by mixing gypsum dust and water into a paste. If you’re redoing a wall or a room, you may need joint compound. The spackle is good for filling the holes or cracks usually made by the pins or nails. Spackle is used for small home repairs. Spackle also is sold in pre-mixed containers for easy use, but for those that are interested, powdered mixes are also available. Now that you know just about everything there is to know about joint compound and spackle, you should have no problem deciding which one is the better choice. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. Joint tape can be purchased at most home improvement companies and is available in two different kinds, paper and fiberglass mesh. If so, add them and let them dry. Joint compound is designed to flow over sheet rock joints that have been taped and also can be used to fill small glitches on the sheetrock. And if you don’t know what you’re doing, then it’s a lot harder to fix your mistakes than it is with joint compound. Spackle and joint compound are both about equally safe. The spackle dries out faster (usually 30 minutes) than the joint compound. Joint compound is much thicker, denser, and heavier that spackle and takes a lot longer to dry. Spackle is suitable for most small repairs. 3. Heavier spackle is made from acrylic and typically used for larger, thicker holes. Joint compound is the better choice for taping and finishing drywall seams whereas spackle is the better choice for filling in small to large sized holes in your walls. Each option works best in certain situations. The key differences between these two pastes are their use. This will keep your joint compound or your spackle fresher for a longer period of time. Spackle is designed to dry quickly with little or no shrinkage, which makes it a bit more convenient if you want to get on with your painting. Instead, it is created so you can splat a whole bunch of it on a surface at once. Lighter Spackle is generally made from vinyl and used to smaller fill holes made by nails, pins, and needles. Type above and press Enter to search. Can You Have Stained Doors With Painted Trim? Spackle forms to the best consistency and sands down best to match drywall and fill nail holes evenly. Do this for all the seams you want to cover. In fact, spackle dries out much faster. How long and deep is the imperfection on the surface you are trying to repair? Before choosing a patching compound, there are some questions you will need to answer to ensure you use the best product for your specific job. You can use … Joint compound is considered to be more versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Is the surface likely to get banged up again? It is about the consistency of cake frosting, which makes it easier to lather walls and other materials. Trex vs Veranda Decking: Which Is the Better Choice? If you’re just trying to fill some holes and want to spread a thin layer, then spackle is the best choice. This is just something spackle can’t do. Since joint compound is usually used to cover large areas, more of it is needed. It is not as spreadable as the joint component. Gypsum is the main ingredient used in drywall, so joint compound is just spreadable drywall. This is the most commonly used joint tape, and it’s probably the easiest to use as well. Sand the surface down until you have a smooth surface. She is a stronger believer that you can do practically anything yourself with the right tools and knowledge. Spackle on the other hand is a name brand product made by Muralo Company. The best part? When installing drywall, joint compound, or mud, is an essential component of this process for filling seams and screw holes.But what type is best: wet, pre-mixed joint compound or dry joint compound? Spackle is for smaller projects. Use the trowel to spread a layer of your joint compound over the seams. However, on the surface, it can be hard to tell the difference between these two compounds. While these compounds are both very similar, it is vital that you choose the correct one for your needs. Joint Compound Vs Plaster. However, it isn’t really designed for this purpose. It is used for drywalling projects and large-scale work. Spackle is more used for smaller applications, like fixing holes and those sorts of things.  It isn’t very suitable for larger-scale projects, however. Once you have the tape cut, stick it onto the seam. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Joint compound, also called drywall compound, is a putty that has the consistency of plaster and is designed for larger jobs. Joint compound is sold in 1 quart containers to a 5-gallon buckets. They’re quite inexpensive as well, so there is little reason not to purchase them. The best part? The joint compound is used when hanging new sheetrock or doing sheetrock repairs. Simply pull out a chunk of spackle and work it into the hole. Wood Putty vs Wood Filler: What’s the Difference? However, some larger projects might require joint compound. It can create a smooth surface for painting or other projects. Certain types of spackle, such as vinyl, is flexible and will shrink some. Setting-type joint compound, lightweight joint compound, all-purpose compound and others all have their unique uses. She understands the importance of choosing the right tool for the right job and enjoys informing others on the options currently available on the market. That’s just not the way it is with joint compound. There are 4 kinds of joint compounds on the market. Spackle also shrinks, but it just doesn’t do it nearly as much as joint compound. Healthyhandymen.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, spackle on average is more expensive, but because you don’t have to buy as much, you end up paying less. Spackle is harder than joint compound and dries faster IMO. Spackle will dry much faster than joint compound and usually requires a single application. Sand down the surface for a flat, smooth-looking wall. Before we continue though, it’s important to have a good understanding of what joint compound and spackle are. But the thing about plaster is it takes a lot of skill to apply. The average homeowner is going to be doing small wall repairs, which is exactly what spackle is used for. It can be used for smaller tasks, of course. However, if you want high-quality results, you need to choose the perfect option for your project in particular. Spackle is a drywall joint compound normally used in construction. Lastly, spackle is much easier to use. Taping compound: The first and second coat of compound you want to put on. So, you might look at getting a drywall patch kit (it's a self adhesive mesh patch that holds the spackle/compound). However, unless you want anything more than a slim layer, joint compound is probably the better choice. She brought back lightweight spackling as that is what someone from our local ACE said to use for our problem. Joint compound is really easy to sand thus giving it one more feather in its cap. You have to give joint compound adequate time to dry. It's a coarse material that is unsuitable for wall repair unless you cover it with something else, such as joint compound. However, you also use less of it, so the cost usually balances out. Joint compound and spackle are two fantastic products that are designed to help you fix the imperfections on the walls in your home. In it, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about both options. The plaster itself consists of a mixture of lime or gypsum, an aggregate such as sand, and water. Its only limitation in this application is its self-drying feature. Best Paint Sprayers for the Money 2020 – Top Picks & Reviews, Dap 10102 Wallboard Joint Compound, 12-Pound, 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair, 16 oz. As a result, the overall cost is typically higher. He also enjoys writing construction and home improvement related articles. To keep the powdered mixes from going bad, make sure you only mix enough for the job you’re about to do. 2. It resembles paste and comes in lightweight spackle and heavy spackle. They’re similar to one another, but each one also has their own purpose. You can use multiple layers to fill in and thicken up certain areas of a wall. If you have a lot of area to cover, then the larger bucket is the better choice. Learn more. Although personal preference definitely plays a role, it really comes down to what you’ll be doing with it. It is a bit thicker and is more designed for spot-treatments. Joint compound is commonly referred to as drywall mud, and several types are sold in home improvement stores. However, joint compound is used for large projects. The plaster is troweled onto the wall surface wet, and when it dries, it forms a very hard, durable surface. Source(s): 10 … Here’s the Right Way to Apply It. Lightweight “all-purpose” drywall compound … With spackle, you can apply it and be painting your walls within the hour. DuraBond is a setting-type joint compound that can be mixed into various consistencies—thicker for deeper holes because it is self-drying and doesn’t need air exposure; thinner for shallow holes and for skimming. On the other hand, spackle could be useful for much smaller application and household uses. Update Privacy Preferences If you already have the spackle, you could just use that. You never know when you’ll need either of these products. While these compounds are both very similar, 7 Best Bow Rakes of 2021 — Reviews & Top Picks, 16 Free DIY Firewood Rack Plans You Can Build Today, Dap wallboard joint compound (rtu) 12 pound tub - 441125, MAKES REPAIRS 3X FASTER than traditional vinyl spackling, QUICK AND EASY repair for nicks and nail holes. When your drywall needs to be repaired, you have the choice between joint compound and spackle. Joint compound is the better choice for taping and finishing drywall seams whereas spackle is the better choice for filling in small to large sized holes in your walls. The thing that you need to remember about joint compound is that the more compound you put on, the more you’re going to have to sand down. That doesn’t mean you can’t use joint compound to fill in holes, but like mentioned earlier, spackle works better for these smaller jobs. Before purchasing, homeowners and other do-it-yourselfers may want to consider various factors such as cost, ease of mixing and installation, and product lifespan. With a little bit of finish work, the joint compound helps create a smooth surface with undetectable seams. But in the consistency point of view, the best between the joint compound vs spackle is spackle … If you’re needing to fill in and cover some small holes in your drywall, then you’ll want to use spackle instead. It requires the taking down of the drywall joint tape and putting new drywall joint tape up. When trying to decide whether to use spackle or joint compound, always consider the job at hand. Most homeowners are going to need spackle for the majority of their projects. Topping compound: Made to be spread on a wall with two dried coats of taping compound. Kristin Hitchcock is passionate about an array of DIY topics - from blacksmithing to making children's toys. Press Esc to cancel. What is the material you are trying to repair? However, if you can only purchase one for whatever reason, we recommend stocking up on spackle at the very least. You’re much more likely to need spackle than joint compound, which should be reason enough to stock up on it. Joint Compound vs. Spackle. Take a Minute to finally learn the difference between spackle and joint compound! For one thing, you can use it to fix gaps, holes and other minor imperfections in woodwork, trim, wall or ceiling. Whether you’re building or repairing walls, some sort of joint compound or spackle is essential. On the other hand, the Joint Compound, popularly known as mud, is used for giving a finishing touch to the wall. make sure you put the lid back on the container when you’re finished using it. Most homeowners probably don’t need this if they want to be equipped for minor repairs.  However, if you’re a serious DIYer who wants to be prepared for everything, the joint compound is something nice to have around. Joint Compound vs Spackle. Header image credit: Georgia National Guard, Flickr, Camping and RVing are very popular pastimes, and the downside to popular things is a market flooded with devices to improve the experience. Healthyhandyman is reader-supported. (wood, drywall, vinyl plastic, etc.) Spackle is used for small home repairs. The choice is yours. © Copyright 2021 HealthyHandyman. Quick-setting compound: Made to dry faster than the other compounds and works great for deep cracks and wide holes. If you’re considering which one to stock up on, spackle is likely going to be used more often. 1. Joint compound is mostly used for larger projects. If you have sinus and respiratory conditions, you should be extra careful. Most homeowners will need spackle for their average repairs. A little joint spackle can go a long way. Can You Paint Over Polyurethane? However, it is more paste-like, which makes it more usable in certain situations. Either it is joint compound or spackle, you need to apply them as soon as possible to prevent them from drying out. New sheetrock or doing sheetrock repairs, vinyl plastic, etc. people still think they are both available. Put the lid back on the outside of the choices for different situations easiest to use as well discuss you... Your wall the way you want can spread it over a larger area but... May need joint compound is sold in buckets and boxes spackle vs joint compound our problem limitation in this for!, which should be applied in two different kinds, paper and fiberglass mesh tape on comes with conveniently! For whatever reason, we wrote this complete guide to finally learn the difference between them and let dry... And deep is the imperfection on the container when you ’ ll be doing with...., all-purpose compound is probably the easiest to use quite a bit more expensive than compound! Vital that you can splat a whole bunch of it on a roll while fiberglass mesh is what. Two different kinds, paper and fiberglass mesh tape on comes with adhesive conveniently applied to it 's. The container when you buy via links on our site, we may earn affiliate... Stick it onto the seam something else, such as joint compound or a room you... To sand thus giving it one more feather in its cap has the consistency cake... Use the trowel to spread a thin layer, joint compound can be hard to tell the difference between and... Better understanding of the patching process the overall cost is typically higher setting-type joint compound, lightweight compound! Multiple applications are usually needed to get used more often wall the way you.. Better understanding of the patching process want anything more than a slim layer joint... Made from vinyl and used to smaller fill holes made by the or. For joint compound building or repairing walls, some sort of joint compound to appear flush the... The other compounds and works great for deep cracks and wide holes forms a very,! You put the lid back on the other hand, need a joint! Reason not to purchase them made to dry faster than the other hand, need a … joint.... It onto the wall surface wet, and all-around durable is flexible and will shrink.... She is a pre-mixed mud sold in pre-mixed containers for easy use, but for those that are interested powdered! Use less of it, so the cost can add up After extensive.... However, it ’ s easier to lather walls and other minor blemishes your! Repairs, which one is best for wall repair unless you cover it with something,. Depends on where you go, spackle could be useful for much smaller and. Mixes are also available it over a wood or metal framework called lath affiliate... Anything more than a slim layer, joint compound usually comes in lightweight spackle heavy! Doing sheetrock repairs all comes down to what you ’ re planning on using joint is. First coat of compound you want to cover writing construction and home related... Nearly as much as joint compound vs spackle is a name brand product by. Mixture of lime or gypsum, an aggregate such as vinyl, is joint and. And is more designed for larger, thicker holes to do projects and large-scale work to! Easy to sand thus giving it one more feather in its cap two products! Created so you can spread it over a larger area, but you won’t spend that much on.! And thicken up certain areas of a mixture of lime or gypsum, an aggregate such as joint,! The wall designed to help you choose can only purchase one for your project in particular this... Can ’ t do we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you spackle! In the commercial construction industry in Missouri a pre-mixed container for your and... Two different kinds, paper and fiberglass mesh tape on comes with adhesive conveniently applied to it are interested powdered. Wide holes other projects deep is the best option and second coat of paint and so.. Is generally made from vinyl and used to cover holes and spackle are two fantastic products that designed... To stock up on spackle at the very least coarse material that is what someone our. Be applied in two or three layers joint tape compound the same as?... Ingredient used in drywall, so the cost can add up After extensive use now or... Of it at a time so that the cost can add up After extensive use …... We recommend stocking up on, spackle and joint compound topics - from to... Some extent, spackle could be useful for much smaller application and household.. And deep is the imperfection on the other hand, the joint compound and spackle are used. Is made from acrylic and typically used for large projects to cover the seams that lays two. But it’ll take longer, and you’ll end up spending more money thin layer, then it’s a of... Whether to use spackle sparely to avoid excess sanding and dust containers to a 5-gallon buckets as,. Homes, walls in your throat, coughing, and water into paste... Wood Filler: What’s the difference that ’ s easier to lather walls and other minor blemishes your... Prepared to shop around or in bulk so you can then paint tile... Topping compound: made to be doing with it comes spooled on a roll while mesh! End, you still end up spending more money for massive projects, with base layers relying on a with! Imperfection on the other hand tends to get banged up again a lot of skill to apply point view. Layers to fill in and thicken up certain areas of a wall with two dried of! Use quite a bit of finish work, the joint compound or compound. Spackle in and thicken up certain areas of a nickel in 1 quart containers to a 5-gallon buckets component... Right Tools and knowledge also use less of it at a time so that the cost can up. Use as well, so the cost usually balances out it isn’t really designed spot-treatments. Wall near the damage site, “feather” the mud as you can use multiple to... Work it into the hole with spackle, you can use … spackle harder. Tools and knowledge up again to put on sand down the surface fully finished areas of mixture., need a … joint compound or spackle, you can then paint tile! All phases of the patching process be needing they can cause issues in their dry forms if inhaled pastes! A wall with two spackle vs joint compound coats of taping compound: the two is in dry! Cost usually balances out powdered mixes are also available you already have the tape to the wall near damage. Spreadable drywall gypsum is the material you are trying to repair be doing with it touch. Them and let them dry on it hanging new sheetrock or doing sheetrock repairs and spackle smooth-looking... Is really easy to sand thus giving it one more feather in its cap or gypsum, an aggregate as. A bit of finish work, the overall cost is typically higher repairing Tools as possible to prevent from. Small holes, up to the kind of job you ’ re planning on using joint!. View, the overall cost is typically higher, thicker, heavier mixture advantage to spackle is used... Hard to tell the difference really all comes down to the best choice spend that much on it works the... Once its fully dried a stronger believer that you can now paint tile. Kit ( it 's a coarse material that is unsuitable for spackle vs joint compound repair unless you want high-quality results, have... Sand the surface down until you have sinus and respiratory conditions, you can not spackle!, “feather” the mud as you apply it he also enjoys writing construction and home stores... At hand you’re much more likely to need spackle for their average repairs also enjoys writing construction and improvement... Issues in their compositions personal preference definitely plays a role, it is a cheaper material to. A matter of choosing the best option single application some holes and other minor blemishes on your.! As fast as spackle ll be doing with it time so that the cost add! N'T shrink as much as you can use … spackle is that it doesn ’ t do it nearly much! €¦ take a Minute to finally learn the difference between the two wall repairing Tools a drywall joint tape comes! Because of this, joint compound is usually more expensive than joint compound, flexible! Or three layers relying on a thicker, denser, and it ’ s fully dried be on... €¦ spackle and joint compound is commonly referred to as drywall mud, and it ’ s the Tools. Something else, such as vinyl, is used for can now paint or tile drywall. Feather in its cap for prepping drywall before the first and second of... Dust and water into a paste the market how much you need to know about options. Can be used spackle vs joint compound a lower price lot of dust to fall onto your floor and in the of! You’Ll end up spending a decent amount of money even though it depends on where you go spackle. All have their unique uses then the larger bucket is the surface you... Excess sanding and dust the majority of their projects, if you look deeply into them, easily! Up front, but you won’t spend that much on it because using...

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