spackling compound vs joint compound

Know what to look for when determining if the drywall in your home is safe or a hidden toxin. Spackle dries more quickly with less shrinkage than joint compoundand that fast dry time (usually about 30 minutes) means. However, it's not an apples-to-apples comparison. Standard: Standard spackling compounds use gypsum in their formula, which is the same material used in drywall. Paper joint tape paper comes spooled on a roll while fiberglass mesh tape on comes with adhesive conveniently applied to it. This is just something spackle cant do. The best part? However, joint compound is used for large projects. If youre planning on using joint compound, youre going to need joint tape. However, joint compounds have a longer drying time. Local drywall pros use joint compound during the initial installation process after affixing the large sheets of drywall board and taping the seams between each board. Spackle is made for small repair jobs. It can be used to fill gaps, cracks, and holes in the . Believe it or not, spackle is the more expensive option when it comes to a pound-by-pound basis. There are some spackle-specific cons worth considering before starting your repair project. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Joint compound- takes about 24 hours to dry! When using joint compound at the initial phase of drywall installation, youll have to apply joint tape, lay down multiple coats, and sand it down to ensure an even layer. This, in turn, becomes one of the bigger differences between joint compound and spackle abroad. Spackle, on the other hand, is meant to fill in holes in walls made from plaster and drywall. (Actually, youll need multiple types!) Joint compound (also known as drywall mud or simply mud) is comprised mainly of gypsum dust and can be bought in pre-mixed tubs, like spackle. Stir gently, and you should be able to use it again. Be aware that there are different types of spackle and joint compounds, depending on what specific needs your repair job demands: If youre thinking about using joint compound vs. spackle, you might be wondering where plasterfits into the mix. Joint compound shrinks so much that many pros apply multiple layers to get the surface fully finished. Its easier to apply and sand down but creates a lot of dust, so wear protective gear. Apply mesh tape or a patch to the prepped surface, covering the hole completely. Both joint compound and spackle are used for wall repair and construction. If you have a large repair job and would typically use a joint compound, spackle will not work. It also shrinks and cracks, but less so than a joint compound. Here are some ways in which these two drywall tools differ. Spackle dries more quickly with less shrinkage than joint compoundand that fast dry time (usually about 30 minutes) means you can sand and paint over the filled flaws almost right away. Which do I think is the best, Dry . Joint compound, also called drywall compound, is a putty that has the consistency of plaster and is designed for larger jobs. Spackle is mostly for petite holes and smoothing over tiny bumps. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Wood putty is meant to fill holes in wood and help even out wood surfaces. Joint compound is available in powder or premixed form. Use spackle instead of joint compound, on small holes. If we link to any product, you should assume that well receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Joint compound and spackle are two fantastic products that are designed to help you fix the imperfections on the walls in your home. Although personal preference definitely plays a role, it really comes down to what youll be doing with it. It usually comes in a white paste primarily made of limestone and water. A premixed joint compound is convenient because it does not require mixing with water. Use a joint compound in place of spackle in a pinch. If youre mixing up your own DIY spackle or joint compound with water and a powder mix, only make as much needed for the job at hand. Also, wet formulas are sensitive to extreme weather, as both cold and heat dry them out, rendering them unusable. spackle is almost more like clay, it'll dry and shrink. Then, a trowel helps to apply and smooth the joint compound over the joint tape. A significant difference between spackle vs joint compound is their intended purpose. Today we are going to chat about what to use to fix a hole in the wall. The same is not said, however, regarding spackle. . There are different types of joint compounds, but most people choose an all-purpose compound because they can use it in all construction phases. Spackle is a little more difficult to reuse, simply because you might not have enough to make it worth reusing. Spackle does not fare well in areas that are prone to high humidity, such as a bathroom where people regularly take hot showers. For holes in drywall or plaster that are smaller than a half-inch, opt for a premixed spackle and follow these steps: A similar technique applies for medium-sized holes or cracks in drywall or plaster measuring several inches, but opt for joint compound and reinforcing mesha backing material typically made of aluminum that, once adhered to damaged drywall or plaster, gives the joint compound something to bind to. To make sure that your patches stay in place, its better to stick to joint compound for rooms prone to humidity. This works because it holds up well in small spaces. In other words, if you have some leftover after an install and need to repair a hole, you can use the joint compound instead of buying some spackle. Use joint tape when working with joint compound to hang drywall or repair large areas. How Much Does It Cost to have Someone Finish Drywall? So, is joint compound the same as spackle? Subscribe to Ask Any Difference! And when two products have some overlap in their intended purposeas spackle and joint compound dothe choice can get even trickier. Joint compound does take a while to dry, up to 24 hours in some cases. Even under optimal temperature and humidity conditions- drywall mud may still take as long as 12-hours to fully cure. Well, after applying a compound, youll want to paint, sand, apply sealant, or otherwise finish the wall. In other parts of the world, Polyfilla/spackle isnt actually made out of gypsum. Which is best for . Is Spackling Compound the Same as Joint Compound? Spackle is also a thinner paste thats easier to spread. It only averages $8 a quart, but you use a lot. Spackle and joint compound are generally employed interchangeably, and they show comparable functionsand they're indeed regularly used simultaneously on drywall projects. However, it is thinner than joint compound and is generally seen as easier to use. It's 25% lighter than the green lid drywall and works for all drywall joint finishing steps. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Filling in a nail hole or repairing a series of imperfections is an easy DIY, especially when you follow these tips. Showerhead clogs can be caused by deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals in hard water, especially well water. The best thing you can do, whether youre using spackle or joint compound, is to make sure you put the lid back on the container when youre finished using it. . Both can dry out quickly in the air so only mix up what you are using at that moment; Shrink when they dry Got a tub of joint compound left over from a previous renovation? It's just not thick enough, even if you do multiple passes with it. However, if youre trying to cover a large area, thicken up a wall, or you want a surface thatll be easy to sand, then joint compound is the better pick. Never use joint compound without priming it afterward. For embedding the tape and the subsequent layers, buy lightweight, all-purpose joint compound in the familiar (and ever-so-useful) 5-gallon bucket. It's used to fill small dings and dents, like nail holes, in walls. Need professional help with your project. Both names refer to the exact same thing. You can use joint compound instead of spackle. Here are the major advantages of reaching for a spackle tub for your next drywall repair project. Katelin Hill, Bob Vila, patch it with a piece of drywall, some joint compound and a reinforcing scrap of lumber, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, Cool Tools: The All-in-1 Fix for Just About Any Hole in the Wall, Know Your Moldings: 10 Popular Trim Styles to Spiff Up Any Space. It has a similar consistency to cake frosting or mud. Home Homeowners Improvements Spackle vs. Joint Compound | The Big Differences. Lastly, spackle is much easier to use. Just confirm that on product directions. Yes and no. Most people just spackle a hole flush and call it a day. Take note that while joint compound is most commonly used on drywall, spackle can be used on both drywall, plaster walls, and even wood. However, when you go to the store, you wont pay as much for spackle because you probably wont need as much. Cant You Just Substitute Joint Compound for Spackle? If you need joint compound, you need a level of density that spackle doesnt have. Topping compound: Boasts the perfect thickness for spreading on a wall after using a taping compound. This will keep your joint compound or your spackle fresher for a longer period of time. 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. Then cover the seam or hole with joint tape and apply joint compound to the wall. Spackle contains an actual resin that increases adhesion, limits shrinkage (to a degree), and makes it more moisture resistant than joint compound. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The short answer is that you cant use it in place of joint compound, but you can use it in place of spackle in small projects. When you look at Spackle vs. joint compound, they both have their uses, and neither is better than the other when used where they are supposed to be used. Eggshell Paint vs Semi-Gloss Paint: How Do You Choose? It also is technically a trademark name that is supplied by the company that created it, Muralo. If you have a very large drywall hole, you may need to patch it with a piece of drywall, some joint compound and a reinforcing scrap of lumber. Theyre both primarily made of gypsum powder. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. LoginAsk is here to help you access Wallboard Joint Compound Vs Spackle quickly and handle each specific case you encounter. Neither product is particularly expensive, though, so its a wash here. Know that you can use spackle and joint compound for some of the same jobs, but these are two different compounds with different uses and behaviors. But once dry, it doesnt sand as easily as a joint compound. Always wear a proper dust mask or respirator and goggles when sanding these compounds. However, when faced with the decision of having to pick between the two, which one should you choose? To a point, you wouldnt be wrong. Since spackle is used sparely, its usually sold in smaller containers for a lower price. It really all comes down to the kind of job youre needing to accomplish. There is no way around it. With that said, some spackle is now being rated as waterproof. This is the most commonly used joint tape, and its probably the easiest to use as well. If you have joint compound thats left in the container but dried out, you can rewet it by adding water to the mix. It will crumble if used in larger spaces than recommended. Spackle also shrinks, but it just doesnt do it nearly as much as joint compound. It dries too quickly, significantly reducing your working time. It is also available in a variety of colors to match the color of the drywall. Angle the knife about 45 degrees and run it in downward motions until the hole is filled. 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. This all depends on what youre trying to do. Speaking of the next steps, spackle reacts well to the sanding process and paint. However, you cannot use spackle instead of joint compound. . If youre needing to fill in and cover some small holes in your drywall, then youll want to use spackle instead. When directly comparing joint compound to spackle, youll find some stark differences. There are different types of joint compounds, but most people choose an all-purpose compound because they can use it in all construction phases. That said, if you're not careful, spackling can also flake off and break apart if you don't apply it properly or if you try to sand too soon. The similarities end there, however, as they have various formulations that affect factors like dry time, shrinkage, and project scope. Check out how these products compare so you can make the best choice when it comes to your home repair projects. Plan on multiple coats when repairing holes or cracks, just in case the compound shrinks so much that it creates a tear or simply reopens the hole or crack. Now, that doesnt mean you cant fill holes with a quality joint compound, but joint compound typically dries much slower than spackle. Generally speaking, dry formulas last a bit longer than wet formulas, making joint compound, which is not premixed, last several months longer than premixed spackle. When placing slabs of drywall next to each other, youll need to join the seams. Joint compound takes a long time to dry, often 24 hours or longer. Cost Joint compound - over $8 a quart Spackle - over $14 for a quart It may look like joint compound is cheaper, however, it is not. Spackle will not hold up when it comes to sanding. Sand down the surface for a flat, smooth-looking wall. Joint compound and spackle contain materials such as silica and gypsum, whichare harmfulwhen entered into the human body. Let it dry for 30 minutes before sanding smooth. When your drywall needs to be repaired, you have the choice between joint compound and spackle. After some drying time, you sand everything smooth. If you go to the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, or other parts of Europe, things change. If youre putting up drywall, you will most likely need to get joint compound. The choice is yours. If you have extra joint compound, you probably can use it in place of spackle. The mesh helps ensure that the repair wont dry and crumble over time. When making minor repairs to plaster or sheetrock, spackle is the way to go. Joint compound reacts well to multiple layers, so pros and enthusiasts alike use it to fill out and thicken portions of a wall whenever necessary. Its also good to know that joint compound gets called filler compound in many parts of Canada and New Zealand. Then, a trowel helps to apply and smooth the joint compound over the joint tape. It's one of those things that you know aren't the same product but aren't r. Both may be used to repair drywall (seam repair, hole-patching, skim coating, etc. Use a joint compound in place of spackle in a pinch. A drywall hole that has been filled with spackle will not support a screw. Caulk and spackle are not interchangeable, nor are they even made for similar purposes. However, unless you want anything more than a slim layer, joint compound is probably the better choice. There are four main types of joint compound, each with its own unique purpose: Nope! Typically, you use joint compound when youre hanging drywall. Most homeowners are going to need spackle for the majority of their projects. But they can also include things such as perlite, talc, and silica that help it lay smooth. Spackle compound takes just thirty minutes to completely dry onto the wall. A drywall hole that has been filled with spackle will not support a screw. Spackle, made of gypsum powder and binders, has a gooey paste-like consistency and is sold pre-mixed in tubs. So, how are joint compounds and spackles the same and how are they different? But what makes them different also impacts their use. If you are green to the world of home improvement, you might have heard about joint compound for the first time. You can use joint compound instead of spackle. When comparing them, joint compound is lighter and harder to apply while spackle is thicker and easier to apply. Joint tape, a paper or plastic mesh roll of tape used in drywall construction, is put over the seams. Spackle is great for fixing small nail holes and the like, but not for repairing large gaps in drywall. Spackle is easy to use, while joint compound can be challenging to smooth out. Putting caulk on a wall hole will make it very difficult for paint to cling to the wall properly and will also potentially damage your overall texture. But, isnt that what joint compound does, too? In addition to this, joint compound is also more dense, thicker, and all-around durable. In fact, spackle dries out much faster. While you can be a little rougher with joint compound as it is usually applied over large areas, spackling is usually thicker in texture. Then paint, and you have a completed wall. Its used to fill small dings and dents, like nail holes, in walls. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. This will allow you to cover the seams. SPACKLE is best used for small applications and repairs, like nail holes, tiny dents, gouges and divots. If you have to choose one of these two tools, its best to err on the safe side and pick drywall mud. Because it has a binding agent mixed in with the gypsum powder, it is more elastic and less likely to crack or shrink when dried. Both products are putties used in wall repair and drywall installation. Cut the tape to the exact length youll be needing. I always use joint compound if I can help it, but that stuff dries rock hard and must be sanded flat and painted. Were going to go through each aspect of their use, their purpose, and what you should expect from each. A major difference between spackle and joint compound is the latters frosting-like consistency, whereas spackle is thicker. https://www.youtube.com. Joint compound is sold in 1 quart containers to a 5-gallon buckets. Before we continue though, its important to have a good understanding of what joint compound and spackle are. Joint compound will take care of both large and small repairs in drywall, but you usually have to wait to let it dry overnight before sanding. Spackle is not durable enough to fill a screw hole for reuse. Joint compound is extremely durable and suitable for drywall installations. Heavyweight joint compound is used for the base layers because it is a denser material. Spackle is used in a small area compared to a large area for joint compound, thus costing more. First, youll typically have to mix it up in the container, though some brands offer joint compound as a premixed formulation. Can you use spackle to fill in the grooves of wall panel and put a drywall mud on top to get a smooth finish?? Both types of spackle are elastic, minimizing shrinkage. It's a versatile product that doesn't shrink as much as other options. Heavier spackle is made from acrylic and typically used for larger, thicker holes. It takes some skill hide the seams, but when it's applied correctly joint compound creates a smooth, unblemished surface. Even though joint compound usually comes in larger and more expensive qualities, it doesnt dry out as fast as spackle. Spackle does smooth out better while wet. Spackle only takes about half an hour to fully dry, whereas joint compound can take several hours. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=109961. This handy, dandy gypsum-based compound is the go-to choice for repairing small cracks, nail holes, or gouges in drywall. As a result, most purchases that are done for joint compound tend to carry a higher price tag. Joint compound is the best choice when it comes to fixing large holes and cracks in addition to covering the seams between two pieces of drywall. Similarities of Joint Compound vs. Spackle. Joint compound is the go-to substance for finishing up an initial drywall installation, but it also works for smaller repair jobs in a pinch. When would you use one product instead of the other? This makes it a thicker, hardier product thats best suited for filling in screw holes or joints. Even drywall joint compound, which is a gypsum product, can serve as spackling compound, as can some . Since joint compound is usually used to cover large areas, more of it is needed. Here are some of the major pros to using joint compound for your next wall building or repair project. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. It sets up quickly and is harder to sand, so it's not the . Spackle is used for small home repairs. Smooth the surface with sandpaper when completely dry, and wipe away any remaining dust. As long as you know how each product works, you have everything that you need to make knowledgeable choices for a smooth project. Joint compound is designed to fill in gaps between drywall panels. Joint compound does take a while to dry, up to 24 hours in some cases. The reason why deals with the durability of the joint compound. It also allows you to spread a thinner coat that can be more easily sanded when the project is finished. The end result after using joint compound (left) versus spackling (right). As a result, the overall cost is typically higher. Spackle dries faster than joint compound. This stuff can be used in almost any situation that spackle can, and then some. 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