If you have a project involving drywall then spackle and joint compound are necessary materials to have around. But many people, like myself, did not know the difference between the two when I first started doing home projects. So what makes them different and what are they both used for?
Spackle is a lighter weight material used for small cracks or holes in drywall, while joint compound is a heavier material that fills joints between sheets of drywall and covers screws and nails.
When to use spackle vs joint compound
If you are confused about whether you should use spackle or joint compound, it will depend on the type of job that you are doing. It’s important to know that you can use joint compound instead of spackle, but not spackle instead of joint compound.
Spackle – In a case where you just need to patch or fill in a hole, you should use spackle. It dries quickly, does not shrink, and can be easily sanded smooth. Spackle is also very easy to work with, so even someone who is new to home DIY projects and repair can use it.
Joint Compound – When you are taping or finishing drywall, you will need joint compound for the job. Typically you would be using joint compound during a construction project and not small fixes or patches.
Key Differences between Spackle and Joint Compound
Spackle and joint compound are both materials used for drywall repair and finishing. However, there are several key differences between them.
- Dry Time
- Spackle is lighter weight and therefore dries quickly, typically within 30 minutes, and can be painted over once it has dried.
- Joint compound, being a heavier material takes longer to dry, usually around 24 hours.
- Composition
- Spackle is usually made from a mixture of gypsum powder and glue
- Joint compound is made from gypsum powder, water, and other additives. This makes joint compound easier to work with and more flexible. It also allows it to be used for a wider range of tasks.
- Consistency
- Spackle is a light weight, thinner material, while joint compound is a heavier, thicker material.
- Finish
- Spackle can be quickly sanded for a smooth finish making it a good option for small repairs that need a smooth finish
- Joint compound typically requires multiple coats and sanding between each coat to achieve a smooth finish.
- Types
- Joint compound has different types available, including all-purpose, quick-setting, taping, premixed and topping compound, while spackle is usually just one type.
There are several types of joint compound, including:
- Quick-Setting Joint Compound: This type of joint compound dries faster than standard joint compound, typically within 3-5 hours. It is suitable for smaller repairs and touch-ups, but may not provide as strong or durable a bond as standard joint compound.
- Taping Compound: When you have cracks and corners, you should use taping compound for the first couple layers as well as tape. It dries harder and is more durable, but doesn’t make a great top coat.
- All-Purpose Joint Compound: This type of joint compound can be used for both the initial taping and final finishing coats in a drywall project. It dries slowly, typically taking 24 hours or more, and provides a strong bond.
- Pre-Mixed Joint Compound: This type of joint compound is sold in a ready-to-use container and does not require mixing. It is convenient for small repairs and touch-ups, but may not provide as strong or durable a bond as other types of joint compound.
- Topping Compound: As the name suggests, topping compound is best used for the final layer after you have used taping compound to repair and fill cracks. It’s easy to use and very smooth, so it makes a very nice top layer for your project.
Types of spackling compound:
- Lightweight – a type of joint compound used for filling and smoothing small holes and imperfections in walls and ceilings. It is formulated from vinyl and is lighter and easier to spread than traditional joint compound, making it a good choice for quick repairs or for use on surfaces that cannot support the weight of heavy joint compounds.
- Epoxy – an oil-based spackle that would use to patch holes in wood material.
- Acrylic – a heavier type of spackle are made to fill in larger and thicker holes that may cover a larger surface area and, therefore, needs to be more durable.
- Standard – contains gypsum, the same material in drywall so it is great for more extensive damage and larger holes. Can be used on interior or exterior holes.
- Vinyl – this type needs to be applied in multiple layers and allowed to dry in between. This makes it ideal for deeper holes and can be used on interior or exterior holes.
For the average drywall repair, most cases will call for spackle. It’s easy to use and you don’t have to be a professional to quickly get the hang of it. Drywall on the other hand would be used in construction or rebuilding projects and would be a lot more involved, so unless you have a really large job on your hand, chances are, you just need some spackle for your job.