Deciding between joint compound vs. spackle for your drywall repair project can be confusing. Though they serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between these two popular drywall patching materials that determine which is the right choice for your specific application.
Let’s take an in-depth look at joint compound and spackle, when each should be used, and the pros and cons of both options. With the right information, you can confidently tackle drywall repairs using the best product for the job.
What is Joint Compound?
Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, is a pasty material used for sealing joints between drywall sheets and making repairs. It is available as a pre-mixed compound in buckets and boxes, or as a dry powder that requires mixing with water.
Joint compound contains a binder, filler, and various additives to provide strong adhesion and create a smooth finish. The binder is typically polyvinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, or methyl cellulose. Fillers usually include calcium carbonate, talc, mica, and clay. Other chemicals added help control setting time, improve workability, and prevent cracking as it dries.
Joint compound comes in different setting times:
- Quick-setting compound sets fully in about 20-30 minutes after mixing. It is convenient when smaller repairs must be done quickly.
- Standard joint compound takes around 24 hours to completely dry. This grade works well for most applications.
- Slow-setting compound requires 2-3 days of drying time. The extended working time makes it ideal for complicated drywall finishing jobs.
Pre-mixed joint compounds have a thicker consistency than powder types after mixing. They typically provide greater strength and crack resistance.
Joint compound adheres firmly to drywall once fully cured. It can be easily sanded smooth for seamless, paint-ready results. When applied correctly, joints and repairs with joint compound are invisible.
Benefits of Using Joint Compound
Joint compound offers several advantages that make it a versatile drywall repair material:
- Strong adhesion – It bonds tightly to drywall paper for durable results. Joint tape embedded in compound forms an exceptionally hard joint.
- Good workability – Joint compound has a smooth, creamy texture that is easy to spread and shape. It is pliable when wet for simple tooling and sanding.
- Paintable – Fully cured joint compound accepts most types of paints and primers with no issues. Joints and repairs can be finished to match surrounding walls.
- Low shrinkage – Joint compound experiences minimal shrinkage as it dries. This prevents cracks from forming while curing.
- Affordable – Buckets and boxes of pre-mixed joint compound are reasonably priced at home improvement stores. Powders offer an even cheaper alternative.
For major drywall repairs and finishing new gypsum panels, joint compound is generally the best choice. It provides greater strength for tougher jobs. The array of setting times allows matching a compound’s working qualities to the scope of your project.
What is Spackle?
Spackle is a versatile patching product used to fill minor flaws and holes in drywall. It is available pre-mixed in small tubs or jars. Some types come as a lightweight powder requiring the addition of water.
Spackle consists of binders, fillers, and other ingredients that produce a spreadable paste. Binders typically include vinyl acetate polymers, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, or acrylic. Fillers like calcium carbonate, clay, mica, and talc provide body and structure. Other additives in spackle help control drying time and prevent cracking.
Though spackle formulations vary between brands, they are generally optimized for usability and ease of application for small home repairs. Key traits include:
- Lightweight body – Spackle has a smooth, creamy consistency that is easy to work into holes and gaps. It spreads effortlessly without dragging.
- Excellent adhesion – Spackle bonds tenaciously to drywall paper and joint compound surfaces. It won’t shrink back or fall out of repairs.
- Fast drying – Most spackle compounds fully cure in just 20-30 minutes. Repairs can be completed quickly from start to finish.
- Easy sanding – Once dry, spackle sands to a smooth finish with very little effort. No advanced skill is required.
- Low shrinkage – Minimal shrinkage occurs as spackle dries for crack-free repairs. The filled area remains flush with the surrounding surface.
- Paintable – Spackle accepts paint and primer well after drying. Patched spots take on the same finished appearance as the rest of the wall.
With these qualities, spackle excels at concealing surface blemishes, small holes, nail pops, and other minor wall flaws. It is available at any hardware store or home improvement center for low cost.
Benefits of Spackle
The main benefits of using spackle for drywall repairs include:
- Convenient for small repairs – Tubs are sized right for filling holes, dents, and surface damage. Very little excess is wasted.
- Excellent finish – The creamy paste fills imperfections flush and sands smooth for an invisible repair.
- Fast application – Spackle spreads easily and sets fast, minimizing repair time. Projects are completed in less than an hour.
- Easy to use – Anyone can achieve professional results with spackle straight from the tub using basic tools. No skill needed.
- Minimal shrinkage – Small repairs show no cracking or sinking as spackle dries, unlike inferior fillers.
- Paintable – Properly prepared spackled areas accept paint just like surrounding drywall for a uniform appearance.
Spackle delivers reliable, long-lasting drywall repairs with minimal effort. For minor flaw and damage repair, it offers outstanding convenience and results.
Joint Compound vs. Spackle: Key Differences
Though joint compound and spackle work well together in drywall finishing, there are some notable differences:
Consistency – Joint compound is thicker than spackle. It can be applied in thicker coats without sagging.
Set time – Joint compound takes much longer to fully cure compared to fast-drying spackle.
Strength – The binders and fillers in joint compound result in greater strength and hardness than spackle when dry.
Purpose – Joint compound is primarily used for embedding joint tape and concealing seams. Spackle is used for filling smaller holes and imperfections.
Sandability – Both sand smoothly, but joint compound requires more effort than easy-sanding spackle.
Cost – Spackle typically costs more ounce for ounce than joint compound. However, small project needs offset this.
Clean up – Joint compound requires more effort to wash off hands and tools before it dries. Spackle cleans up more easily.
Understanding these key differences will ensure you choose the most appropriate product for specific drywall repair needs.
When to Use Joint Compound
Joint compound is well-suited for:
- Embedding joint tape – Filling the seams between drywall sheets with joint compound creates a hard bond when the tape is pressed in. This prevents cracks along joints.
- Smoothing seams – Multiple thin coats of joint compound applied over tape provide a smooth, continuous finish over drywall joints.
- Filling large holes and gaps – Joint compound can easily fill holes up to 6 inches wide in a single application. Deeper holes may require multiple coats.
- Repairing cracks – Long cracks wider than 1/16″ should be widened and filled with joint compound to prevent further cracking.
- Skim coating – Entire drywall surfaces can be “skimmed” with a thin layer of joint compound to conceal imperfections.
- Creating smooth curves – Joint compound can be carefully shaped while wet to build up curved drywall surfaces.
- Texturing – Joint compound applied by trowel, brush, or special tools adds decorative texture for unique styles.
Any drywall job involving large-scale repairs, extensive finishing, or sanding should take advantage of joint compound’s superior properties. It provides the strength and workability needed for more demanding projects.
Tips for Using Joint Compound
Follow these tips to get great results when using joint compound:
- Select a setting type that suits the project timeline and scope
- Mix powder types thoroughly to a smooth, lump-free consistency
- Apply in thin coats, building up layers gradually to prevent cracking
- Allow proper drying time between coats
- Wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling airborne dust when sanding
- Work in a well-ventilated area to allow moisture to evaporate while drying
- Clean tools and surfaces before compound dries using warm water
- Prime repaired areas before painting for proper paint adhesion
When to Use Spackle
Spackle works best for:
- Filling nail holes – Spackle easily fills the small holes left after removing nails from drywall. Just a few dabs completely covers each hole.
- Patching dents and dings – Minor dents caused by moving furniture or other impacts almost disappear when filled with spackle.
- Fixing surface damage – Spackle smoothes scratches, gouges, chips, and other small surface flaws in drywall.
- Concealing seams – For less critical joints, a thin coat of spackle can hide imperfections after taping.
- Smoothing corners – Spackle neatly patches inside corners, outside corners, and corner bead.
- Quick repairs – Thanks to fast drying, spackle allows completing minor repairs in just 20-30 minutes.
- Small cracks – Fine cracks up to 1/16” wide can be repaired by forcing spackle into the void and smoothing.
Anytime a small amount of patching is needed to fix minor cosmetic issues, reach for spackle. It’s the right solution for quick, simple, quality drywall repairs.
Tips for Using Spackle
Follow these tips when applying spackle:
- Choose lightweight spackle for easy application
- Work quickly to fill voids before spackle skins over
- Press into holes and cracks to displace any trapped air
- Smooth and flatten repairs before drying using a putty knife
- Allow full drying time before sanding (typically 20-30 minutes)
- Lightly sand spackled areas until flush with surrounding drywall
- Wipe away dust before priming and painting
- Clean tools immediately with water to prevent drying
Pros and Cons of Joint Compound vs. Spackle
| Joint Compound | Spackle |
|---|---|
| Pros | Pros |
| Very strong when fully cured | Convenient small container sizes |
| Excellent bond to drywall | Ultra fast-drying formulation |
| Good workability when wet | Minimal effort sanding |
| Applies smoothly in thin coats | Lightweight consistency spreads easily |
| Sands to a flush finish | Sticks without falling out of holes |
| Range of setting times available | No mixing required for pre-mixed |
| Inexpensive per pound | Low shrinkage as it dries |
| Cons | Cons |
| Slow drying times | Not as strong as joint compound |
| Heavier consistency requires skill | Can show some minor cracking over time |
| More challenging sanding | Only comes in small pre-mixed containers |
| Pre-mixed tubs have limited shelf life | Higher cost per ounce than joint compound |
| Requires careful mixing technique with powders | Limited to small repair scopes |
Combining Joint Compound and Spackle for Best Results
While joint compound and spackle serve different repair purposes, they actually work very well together. Here are some ways to combine them on drywall projects:
- Embedding tape – Use joint compound to set paper drywall tape along seams and corners. This bonds joints solidly.
- Fill layers – Apply multiple thin coats of joint compound over tape to build up seams, tapering the final coat.
- Final skim coat – Fill any imperfections with a thin final skim coat of spackle for flawless results.
- Patch holes/dents – Fill larger holes and dents with joint compound, then cover with spackle to smooth.
- Fill cracks – Force spackle into fine cracks, then use joint compound for heavier crack repairs.
- Touch up repairs – Use spackle to patch any flaws in joint compound repairs for a seamless finish.
Joint compound provides strength while spackle lends finesse. Used together, they efficiently tackle repairs of any size and deliver perfectly smooth, paint-ready drywall finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Compound vs. Spackle
Is joint compound better than spackle?
Joint compound is better for large drywall repairs that require strength, adhesion, and crack resistance. The binders and fillers make it stronger and more durable than spackle in thick applications. However, spackle works very well for small repairs.
Can I use spackle instead of joint compound?
Yes, spackle can be used instead of joint compound for small repairs, filling nail holes, smoothing corners, and patching minor surface flaws. It dries faster but won’t be as strong as joint compound over large areas or critical joints.
Is it better to use joint compound or spackle for cracks?
For heavy cracks wider than 1/16″, joint compound is better. It will bond tightly and resist further cracking. Very fine hairline cracks can be filled with spackle which forces easily into narrow spaces.
Can I use spackle and joint compound together?
Definitely. Joint compound and spackle complement each other perfectly in drywall finishing. Typically joint compound is used to build up and strengthen critical areas then spackle provides the final smoothing layer.
Should I prime before using spackle or joint compound?
Priming is not necessary before applying either spackle or joint compound in most cases. However, priming after repairs are complete improves paint adhesion and provides a more uniform finish.
Is lightweight or heavyweight spackle better?
Lightweight spackle is easier to apply and sand, making repairs faster and smoother. However, heavyweight spackle offers greater strength and resistance to cracking that may benefit some repairs. Test different types to choose a preference.
How long does spackle vs joint compound take to dry?
Spackle dries significantly faster than joint compound, making it preferable for quick repairs. Spackle fully cures in 20-30 minutes while joint compound can take 24 hours or longer depending on the type.
Can I use joint compound to tape drywall corners?
Yes, joint compound works very well for embedding corner bead and flexible corner tape on inside and outside drywall corners. It bonds strongly to the corner material to prevent future cracking or peeling.
Conclusion
Joint compound and spackle each offer distinct advantages for repairing damaged drywall and achieving flawless results. Joint compound provides superior strength and maximum crack resistance, making it the best choice for large repairs, critical joints, and heavy filling/smoothing work. Easy-to-use spackle excels at quickly patching minor dents, holes, and other small imperfections thanks to its lightweight formula and fast drying time.
Choosing the right product based on the needs of your specific repair will ensure successful, long-lasting drywall finishes. Combining joint compound for building up joints and spackle for final smoothing also produces beautiful results by leveraging the unique strengths of both materials. With the fundamentals of these two versatile drywall fillers sorted out, you can take on projects ranging from simple hole filling to major drywall installations with confidence.