Do I Use Joint Compound or Drywall Spackle?

If you have a drywall repair to do, and you have no idea what you are doing, it is wise to do your research first. It is very easy to make drywall repair mistakes, so familiarize yourself with the basics before you take a turn at drywall repair. A great place to start is understanding the various tools you need for drywall repair, like drills, saws, miter boxes, utility knives, taping knives, drywall tape, mud pans, drywall screws, and of course, your adhesion product. This can be either joint compound or spackle.

Continue reading to learn the primary differences between joint compound and drywall spackle, and which applications call for each.

Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-269-7319

Joint Compound

Drywall joint compound is a white powder containing gypsum board dust as its main ingredient. It is combined with water to produce a mud, which can be used for joining drywall seams and bedding drywall seam tape. It has a lighter consistency than spackle, which means it is not well-suited for the same applications. It can be used to patch holes and cracks, but it takes longer to dry and shrinks more than spackling paste.

Drywall Spackle

Spackle is different from joint compound since it is mainly used to patch up holes and cracks in plaster and gypsum board. It has a thicker consistency, which is why it is also known as “drywall mud.” Spackle comes in two primary forms: quick-setting and premixed. Quick-setting drywall mud is also referred to as “hot” mud because a chemical reaction occurs during the curing process that causes heat release.

Premixed Drywall Mud

Premixed drywall mud is the more common or traditional drywall spackle, probably because it is ready to use. The type of spackle you choose for your project depends on the type of drywall work you are doing. Hot mud is recommended for small patch jobs, like door knob holes because you don’t have to wait 24 hours to reapply your second or third coat.

Drywall Repair Tips

It is important to have the proper tools, materials, and equipment to finish drywall. Not only is it a challenging task to undertake without experience or knowledge, but it is also a costly investment. A better option would be to hire professional Indianapolis drywall contractors. They have the specialized training, experience, and resources to get the job done right, and in a convenient time frame.  This is strongly encouraged for large-scale or complex drywall repair projects.

Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Installation and Repair at the Best Price

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Basic Drywall Repair and Installation Supplies for All Size Jobs

Regardless of the type of drywall project you have on deck, or the amount of drywalling experience you have under your belt, there are some basic tools and materials you will surely need. Continue below to learn the fundamental supplies you should have in your beginner’s drywall repair toolbox.

Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-269-7319
Professional Drywall and Painting in Indianapolis 317-269-7319

Fundamental Drywall Tools and Materials

Drywall Compound

Also called drywall “mud”, there are two common types of joint compound used to repair and patch: light-weight and all-purpose. Both are easy to work with and retain a room-temperature shelf-life of 9 months. The most important tip for buying drywall compound is to buy enough. For large projects, expect to purchase 4.5 gallon bucket of material. For smaller projects, you can get away with a one gallon bucket, but you may be paying close to the same amount for a larger bucket. If you think you might have future work in the next 9 months, it is more cost-effective to go with the larger bucket. If not, go with the smaller amount so to not waste any material.

Spackle and Plaster

Many people are confused about the difference among drywall compound, spackle, and plaster. The differences are subtle, and hardly noticeable to the average layperson, but they do exist. Compound, joint compound, or drywall mud all refer to the same product, and used mostly for larger drywall and gypsum board projects that require more durability, typically for covering joints between panels. Spackle is very similar to joint compound, but used mostly for small household repairs for plaster and drywall. Plaster is a type of wall material found mostly in older or historic buildings. It is a more time-consuming approach to wall repair in comparison to spackle.

Drywall Repair Tools

You can purchase drywall repair kits that come with virtually all the essentials for drywall patching and repair. Kits range in quantity, size, and price, but common ones generally include 2-3 flexible knives, a utility knife, an insider-corner knife, hammer, screwdriver, saw, drill, nails, and screws. But drywall repairs also require additional materials depending on the needs of the project, including:

► Compound
► Self-adhering Mesh Tape
► Paper Tape
► Drywall
► 1×4 Block of Pine Wood
► Hand Sander
► Nail Bar
► Level
► Hack Saw
► Sandpaper
► Miter Box
► Primer
► Paint
► Paint Brush or Roller

Where to Get Drywall Supplies

You can purchase all of the above-listed materials at any local hardware or home improvement store. Ask a store attendant to point you in the right direction, and give advice on the most reliable products. Talk to a licensed drywall contractor for expert advice on household drywall repairs, drywall projects, drywall replacement, and more. They can even take the weight off your shoulders by getting the job done faster, better, and at a price that won’t make you think twice!

Professional Drywall Repair and Installation in Indianapolis

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319