If you are setting out to repair a patch of drywall in your house, be prepared to face a whole lot of options in terms of choosing a drywall mud. There are various types of spackle available for drywall work and repair, but each one has separate qualities that meet certain drywall patching needs. It is important to know these differences so that you can properly match the type of mud to your drywall project. This will give you the best results.

Continue reading for a brief description of the most common types of drywall spackle on the market and
where to find them at the best prices in town.

Drywall Muds

There are two basic categories of drywall mud: 1) Quick-Setting and 2) 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 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 need to do.

Hot Mud Spackle

Hot mud spackle comes in powder form, inside a paper bag lined with plastic to keep moisture out and the product fresh. Once the mix hardens, it can no longer be used. Even if just a small portion of the bag hardens, the entire bag is compromised. You can purchase hot mud with different drying times, from 5-minute drying to 90-minute drying, and more. Keep in mind that the actual drying times are usually around 5 or 10 minutes quicker than advertised. So 45-minute hot mud will likely only take 35 minutes or so to fully dry. And it is not fully-dry until it turns entirely white in color.

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. But many experts say mesh tape should be used with this type of spackle. And since it is slightly difficult to sand, it is not recommended to be used as a “finish” coat.

Premixed Mud

Since this mud is pre-mixed, it is virtually ready to go right out of the package. Premixed spackle is generally sold in 4.5 gallon buckets or boxes lined with plastic at any home improvement store. All you have to do is add a small amount of water to the mud to soften it up before application. The amount of thinning depends on the type of drywall project you have on deck. For instance, a thinner consistency of spackle is likely a better choice for when bedding in tape or using automatic taping tools. On the other hand, if you need to apply the spackle to walls, mud that is too thin will shrink back too much. The different types of premixed mud include light-weight all-purpose, all-purpose joint compound, and topping.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly-trained and licensed drywall contractors that offer a wide range of drywall services for residential and commercial properties. Trust us for outstanding results at a competitive price! Call 317-269-7319 to request an estimate for Indianapolis drywall repair, today.