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.

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.