SPACKLE Vs. DRYWALL MUD/JOINT COMPOUND (What's the Difference? When Should You Use Them?!)

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SPACKLE Vs. DRYWALL MUD/JOINT COMPOUND (What's the Difference? When Should You Use Them?!)

There tends to be some confusion amongst DIYers concerning the differences between spackle and drywall mud (joint compound). This short video from The Honest Carpenter discusses the topic!

Both SPACKLE and DRYWALL MUD / JOINT COMPOUND are used to hide blemishes or imperfections in plaster walls and drywall.

Drywall Mud / Joint Compound is a mixture of gypsum dust and water. It is best used for bulk applications and wall repairs, because it dries very slowly.

It typically tapes a new layer of mud 24+ hours to dry, which gives you plenty of time to work your way around a room or house.

Drywall mud also shrinks quite a bit. So, it's almost always necessary to use multiple coats, and sand the repair to finish it.

SPACKLE is best used for small applications and repairs, like nail holes, tiny dents, gouges and divots.

Spackle is also typically made with gypsum dust, but it also contains BINDERS, which act as sort of an adhesive. This causes it to dry much faster--usually 1-4 hours.

Many spackles may still require multiple coats, and sanding to finish.

LIGHTWEIGHT SPACKLE is a soft, fluffy, flaky product that also performs typical small patching duties. But, it dries much faster--often in just 30 minutes! And, it can also be smoothed with a wet knife during the drying process, sometimes eliminating the need for sanding.

Lightweight spackle is my favorite product for fixing small holes and dents!

Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter

[JL-zeqm]

I've been studying how to do various diy jobs around the house and was getting so confused because there are so many different words for the same materials and also slightly different materials. Mud, joint compound, spackling, plaster, sheetrock, Came here to say how appreciative I am of this video. It was so very helpful and well-written. I need things explained to me like I'm five, but without the sarcasm and belittlement, which you've done very tastefully. Thank you!

[ronthompson]

This video should be used as an example of how to do an informational video. Really great stuff.

[incognitotorpedo]

Note that hot mud has to be mixed with water, and instead of slowly drying like joint compound, it sets via a chemical reaction with water. It is much stronger than joint compound, but is harder to sand. It comes with setting times of 5 to 90 minutes.

[canadaeast]

I like the pink spakling good for small jobs and when it’s white it’s dry . Good video man you know what your talking about

[TotemoGaijin]

I actually used both for my drywall. First I filled any gaps with spackle, since it shrinks less, then did my first and second coats of mud, then cut out any little blisters in the tape and patched them with spackle, then skim coated over everything.

[macsloan]

Very good. When you noted that spackle is essentially for smaller repairs, that was paramount. I have done a lot of repairs of plaster and drywall over the past 45 years or so. I am a DYI-er, but would like to think that I have above DYI skills. Maybe not by much, but a little. I worked for a painting contractor during my college years and the first few summers after college. He taught me quite a bit. Your video is quite timely as I am going to patch some holes in my son’s basement way. As it has been a couple years since my last efforts, I was pondering which product to use. Now…..I don’t have to think too much. I will just do as you instruct/suggest. Thank you.

[mindytaylor]

....being single has its disadvantages not knowing how to fix things is one but with the help of your videos this probably will save me lots of money major headaches and time thank you appreciated

[SnarkyRC]

I mix them together sometimes. The results are better than you think.

[drkennethnoisewater]

I never comment on DIY stuff. This video was EXCELLENT. TO THE POINT!!! Thank you!!!

[neomacchio]

I suggest compressing those damages in the wall with the back of your knife first… you have to create a divot first, then fill. That way you don’t have the paper showing through.

[stevenwymor]

You might want to add that it’s good practice to wear a mask or respirator when sanding these products, especially joint compound.

[delluser]

You look like you should host your own show on carpentry / home repair products. This was helpful -- no one at lowes or home depot would iron it out clearly in that aisle of all the drywall products like you just did. Thank you.

[AppalachianLife]

Vinyl spackle works great on wood. I like it better than wood filler for nail holes and seems in wood or plywood that is going to be painted. I've tried many brands and I think Sherwin Williams is the best.

[chelin]

Thank you for making it so simple and easy to follow; with so many products and versions of how to use them, becomes very confusing! This is really, all I need to know for my homeowner’s needs! Great video!

[OldePhart]

This information was sorely needed. I just helped my son do a lot of work and the painters that followed (far too soon) were asking what we used, talked about "hot" mud. and gave me quite an education that I wish I had had before.

[MateoR]

For small holes, like nail and screw holes, make sure you dent it first before applying compound.

[GeorgeCostanza_]

This is the most informative video I’ve seen after watching multiple on this topic. Based on the information you provided, I have decided I will be purchasing lightweight spackle

[markdantuono]

First time mounting a TV hiding the wires, but I wanted to do as much research I can before digging in ny drywall. I’ve came to accept that ima have to make another hole to get through the horizontal fire beam thing. I was gonna buy that mud thankfully you put me into the spackle. Highly appreciate it

[philarsenault]

Ethan, thank you for your vast experience in helping us neophytes understand how to use all kinds of products and tools.

[kenbrown]

a great sneaky trick for small repairs on textured walls: a red window squeegee will clean whatever repair material you are using out of the existing texture, and depending on the size of the repair and type of texture, it will either not need textured, or you can apply texture from whatever texturing device you want. I did a lot of no-sand repairs while I was learning that trick.