How to Apply a Smooth Thin Coat of Spackle

Fill the spackle pan with the necessary amount of spackle. For small areas on the wall, begin by scooping one 3-inch putty knife full of spackle into the pan.

Scrape the putty knife dry using the side of the spackle pan to remove all spackle. Dip the tip of the spackle pan into the spackle to pick up a small amount. Smooth the spackle over the damaged area of the wall. Apply a layer of spackle about 1/8-inch thick over the surface.

Scrape the putty knife dry again to prevent spreading the spackle unnecessarily.

Position the putty knife at a 45-degree angle. Scrape excess spackle off the wall, using a downward motion, until a thin coat of spackle is left on the surface. Allow the spackle to dry for 20 to 30 minutes.

Sand the spackle for five to 10 seconds to smooth the finished product. The spackle on the surface will be minimal, generally enough to fill in a crack on the surface. Apply a second coating if necessary and repeat this process.