Drywall Putty Vs. Joint Compound

Spackle Forms

• Spackle comes in two forms—powder, which must be mixed with water, and paste. This material is made from gypsum powder and glue and is available in three basic formulations. Spackle is differentiated by its grains, with the original or regular type exhibiting large grains which make the material heavy. Paste varieties are generally intermediate in weight, while lightweight versions are used on delicate jobs.

Spackle Uses

• Nail holes and small cracks are ideal for spackling. Holes larger than the size of a fist should be repaired with joint compound. Spackle dries quickly and needs only minimal sanding immediately after drying. Because most varieties are shrink-free, shallow repairs only need one or two applications. Spackle cannot be rewetted once it dries and it will not dissolve in water, as does drywall compound.

Joint Compound Types

• Two basic types of joint compound are available. Drying type is the most common, typically available in premixed one and five-gallon buckets. Setting type compound is quite different as it produces a very hard surface when dry. Drying type comes in three different varieties. Taping compound is used for taping together drywall seams as well as for second coats. Topping compound is for final coats and dries quickly. It may be applied over taping or all-purpose compound. As its name implies, all-purpose compound may be used for all types of drywall finishing and repairing, although it doesn’t have the same strength as the other two types. Setting type compound is only available as a powder and must be mixed with water. Chemical reactions occur during drying which give setting type compound its ultra hard surface.

Joint Compound Applications

• Drying type compound has more general, all-around applications and is easier to use than setting type. It must be used in temperatures higher than 55 degrees Fahrenheit for proper drying. Drying is also affected by humidity and airflow. The compound must also dry through between coats, which may take as long as 24 hours. Setting type compound is for new construction and jobs that require multiple coats on the same day. It dries more quickly and is available in formulations that dry in 20, 45 or 90 minutes. Setting type is ideal for large or deep wall repairs as well as for areas that take a long time to dry because of high humidity or poor temperature conditions.