All-purpose joint compound, commonly called mud, is the wet material that is used for drywalll installation to adhere paper joint tape, fill joints, and to top paper and mesh joint tapes, as well as for plastic and metal corner beads. Joint compound is a product that is comprised of mainly gypsum dust, and you need to mix it yourself to a cake frosting-like consistency. Drywall Compound vs Spackle. All Purpose Joint Compound is designed for tape application, fastener spotting and complete joint finishing of gypsum board. Is this an interior or exterior surface? Taping Drywall Seams . I have a huge hole in the wall of my living room (thanks to my short temper) and I need to patch it up. Budget is always the main criteria for deciding our choice. If you can able to understand these similar yet not interchangeable wall-patching putties, you can pull the wall repair project off like a pro. It is now also available in a ready-made paste.Joint compound is a substance that is actually often referred to as 'drywall mud' and is of a similar consistency to plaster. It surely can be a tricky task, but with proper concentration, you will cut the chase. The length of time that it lasts has a great deal to do with how it is stored. However, lightweight spackle is typically for interior walls. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Spackle is designed to dry quickly with little or no shrinkage, which makes it a bit more convenient if you want to get on with your painting. 3 All purpose joint compound which can be used in bedding and taping coat, filling and finishing coats. Why is my joint compound cracking? SHEETROCK Brand PLUS 3 Lightweight All-Purpose Joint Compound, Ready-Mixed, offers all of the benefits of a conventional-weight, all-purpose joint compound with three key advantages: up to 30-percent less weight; less shrinkage; and exceptional ease of sanding. We have a few more joint compounds that we should know about. We are here to tell you how to differentiate them precisely. Here, just after applying the pre-mix compound, you need to attach the tapes to cover the seam. The only thing I could find in my garage was All Purpose Joint Compound. Applications of Spackle vs Joint Compound vs Plaster. After getting the tape cuts, gently attach the tapes on the seam surface. How to Remove Snow from Roof: Comprehensive Guide, Best Poison Ivy Killer in 2021: Top 12 Killer for Poison Ivy, Top 11 Best Concrete Patch 2021: Fantastic Patching Compound, Top 8 Best Router Edge Guide Reviews 2021: Excellent Edge Results, How To Waterproof A Shower Floor and Wall Before Tiling, How to Seal Concrete Countertops: Excellent Maintain Concrete, Best Router for Flattening Slabs: Excellent Flatten Slabs 2021. But keep in mind that the joint compound takes a lot longer to dry. So, at the time of drywall installation, the contractors attach the large sheets of gypsum board to the wall’s framing. It can also be used to repair cracks in plastered walls, to texture surfaces and to laminate gypsum board to other surfaces such as masonry or other gypsum board. It can be used for all phases of drywall finishing: embedding joint tape and filler and finish coats, as well as for texturing and skim-coating. Joint compound vs spackle: Final Feedback You can also use 3M Patch Plus Primer that can be painted over … The smaller the hole or imperfection that you’re trying to repair, the lighter the product you will need. Also, it is very dry and cracked (probably from being in the cold garage for God knows how long. Regular joint compound contains over 35-percent limestone and less than 5-percent content each for attapulgite (an ingredient found in antidiarrheal medications), mica, and talc. SAFETY DATA SHEET 1. What Is Joint Compound or Mud? They are both high quality and handy in their way. Spackle is designed more for major patching, it can be put on thickly and it will still set, with joint compound if you put a large amount on it is likely to crack and flake, not designed for that. Well, some of the native carpenters still go for spackles as they can be measured very easily, and the application is also effortless. When you are going to fill the holes with spackle, you need to follow the steps: This factor is quite crucial as consistency varies according to the job. On the other hand, the joint compound is for covering the joints between the panels. So, which one is the best, is surely a tricky question. Jun 26, 2019 - Understand these similar but not interchangeable wall-patching putties so you can pick the right one for your wall repair project. Garage Drywall: Hot Mud vs. Premixed Joint Compound Posted by The Kim Six Fix on 10:16 AM in Garage Home Money Pit Painting This post may contain affiliate links. Lighter patching compounds will shrink less and dry faster but are less durable. Taping Drywall Seams. There are two possible reasons. It is available as ready-made paste too. It also sands with the ease of a topping compound and bonds like a taping compound. For this, you need to cut the tapes according to the seam gap sizes. Powdered drying type compounds are available. For your convenience, it also arrives in pre-mixed containers. Well, it’s just that everything is made up for a specific purpose, and they are immensely good at it. Cost . It's because of the core ingredient of the joint compound! Spackle is more robust than drywall. The amount of time that drywall compound lasts is unpredictable because of the various factors that affect its shelf life. Both all-purpose joint compound and topping compound are drying compounds, which means they harden when all the water they contain evaporates. Pre-mix joint compound will do the math. Yes, you heard it right. http://www.VideoJoeKnows.com Applying all purpose joint compound with a paint roller.....now why would you want to do that? All-Purpose Compound: Best All-Around Drywall Mud . Joint compound (also known as drywall compound or Mastic) is a white powder of primarily gypsum dust mixed with water to form a mud the consistency of cake frosting, which is used with paper or fiber joint tape to seal joints between sheets of drywall to create a seamless base for paint on interior walls. And on the flip side, we have a joint compound which isn’t pre-mix, comes as a powder and often called a hot mix. They are specified according to their application process. This non-tinted compound is ready-to-use and covers 475 sq. 4 Gal. Setting-type joint compound, lightweight joint compound, all-purpose compound and others all have their unique uses. Another advantage to spackle is that it doesn't shrink as much as joint compound once its fully dried. Joint compound is the better selection to tape, sand, and finish drywall seams. And if you want to get something done in a short time, then fast-setting compound would be the best option. No, you cannot rehydrate the joint compound. Whether you're starting from scratch or making finishing touches, USG Finishing Solutions has you covered. All-Purpose Pre-Mixed Joint Compound Westpac Joint Compounds are pre-mixed vinyl Westpac Joint Compounds are pre-mixed vinyl based compounds formulated on the direct input from professional applicators. So, which one is the best, is surely a tricky question. I was going to use Joint Compound for it. And you can apply multiple coats to fill in and thicken up certain areas of your wall. Then why not buying joint mud instead of spackles? Undoubtedly, they are highly effective on damaged walls, and it completes the task with consistency. But they are for filling nail holes. So, joint compound vs spackle, who wins the battle? Overall, joint compound is usually meant for larger projects that require more durability. There are also various types of joint compound – all-purpose compound, topping compound, taping compound, quick-setting compound. It just needs to be applied to the broken wall blemishes. This drying compound hardens through evaporation—which means waiting up to 24 hours between coats. While joint compound can be used for anything from sealing joints, to prepping drywall for its first coat of paint, spackle is going to find its application for much smaller household uses.9 Mar 2019 Can I use spackle […] You’ll barely have any spackle in your hand after the whole renovation. Before choosing a patching compound, there are some questions you will need to answer to ensure you use the best product for your specific job. That’s why you have to apply several coats of joint compound. There are various types of spackling paste – the most lightweight one is made of vinyl and dries out almost immediately. When they are left exposed to air, they are prone to quickly drying out. Great on a heavy renovation, drywall installations, attaching the large seam holes, filling panels, etc. Here, the primary ingredient is gypsum. https://www.askdavethepainter.com Here I will discuss various putties; spackle; and joint compound. Recommended for laminating and repairing cracks in interior plaster and masonry not subject to moisture, this compound features great open time and cold bond, and has smooth and slick properties. 3M … Joint compound is considered to be more versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. It was originally produced in powder form, which needed to be mixed with water in order to be used. If you're doing your own drywall repairs or finishing, you might wonder what type of Mud you need, and what the advantages and disadvantages are to each. Here's the difference between joint compound vs. spackle. Jun 24, 2019 - Understand these similar but not interchangeable wall-patching putties so you can pick the right one for your wall repair project. Because Spackle is actually a trademark name. Joint compound is a product that is comprised of mainly gypsum dust, and you need to mix it yourself to a cake frosting-like consistency. The length of time that it lasts has a great deal to do with how it is stored. I have started to tackle the garage makeover, and the very first thing I needed to do was repair the unfinished drywall. For example, if your project entails installing a small patch to repair a section of cracked plaster, you can use all-purpose joint compound for all three coats. Firstly, using the sandpaper, you need to smoothen the ridges. Besides, this composite is sometimes used as a skim coating. Joint compounds effectively outshine any other putties out there. Home Decor Styles . Can you use spackling instead of joint compound? Lastly, use the same putty knife for finishing. So, you can use them whenever you notice any thin to thick blemish. On the contrary, spackle is made of gypsum powder and binders. Just like spackles are relatively good at filling small holes than joint mud. Even if you make any mistake while application, you can form it in the correct manner again without any hassle or extra expenses. Can be used as an alternative to spackle. It looks like Spackle, but is it? USG: Sheetrock Brand All-Purpose Joint Compound Tim Anderson Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007. It also sands with the ease of a topping compound and bonds like a taping compound. Though it depends on where you go, spackle is usually more expensive than joint compound. One difference between joint compound and spackle is drying time. Joint compound is a product that is comprised of mainly gypsum dust, and you need to mix it yourself to a cake frosting-like consistency. Hope it helps! For embedding the tape and the subsequent layers, buy lightweight, all-purpose joint compound in the familiar (and ever-so-useful) 5-gallon bucket. It’s great on filling small holes and gaps on the wall. The application of joint compound is very easy. Can I add some water to it to make it like a paste again, or will that ruin it? After getting all the ingredients in your hands start with the application process. You need two different kinds of joint compound (mud) to do a bang-up job. It’s notoriously a tough job to find out the differences between joint compound and spackle when it comes to repairing wall projects. Low-dust joint compound tends to cost two to three times more than conventional joint compound. The main types are pre-mix joint compound and hot mix joint compound, which is also called setting type. Although spackle dries much faster than joint compound, doesn’t shrink nearly as much, and is easier to use, joint compound is … In this category, spackle gets a plus point. However, you have to dry the mixture up in your microwave oven so that it doesn’t remain watery and so it becomes ready to use. Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, has the consistency of plaster. In just about 25-30 minutes, the primer would be strong enough to hold a nail through a hammer. To decide which one to use, you need to consider the application because all of the categories differ in consistency and drying time. Not recommended as an alternative to joint compound. Sometimes observing things practically helps you better. On the other hand, spackle dries up quickly, and so they can’t serve this purpose. As it’s water-soluble, you can water trowel it if you’ve made any fuss. Like, spackle can be grainy, lightweight, or heavy as well as the joint compound. Drywall joint compound vs. Spackle.Joint compound is the better choice for taping and finishing drywall seams whereas Spackle is the better choice for filling in small to large sized holes in your walls. California residents. Different types of compounds are needed for different projects, with base layers relying on a thicker, heavier mixture. Topping compound is typically the last coat. 1. All-purpose joint compound is a building material drywall finishers use to spackle, or mud, a drywall installation. It is often referred to as a ‘drywall mud’. THIS MEANS THAT AT NO COST TO YOU, I WILL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINK. All-purpose compound is a pre-mixed mud sold in buckets and boxes. Joint compound, however, should be applied in two or three layers. All-purpose mud, or taping mud, is best for embedding the tape and filling nail and screw holes, but pros generally switch to topping compound for the top coats. Spackling Compound For filling nail holes in wood trim, or smaller holes in plaster, drywall and even plastic trim , a high-quality, lightweight, non-shrinking spackling compound is perfect. Where the similarities are many, narrowing down the distinctions become tight. You must need a 12-inch knife for finishing and a 6-inch knife for application. You can apply with a flexible spatula and smoothen the surface with a damp sponge. Spackle will dry much faster than joint compound and usually requires a single application. Since there are some overlaps in the intended purpose of these two products, the choice gets trickier. Identification Product identifier SHEETROCK® Brand All Purpose Joint Compound, Ready-Mixed Other means of identification SDS number 61000010001 Synonyms Joint Compound (Ready-Mixed) , Taping Compound, Mud, Finishing Compound Recommended use Interior use. Spackle is a plaster made out of gypsum and glue; whereas, joint compound is composed of water, limestone, hydrated obsidian, foam rubber and clay materials. If we compare joint compound vs spackle for cracks, there will be differences according to usage, application, and so on. It will be wise if you make the paste according to the job at hand to avoid wastage. Recommended for laminating and repairing cracks in interior plaster and masonry not subject to moisture, this compound features great open time and cold bond, and has smooth and slick properties. In the pre-mix joint compound, you don’t require to mix it with water or any other substitute. Keep applying until the gaps seem filled consistently. Plumbing tools that you help starting a business. Is the surface likely to get banged up again? Can I add some water to it to make it like a paste again, or will that ruin it? Either it is joint compound or spackle, you need to apply them as soon as possible to prevent them from drying out. Honestly, choosing spackle sometimes seek for some considerations. Because the joint compound is mainly for taping and finishing surface with undetectable seams. All-purpose joint compound adheres well to most surfaces, so you can use it to make repairs on plaster walls. Usually, professionals use sand sponges or sandpaper to even the entire application. There you can have smooth surfaces with undetectable seams. So, if we talk about the joint compound vs spackle hole, the former one can repair larger holes. In fact, pre-mixed ones are universally cherished for easy and fast action. And it is not spreadable as the mud. Sheetrock® Brand All Purpose Joint Compound combines single-package convenience with good taping and topping performance. And if you’re already aware of some facts that I’ve missed out here, feel free to share it in the comment section. Healthyhandymen.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Joint compound vs spackle: The Comparison Overview, Joint compound vs spackle: Final Feedback, Joint Compound vs Plaster: Pick the Right Material. So, if we compare lightweight joint compound vs lightweight spackle, the lightweight ones can be used for minor tasks according to their job. Drywall joint compound comes in many different formulations, but none of them last forever. Because you will need to buy more joint mix then spackles and eventually you’re gonna end up venting more money on the joint mix than spackles. Sheetrock® Brand All Purpose Joint Compound combines single-package convenience with good taping and topping performance. But trust me, once you go through both and observe their features head to toe, you will understand everything literally. Another difference between the two is in their compositions. Moreover, some people still think they are alike, whereas if you look deeply into them, you’ll easily get the contradictions. Joint compound is mainly used for tapping and fixing the minor cracks in walls. Also, it is very dry and cracked (probably from being in the cold garage for God knows how long. 2. This short table demonstrate everything you should know about joint compound vs spackle. With a little bit of finish work, the joint compound helps create a smooth surface with undetectable seams. Suitable for heavy renovation, drywall installations, attaching the large seam holes, filling panels, etc. Vinyl works great on filling smaller holes, whereas acrylic is relatively better on filling smaller holes caused by pins or any pointy tool. Now, here’s a major difference between them, which is their contradicting performance. Hence, you barely make any mistake with pre joint compounds. Not only is the mud valuable as a filler, it is a bonding agent that adheres to nearly any porous surface. But, since you have to use a small amount of it for every time use, you will end up paying less. All-purpose compound is a pre-mixed mud sold in buckets and boxes. Spackles are widely used in filling smaller holes such as nail holes, pinholes, small seam gaps, etc. As a result, the overall cost gets higher. When it completely dries out, it can withstand paint, sandpaper, and wallpaper. Pro tip: Don't worry if you get cracking on the first coat; just mix the next coat a little thicker by spooning in some fresh mud from another bucket. It is a lightweight, low dust joint compound. Drywall compound, unlike spackle, has three options depending on the repair project. Well, you know by now that putties like joint compound can also work great on filling small pinholes. All-purpose joint compound adheres well to most surfaces, so you can use it to make repairs on plaster walls. The core reason why it dries faster than pre-mixed ones is it settles due to chemical hardening, not air evaporation. The spackle dries out faster (usually 30 minutes) than the joint compound. If you are going to apply joint compound, you will need joint tape. And they should be very sharp, solid and stiff. Joint compounds are primarily used for heavy wall repairing projects. The word 'spackle' has gone from being just a trademark name to a generic word for any substance on the market that fills holes in walls. If you had bought a lot of joint compound tubs for your apartment a year ago, you'd surely have some left out now. Now, with the all-purpose compound, you can literally affix any broken surfaces. Westpac Joint Compounds are pre-mixed vinyl Westpac Joint Compounds are pre-mixed vinyl based compounds formulated on the direct input from professional applicators. It’s relatively expensive no matter where you go. For instance, spackles are relatively expensive than other putties. Similar to spackle, joint compound can also be used to repair larger holes that require a backing to help hold the repairing substance, such as a mesh, in place. Explore. It is often referred to simply as mud or as joint cement He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing. You can use antenna mast if the network signal is too much problem in your home. Setting type. We recommend not to use spackling instead of joint compound. Can’t be used as an alternative to joint compound. SHEETROCK Brand PLUS 3 Lightweight All-Purpose Joint Compound, Ready-Mixed, offers all of the benefits of a conventional-weight, all-purpose joint compound with three key advantages: up to 30-percent less weight; less shrinkage; and exceptional ease of sanding. I have a hole in my drywall that's a little more than an inch long, and half an inch wide. If we give you a short answer, the answer will be – You should not use it. I have a huge hole in the wall of my living room (thanks to my short temper) and I need to patch it up. And after the dry time, you can simply sand and paint over the filled faults almost right away. To decide which one to use, you need to consider the application because all of the categories differ in consistency and drying time. With up to 25% less weight than conventional-weight compounds, SHEETROCK Brand Plus 3 Lightweight All-Purpose 3.5 Gal. Just like you do the cake frosting. But it does not go well with the holes larger than about ¼ inch in diameter. Learn the difference between them and get a better understanding of the choices for different situations. The mud can dry out, become moldy or otherwise become unusable over time. The difference between plaster and joint compound, explained! Requiring one fewer coat over fasteners and bead, it eliminates the need for taping and topping compounds. Mainly, it refers to any compound that affixes small gaps and tiny holes on the wall. (wood, drywall, vinyl plastic, etc.) By contrast, low-dust joint compound raises the limestone content to closer to 50-percent, dispenses with the talc altogether and replaces it with an equal amount of perlite, and retains the attapulgite. It can also be used to repair cracks in plastered walls, to texture surfaces, and to laminate gypsum board to other surfaces such as masonry or other gypsum board. You want to your Shower Waterproof system: Benefit and buying guide. Westpac joint compounds provide ease of mixing, excellent working time, and minimal shrinkage and provide a smooth finished surface. Then, they tape the seams between panels and coat the tape with joint compound. All-Purpose Compound: Best All-Around Drywall Mud . Spackle is quite recommended for households uses to repair the small holes quickly in plaster or drywall. Surely this takes time, but it pays back significantly! But the fact is you can’t get these done with spackles. For skimming a surface or when trying to smooth out a larger hole, a high-water-content filler like joint compound is ideal. Recommended restrictions Use in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. To be honest, a joint compound can be used in any drywall installation. Applications of Spackle vs Joint Compound vs Plaster. Now, about the powder type joint compound, which is also called the setting type, I would say it settles faster than the pre-mixed ones. So, which one is the best, is surely a tricky question. Also, professionals always recommend spackles for basic repair. Apply it full strength across the joints and at corners for bedding the tape. The joint compound takes a lot longer to dry. Joint compound, however, should be applied in two or three layers. His has been published online through GTV Magazine, Home Anatomy, TravBuddy, MMO Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group. Spread a layer of slightly thinned all-purpose joint compound on the walls with a heavy-nap roller. After attaching the tapes, you need to apply more putty, or the pre-mix compound in the same area to make it more solid and settled. Joint compound is the better choice for taping and finishing drywall seams whereas Spackle is the better choice for filling in small to large sized holes in your walls. Powdered drying type. Anything that requires a little scale of putty will find the Spackle useful and efficient. Literally, any dummy can apply it if these steps are followed-. Secondly, you’ll need a jar where you’re gonna pour the joint compound mix. Because there is so much junk in the garage, I decided I would tackle it wall-by-wall. It does not shrink as much as the joint compound after drying out. All Purpose Joint Compound is designed for tape application, fastener spotting and complete joint finishing of gypsum board. The main ingredients are knives. Can you use spackling instead of joint compound? Fiberglass mesh tape is the most common and easiest to use. 3 or 4 gentle strokes will be enough to remove the lumps. That’s why you should acquire proper knowledge about the marketplace, their authenticity, and additional offers. Now, you cant do the same thing with a spackle. The possibility is there that you’re still a bit puzzled about the distinctions. If you can able to understand these similar yet not interchangeable wall-patching putties, you can pull the wall repair project off like a pro. But see you are terribly wrong here. But you cannot do this with spackle. And, verily, it’s also called gypsum mud. Start rubbing the sandpaper on the surface, and after a few strokes, you will notice the changes. They generally come in containers ranging from 1 quart to 5 gallons. Lastly, sandpaper is required to even the surface properly. It can also be used to repair cracks in plastered walls, to texture surfaces and to laminate gypsum board to other surfaces such as … The ingredients in all-purpose mud include limestone, gypsum, mica, talc for lubrication and clay for adhesion. Here's the difference between joint compound vs. spackle. To some extent, spackle and joint compound can be interchanged without issue. What is the material you are trying to repair? Can be used as an alternative to spackle. Apparently, joint compounds work more effectively on renovation or any drywall projects. If you’re looking for the best product to tape your drywall seams with then, you’re most likely looking for the dry mud. What’s topping compound then? Due to its higher cost, this type of joint compound may not be cost-effective for large areas. 3. These conflicts won't end. Well, it requires two tape compounds to put on the wall surface. Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t fill holes with a quality joint compound, but joint compound typically dries much slower than spackle. But the thing is, you need to choose the correct type of it. Thus, whenever you see a pinhole or a nail hole on the wall, sticking spackle all over them should be the first thought that pops into your mind! You will witness a variety of joint compounds. However, there are slight differences in the two products. Gladly, the big advantage of the pre-mix joint compound is you don’t need to race with the clock as it’s air-dried. Without hovering extra time and sweat, you can accomplish the task. Cracks or holes larger than ½ inch require reinforcing mesh prior to spackling. For instance, let's presume that you are using a pre-mix joint compound. Difference Between Joint Compound and Spackle. That is why whenever we write Spackle, we put the letter ‘S’ in capital letter. It offers good crack-resistance, excellent adhesion, and superior ease of handling. ProForm 61.7 lb. If you can able to understand these similar yet not interchangeable wall-patching putties, you can pull the wall repair project off like a pro. Joint compound is commonly referred to as drywall mud, and several types are sold in home improvement stores. Because the joint compound is mainly for taping and finishing surface with undetectable seams. The 24 hour drying time recommendation can be applied to nearly all factors. Does not shrink as much as the joint compound. But as it doesn’t appear pre-mixed, you need to make your own mixture with the proper amount of water. 4. Besides, taping compounds are applied between the first and second layers of topping compound. You may have the misconception that spackle is a particular compound which is used for repairing walls. Start with a less amount and keep adding water to moisten the dried out spackle until you get the desired consistency. That’s why choosing spackles for smaller renovation always pays you back. It can also be used to repair holes and cracks in drywall and plaster. However, unless you want anything more than a slim layer, joint compound is probably the better choice. After that, take a scoop of spackle and spread it adequately on the hole. It could be used for sealing joints, for prepping drywall before the first coat of paint and so on. You’ll probably need differently sized knives. You are possibly thinking that if that so, then why do I even need spackles? The mud can dry out, become moldy or otherwise become unusable over time. You are gonna need the spackle putty, sandpaper, and a putty knife.