Joint Compound vs. Spackle, Which One to Choose?
Joint compound and spackle are two great products that have been specifically designed to help property owners perform affordable drywall repair jobs. However, when faced with the decision of which one to choose, read on to find out the answers.
A joint compound is a putty that is similar to a plaster and is designed for bigger jobs. It is made by mixing gypsum dust and water into a consistent paste. It comes in a pre-mixed container and is commonly used for taping and finishing seams. There are four types of joint compounds available today, and they are:
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All-purpose: This is used for every phase of the patching process.
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Topping: Made to be spread on walls with two dried coats of taping compound.
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Taping: The first and second coat you want to put on.
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Quick-setting: Made to dry faster and works better on deep cracks and wide holes.
Joint compound is a better choice for taping and finishing drywall seams, and spackle is the better choice for repairing minor holes in your walls. Now, that does not mean though that you can’t fill holes using a quality joint compound, but the joint compound does dry slower than spackle.
Another benefit of using spackle is that it will not shrink as much as joint compound does once it has dried fully. Because joint compound shrinks, multiple applications are generally needed in order to ensure a fully finished surface. Spackle also shrinks, however, it just doesn’t shrink as much as joint compound. These extra joint compound applications will be both time-consuming and often a nuisance, more so to DIY enthusiasts.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss an affordable drywall repair job, please do not hesitate to call Hangtime Drywall and Painting LLC at (813) 706-3622 now, if you live in or around the Tampa, FL region.