Spackle Vs Joint Compound

The main difference between Compound and Spackle is that Compound is somewhat simpler to shape and sand, while spackle will establish properly in difficult cracks.

 Spackle and joint compound are generally employed interchangeably, and they show comparable functions—and they’re indeed regularly used simultaneously on drywall projects. However, each is constructed for specific purposes.

So, what’s the distinction between them?

What is Joint Compound? 

We also know joint compounds as drywall clay or just mud. It’s consisted mainly of gypsum and limestone, but it still has other ingredients such as clay, mica, perlite, and starch. The joint compound has a spreadable uniformity comparable to mud, which is how it got its popular name.

However, the coherence revolves around the unique type of joint compound. It’s used for massive wall rebuilding projects or for fresh drywall installation. Joint compounds can also be used to correct minor pits or flatten out divots in walls. 

Benefits and Cost

The main purpose of the joint compound is to seam and flatten new drywall installations. It’s sold premixed in 1-quart to 5-gallon buckets or in a powdered form you can blend yourself with water.

Although it may be used for smaller projects, it is sold in huge containers and constructed to deal with an extensive area. It also takes joint compound some moment to dry—up to 24 hours before it can be grated or paintable. There are four types of joint compounds:

• All-purpose: applied for all phases of the patching process.
• Topping: employed for concluding coat and generally expand onto a wall with two dried coats of taping compound.
• Taping: ranges over drywall tape and sets the joint between the drywall. 
• Quick-setting: dries quicker than the alternative compounds and performs well for patching serious cracks and extensive cracks.

Joint compound is somewhat inexpensive. Despite it doesn’t cost a lot upfront, it makes no sense to procure a huge container of the substance for petty repair projects.

Also, some homeowners may discover it is hard to get a smooth appearance when using a joint compound because of its uniformity, and it gets some practice and persistence to get a smooth finish. 

Joint compound and spackle are two essential components that are applied when working with drywall. Both commodities are silver, hard, and have a paste-comparable firmness.

What is Spackle?

The spackle for the drywall consists of gypsum powder as well as binders. It is denser than the joint compound and is similar to the texture of toothpaste. Spackle is available in premixed containers.

It’s also available in various kinds specifically designed for particular needs. Spackle can be employed to repair holes, dings, nail holes, dents, or small damaged areas in walls.

It can dry faster than a joint compound and typically within a half-hour. Various types of spackling compounds are available, and they’re not just designed for use on drywall.

• The lighter high spackling compound is made up of fine aggregate, sodium silicate, and adhesive. It was designed to repair small holes, dings, and cracks. It isn’t sand-worthy and is only used for minor repairs that are quick and easy to make.
• Standard/All-purpose Spackling Compound is made from gypsum (similar to joint compounds) and specifically designed to fix larger gouges, holes, and cracks in the drywall.
• Vinyl spackling compounds fill cracks and holes that are up to 3/4-inch deep. It is applied in layers, and each layer is left to dry between layers. Since it’s made of vinyl, this kind of spackling is not going to dry out or break. It also sands well.
• An acrylic spackling compound like vinyl is pliable that can be treated to plaster brick, stone wood, or even plaster.
• Epoxy spackling is an oil-based filler used to fill cracks, gouges, holes, or other imperfections within the timber.

Uses and Cost

Spackle is excellent for minor repairs to the drywall. It is thicker than a joint compound and is more difficult to spread. Because it contains an agent for binding with the gypsum powder, it’s more flexible, making it less likely to break or shrink after drying.

Spackle is somewhat more costly than a joint compound. However, it’s certainly not an apples-to-apples analysis. Joint compound is utilized in large amounts to cover a more extensive surface area, which means you’ll be spending more on it to finish your drywall construction.

Spackle is available in small containers, but you’ll only need a few small amounts of it at each time, and a tub could endure for months or even years.

Which You Should Choose

Both spackle and joint compound are used for numerous uses within the home. Choosing the appropriate one for the task is crucial. Most homeowners only have to apply spackle to minor repair tasks around the house.

Keeping both joint compounds and spackle in your tools is an excellent idea; however, to be prepared for any drywall project that arises.