Joint Compound Vs. Spackle: What’s The Difference?
Joint compound and spackle are both used for wall repairs, but they serve different purposes depending on the size and type of the repair. If you’re patching drywall or fixing cracks, knowing which one to use saves time and ensures a clean, long-lasting result.
| Feature | Joint Compound | Spackle |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large wall projects, new drywall, taping seams | Small wall repairs, nail holes, dents |
| Consistency | Thinner, creamy texture (mud-like) | Thicker, paste-like (toothpaste consistency) |
| Dry Time | Slow (up to 24 hours) | Fast (20–30 minutes) |
| Shrinkage | High shrinkage, multiple coats needed | Low shrinkage |
| Application Size | Full walls or wide cracks | Small patches and surface blemishes |
| Ease of Use | Requires more skill to feather/smooth | Very easy to apply, great for beginners |
| Finish Sanding | Needs sanding, typically after 24 hours | May require light sanding or none at all |
| Typical Use Cases | New drywall, plaster cracks, corner seams | Touch-ups, spot repairs, old drywall |
| Cost per Use | Lower per ounce (sold in bulk) | Higher per ounce (sold in small tubs) |
| Paint Readiness | Requires priming before paint | Often blends well; some types may not need primer |
| Substitute Flexibility | Can replace spackle | Cannot replace joint compound |
Drying Time & Workflow:
Joint compound dries slowly, which is ideal for larger jobs because it gives you time to work across a full wall. Spackle dries fast, which is better for quick repairs that need to be painted the same day.
Repairs in Plaster Walls:
For plaster, use joint compound for deeper or wide cracks. If you’re working with old plaster over stone or uncertain substrates, consider using fiberglass mesh and a setting-type compound like Durabond to avoid future cracks.
Use joint compound for new drywall, seams, and wide repairs. Use spackle for small dents and nail holes. If you’re unsure which to buy, joint compound is more versatile—spackle can’t handle big repairs.