Is there a difference between spackle and 'drywall mud'?

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rnmcd

Platinum Member
May 2, 2000
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Are they just two different terms for the same thing?

I need to repair a small portion of drywall.
 
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Willoughbyva

Diamond Member
Sep 26, 2001
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Yeah I think there is a difference. One is for big jobs putting up new drywall and the other is either for decoration or for smaller jobs. I forget which. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I'm not really into home improvement.

Perry
 
CPA

CPA

Elite Member
Nov 19, 2001
30,322
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spackle is for small holes and mud is used for taping and finishing. Us the spackle because the mud will shrink and crack as it dries.
 
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Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Use Durabond powder. Use as little or as much as you need, and save the rest for another project. It's VERY strong, yet easy to sand. Spackle is a pain to deal with, because it's hard to spread, drys slowly and is difficult to sand. Not to mention it's more expensive, and dries out in its container if not used within a year or so. Spackle is overall stronger than drywall compound, but not user friendly.
 
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bctbct

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2005
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Originally posted by: Ornery
Use Durabond powder. Use as little or as much as you need, and save the rest for another project. It's VERY strong, yet easy to sand. Spackle is a pain to deal with, because it's hard to spread, drys slowly and is difficult to sand. Not to mention it's more expensive, and dries out in its container if not used within a year or so. Spackle is overall stronger than drywall compound, but not user friendly.
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Durabond in residential use is really only suitable for the repair of plaster. It is very hard comparable to bondo when sanding.

If you are repairing nail holes or small defects in drywall lightweight spackle will do and usually can be painted in 30 min. or less.

If you are replacing a piece of drywall you will have to use drywall compound. The premix is the easist as you will not have to mix it. If you only want to use a small portion and not waste the extra material. Use a powered product such as USG easysand. Powdered leightweight can be purchased in estimated dry times. They make 20 min, 60 min, 90 min. If you have a small area, use 20 min, you will be able to do three coats using a fan over an 8 hr. period.


There are basically three types of joint compound

Durabond (very difficult to sand)

All pupose joint compound (medium sanding, shrinkes and cracks more in thick coats)

Leightweight joint compound (easy sanding, used in about all taping of new construction in about the last 10-15 years)

Years ago leightweight was not recommended for bead or applying drywall tape. Improved products have now made this possible though.
 
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Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
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When he says, "...repair a small portion of drywall..." I'm picturing this kind of damage. If his knife can straddle the entire depression, there won't be much to sand. Durabond is the only thing I'd trust not to crack, and it's easier to sand than spackle.
 
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bctbct

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2005
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Originally posted by: Ornery
When he says, "...repair a small portion of drywall..." I'm picturing this kind of damage. If his knife can straddle the entire depression, there won't be much to sand. Durabond is the only thing I'd trust not to crack, and it's easier to sand than spackle.
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If he is repairing a crack above a door or window his best solution may be to use durabond with a mesh tape. There is no guarantee that it will prevent the crack from re-occuring but increases the odds against it re-cracking. Your second pic is probably showing this type of repair.

I took it that OP was probably repairing a hole that required cutting out a pc. drywall and replacing it. Durabond would not be required if this is the case.
 
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Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
That image was from this topic.. I'm picturing a door knob, elbow or fist damage with a depth of about 1/4" - 3/8". At any rate, I'll use Durabond for almost anything, even a top coat on a small job. As long as it's a loose mix and no air bubbles it's fine.

My brother finally beat it into my head to leave as little to sand as possible. It takes slightly longer to apply, but saves LOTS of time without having to sand much, and the reduction in dust alone is worth the effort!
 
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rnmcd

Platinum Member
May 2, 2000
2,507
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What I have is a 1'x1' area of drywall that got wet and then dried. The paint bubbled up and the drywall probably only has surface damage. I don't think I need to cut-out the full 1'x1' piece that was damaged.
 
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bctbct

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2005
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Originally posted by: rnmcd
What I have is a 1'x1' area of drywall that got wet and then dried. The paint bubbled up and the drywall probably only has surface damage. I don't think I need to cut-out the full 1'x1' piece that was damaged.
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As long as the drywall is still solid just scap off any loose material and skim it with easy sand. 1 or 2 coats and sand.
 
Saint Nick

Saint Nick

Lifer
Jan 21, 2005
17,722
6
81
yeah i'm going to need this thread once i'm done finding the stud i'm looking for. i 've put holes all over my room and have only found one stud in the spot i don't want it.

i have a lot of patching to do.
 
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