what's the difference between spackle and drywall mud?

[edprush]

I need to fill a hole in sheetrock that is about the diameter of a dime (it goes all the way through the 1/2" sheetrock).

Can I use either spacke or drywall mud?

 

[nakedfrog]

Yes.

 

[iRONic]

Use vinyl spackling compound, but first slightly dent the surface with a hammer to produce a void for the filler. Clean the holes and dampen them with a sponge. Apply the spackling compound with a putty knife, drawing it smoothly over the dent, flush with the wall's surface. For a deep hole, allow the patch to dry, sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper, and reapply spackling compound. Sand very lightly, then touch up with paint to match.

 

[edprush]

Originally posted by: iRONic
Use vinyl spackling compound, but first slightly dent the surface with a hammer to produce a void for the filler. Clean the holes and dampen them with a sponge. Apply the spackling compound with a putty knife, drawing it smoothly over the dent, flush with the wall's surface. For a deep hole, allow the patch to dry, sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper, and reapply spackling compound. Sand very lightly, then touch up with paint to match.

What would happen if I used dry wall mud?

 

[iRONic]

Longer drying time and possibly more shrinkage. It's not critical.

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Yes.

Absolutely!

 

[dullard]

There are a whole array of products that are very similar. A pro will use many different ones - each best suited to each task. In fact, for a mudding job, a pro may use multiple different muds. They do this to minimize the amount of work and the amount of sanding.

You probably don't need to worry about work or sanding. Just pick any product and you'll be fine. Sure you may need one or two more coats or a bit more sanding. But for a job that small, who cares.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

Originally posted by: jadinolf

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Yes.

Absolutely!

Yes. Absolutely. I do indeed concur wholeheartedly.

 

[kitkat22]

personally, i've always used mud, but you can use both

 

[Atheus]

What in gods name is 'spackling' and 'muds'? Why not fill holes in the wall with plaster?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

drywall mud=dry powder, mix to consistency, longer drying, usually sold in 50lb bags
spackle=pre mixed to a uniform consistency, fast drying, less shrink, available in small containers for patch work

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos

Originally posted by: jadinolf

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Yes.

Absolutely!

Yes. Absolutely. I do indeed concur wholeheartedly.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
drywall mud=dry powder, mix to consistency, longer drying, usually sold in 50lb bags
spackle=pre mixed to a uniform consistency, fast drying, less shrink, available in small containers for patch work

Drywall mud comes pre mixed as well. Boxes and buckets.

And spackling is available as a powder as well.

Sorry, just the facts.

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: Atheus
What in gods name is 'spackling' and 'muds'? Why not fill holes in the wall with plaster?

Sure, by all means; IF your walls are plaster.

Most newer (1960's and on) homes in the U.S. are finished in Gypsum board; commonly referred to as Wall Board, drywall or Sheetrock (which is actually a brand name).

Lighter products such as spackle or drywall compound ("mud") are more appropriate for fixing drywall, just as plaster (traditionally made with sand) is better for old style "wet" plaster walls. (remember lathe?).

 

[xit2nowhere]

Iirc, spackle is used for smaller holes, like holes left by screws or nail and such, and mud is used for big surfaces.

 

[WildHorse]

Repost

Spackle is convenient, easy, can be bought in small size, some dries reall hard & shiny, so sand it off good after it dries. For small patches like picture nail holes, creacks above doors, etc. Sometimes can see hard shiny spot where spackle is after painting.

Drywall compound is sold in larger amounts, smallest size might be 5 lbs of dry powder you mix with water, which is easy. Dries with same "soft" texture as the drywall. Not hard & shiny like some spackle.

Use drywall compound for big punch outs like doorknob through wall, knee through wall, etc., where you're laying in a piece of drywall as a patch, then apply drywall tape (is inexpensive) all around the seam, then drywall compound over that. If you feather it out a good distance away from the seam, then after sanding & painting, no one will know it's patched. Invisible.


Small spackle $2 range. Small drywall compound & drywall tape setup maybe $7 range. Home Depot.