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Although they have similar applications, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Their primary differences lie in their composition, consistency, and ideal use cases.

Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it thicker than joint compound. It dries quickly and is easy to sand, which makes it ideal for small wall repair projects like filling nail holes or patching minor damage.

Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum. It is primarily used for large-scale projects, such as taping and finishing the seams on newly installed drywall. It tends to shrink more than spackle and can be more difficult to spread.

While both products can be used to fill small depressions and cracks, spackle cannot replace joint compound for taping and mudding new drywall. Conversely, you can often use joint compound for small patching jobs typically done with spackle.

Plastering lasts for around 15 to 20 years without needing repairs or maintenance in most cases, and with proper upkeep, plastering can last a lifetime—sometimes more than 100 years. Plaster repair costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, and you may need these services once every 15 to 20 years or so unless you have a harsh climate where humidity changes are a constant issue. You can also opt to skim-coat plaster for between $0.90 and $1.30 per square foot, which may serve you better in the long run.

In most cases, plaster repair will improve your home’s energy efficiency because a solid barrier of the insulative material helps keep conditioned air inside your home. Major plaster repair jobs like repairing large cracks or crumbling sections of plaster or applying a skim coat might make a noticeable difference in your heating and cooling bills. Not only can plaster repairs improve efficiency, but they can also reduce strain on your HVAC equipment, potentially saving you money on maintenance and repairs.

If your premixed drywall mud is dried out or has begun to set in the bucket, you may be able to revive it by adding warm water and stirring. However, the first and most important step is to scrape off any hard, dried bits of drywall that may have accumulated toward the top of the container and throw them away because they will not easily reconstitute back into the drywall mud mix.