Get matched with top drywall pros in Salisbury, MD

Textured walls are a great way to hide imperfections left over by drywall installation, but many homeowners feel like it’s an outdated look, despite there being so many types of drywall texture. And while the textured walls of today are a far cry from the popcorn ceilings and faux stucco of our grandmother’s homes, if you want a more modern look or you want to install wallpaper, it’s time to smooth out your walls.

Plastering and skimming are two different techniques for finishing walls. Plastering involves applying a thick layer of a plaster mixture—typically containing gypsum, lime, cement, sand, and water—to create a new surface. This process often requires multiple coats and is used for repairing significant damage or creating decorative textures. Skimming, on the other hand, is a technique that involves applying a thin layer of drywall compound or joint compound over an existing surface to smooth it out, covering minor imperfections, small cracks, or uneven textures for a polished look. Plastering is generally more costly and labor-intensive than skimming. Although some people use the terms interchangeably, they refer to different processes and materials.

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.

Whether you need drywall anchors depends on your specific project, particularly where you are hanging an item. Drywall anchors are not necessary if you can drive a screw directly into a wooden stud behind the wall, as the stud provides sufficient support. However, since studs are not present everywhere in a wall, you will need to use drywall anchors if you are hanging an object in a location without a stud. For very lightweight items, picture hanging strips can also be a suitable alternative.