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Yes, you can apply new plaster over an existing plaster surface, such as a wall or ceiling, provided the old plaster is in good condition. Before you begin, check the stability of the existing plaster. The surface must be clean, free of loose material, and have no peeling paint. It is also recommended to roughen the surface slightly to promote adhesion. For older plaster, applying a base coat like a PVA emulsion or a specific bonding agent or primer is crucial. This step makes the existing plaster less porous and ensures the new and old layers adhere properly for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Wall anchors are suitable for drywall and plaster walls, which are common in most homes. However, different wall materials may require specialized anchors. For concrete or masonry walls, you'd typically use concrete anchors. When dealing with other wall types, such as brick or tile, specific anchors designed for those materials may be necessary. Always consult with a hardware specialist or check the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you select the appropriate anchors for your specific wall type.

When used correctly, drywall patch kits can work well. However, there are limitations. Specifically, these kits can only cover holes up to 5 inches in diameter. For anything larger than that, you’ll need to cut out the affected section of drywall and replace it with a new piece. That’s a far more complicated process that involves buying the right type of drywall, finding the wall studs, cutting into your wall, and screwing the replacement drywall in place.

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.