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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.

Only use spackle on plaster walls when the imperfection is small. It’s best used for nail holes or small dings in the plaster. Spackle dries quickly, allowing you to continue the repair process shortly after using it. Plaster can be tricky to repair, though, so if you run into issues, call a pro so that you don’t risk further damage.

Drywall is safe to cut as long as you follow proper procedures, such as wearing personal protective equipment and using the right tools to score and cut the drywall. When cutting new drywall, it can release dust with silica and other compounds that could pose health risks. Leave cutting drywall to the pros, or wear a high-quality respiratory mask, goggles, and other PPE when handling drywall.

When you are learning how to tape and mud drywall, waiting for things to dry requires a lot of patience. So how long does drywall mud take to dry? On average, it takes about 24 hours. However, it depends on things like the thickness of the mud, as well as the room’s temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Using thin layers of mud in a warm, low-humidity room with good airflow reduces average drying time. You also could speed up drying time by making use of hot drywall mud, which consists of a powder that you mix with water, instead of using pre-mixed mud.