Tried to use spackle for a big drywall hole and learned nothing works like joint compound

So I patched a fist-sized hole in my hallway last weekend and grabbed spackle because it was right there on my shelf. It cracked and fell out after 2 days, total mess. My buddy Mike told me to use joint compound with mesh tape instead, and it held solid after one coat. Anyone else make the mistake of mixing up patch materials for different jobs?

2 comments

2 Comments

harper_owens10d ago

you know, i was just reading something the other day about how spackle is basically just for tiny nail holes and cracks, not big patches. its like using duct tape to fix a burst pipe - totally the wrong tool. the issue is spackle shrinks a lot as it dries cause its got more water in it. joint compound is way better for bigger holes cause it bonds with the paper tape and doesnt crack as easy. i learned the hard way too, patched a hole in my garage ceiling and it looked fine for a week then just crumbled right out.

jessec3910d ago

lol yeah my buddy tried the same thing on a dime-sized hole in his drywall once. he used spackle cause he found a half-empty tub in his dad's garage. looked perfect for like two days then just fell out in one piece like a weird little disc. harper_owens you're dead on about the shrinking thing man that stuff is basically just for pin pricks.