The Spackle Guide: How Long Does Spackle Take To Dry?
From time to time, we all find dings, dents, and holes in the walls of our homes. Knowing how to repair these holes using spackle is a very useful skill. But what exactly is spackle? How long does spackle take to dry? When should you NOT use spackle?
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What Is Spackle?
Spackle is a putty-like substance used to fill in small cracks, holes, and other minor surface damage. It’s the consistency of paste. It is made from gypsum powder and other binders.. You can buy premixed spackle which most people prefer, or you can purchase spackle powder and mix it yourself. If you use premixed spackle, make sure you store any unused spackle in an airtight container.
Spackle has a thin texture and is easy to apply. It shrinks much less than joint compound when it’s dry, and can be sanded and painted over rather quickly. It is also sold in small quantities which makes it the ideal for small home repairs.
How Long Does Spackle Take To Dry?
There are several different types of spackles on the market with varying dry times. Some are ”fast dry” while others can take longer to process. It only takes about 15-30 minutes for fast-dry spackle to dry, but we recommend waiting at least 1-2 hours to start sanding or painting after you have used it. Regular spackle takes 1-2 hours to dry, but we recommend waiting a full 24 hours before you start to sand or paint over it. Also, it is important to note that extreme hot or cold temperatures, along with humidity, are contributors to the drying time of spackle.
You can also buy spackle with color-changing technology built into it. This type of spackle starts out one color(usually blue), then turns another color(usually white) when it is completely dry, which takes all of the guesswork for you.
When NOT To Use Spackle
Spackle is not ideal for handling large jobs. For those, we recommend using a joint compound. Joint compound, often called drywall compound or drywall mud, is typically used to repair your larger holes, to smooth out gaps between drywall boards, or to cover drywall tape between those boards. It is thicker than spackle which gives it a longer drying time. However, you can use it as a substitute for spackle in a pinch. You can’t, however, use spackle as a substitute for joint compound.
How To Spackle A Hole
It’s important to have the proper tools and supplies before you start any DIY project. Your projects will run smoother and get done faster if you don’t have to stop and look for materials along the way. Here is a list of tools and materials to gather before you start:
- Spackle or compound of your choice
- ‘Sandpaper
- Putty knife
- Cloth or rag for cleaning
Step 1
Pick your compound. If the hole is ¾ inch or wider, a heavy or joint compound is the better choice. When repairing any hole smaller than ¾ ich, a lightweight spackle is preferable. You can use joint compound in small holes, but, as we mentioned earlier, it takes much longer to fully dry than spackle does.
Step 2
Next, you will prep the area so the spackle will adhere well. Use your sandpaper to smooth away any rough areas or debris surrounding your hole.
Step 3
Now, you’ll want to prepare or mix the compound of your choice and apply it to the hole. Load your putty knife with a good amount of the spackling agent. Apply in a downward motion starting from the top.
If you are using a powdered compound that requires premixing, be sure to only premix the amount you will need for the repair you are working on. Powdered spackle, after being mixed with water, doesn’t store well.
Step 4
When your hole is completely filled, you’ll want to level it off using your putty knife. Don’t push too hard because it can pull putty from the hole. You’ll be sanding over the spackled area once it’s dry, so don’t worry about it being perfect at this point.
Step 5
Wipe away any residual compound from the area with your damp rag or cloth.
Step 6
Spackle tends to shrink a little when drying, so go back and check to see if the patch has recessed. If it has, simply apply another layer of spackle. Most holes deeper than ¼ inch need to be spackled more than once.
Step 7
Now, allow the spackle several hours to dry. Once it is dry, lightly sand the repaired area until it is flush with the wall and smooth.
Step 8
You are now free to repaint the area to match the rest of the wall.
Where To Buy Spackle in the Sacramento Area
You can purchase spackle and joint compound at almost any home improvement store in the Sacramento area. Capital Ace Hardware stores along with Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowe’s are all convenient locations to purchase spackles.
All About Spackle Conclusion
Spackle is a putty used to fill in holes in your walls. Quick-drying spackle only takes about 15-30 minutes to dry but we recommend . If you have questions about how to spackle or any other questions regarding painting projects, contact our team at Diamond Star Painting today. Our skilled team offers a variety of high-quality services including residential and commercial painting services, exterior and interior painting services, cabinet painting, deck refinishing, ceiling painting, and more. We serve everywhere in the Sacramento area including Folsom, Roseville, and Rocklin.
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