I'm trying to fix a small hole in my wall with a California patch (5"x5"), and I picked up some pink-to-white spackle (DAP Drydex) for the job. However, I realized that it might not be suitable for this kind of patch after I already opened it. I'm currently in Canada and can't find the green lid joint compound, plus the smallest premix I can find is 1.5L, which is way more than I need. Is it possible to use the spackle for this patch, or do I really need something else?
3 Answers
You'll want to use joint compound instead of spackle for your patch. Spackle is great for tiny holes or dings, but it doesn't have the necessary adhesive strength for taping a patch. It dries really hard, and you might see cracking along the edges later on, which means you'll probably need to fix it again. I recommend using a hot mud like USG Easy Sand 5 or 20. It comes in powder form that you mix with water, and it's what you really need for this task.
Honestly, just buy the joint compound. The 1.5L tub is under $10, which isn’t a huge investment considering you might need it for other projects. Plus, if you're not in southern Alberta or Saskatchewan, you can also use any leftovers to help with your soil pH.
That's a great point! Didn't think about the soil use.
You can technically use spackle for your patch, but it’s not the ideal material. I've done it before and it can work, just be prepared for some extra effort. You'll probably need to feather it out more and spend a lot of time sanding, which can be a pain.
I’ve found that the 20-minute mix is way easier to sand and work with compared to others.