Painters Putty Vs Spackling? Top Answer Update

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Crawford’s Best Use and Guide for Painters’ Putty

Painters have several tools and materials that are used for simple solutions. The problem is that most painters cannot explain why certain tools or products are preferred. But today is the day you learn why Crawfords Putty is so important to professional house painters’ surface prep, and we offer a Crawfords Putty review for you to understand.

Appropriate materials and tools make the process of any painting project easier. With so many different products coming out today, it can be difficult to judge which is best in terms of use and end results.

When applied and used correctly, Crawfords makes interior trim appear seamless and free of defects. Here we offer not only the composition, but also techniques and tips to guide you in the proper preparation of interior or exterior surfaces with one of the best painting weapons of choice, the painter’s spatula.

Where to use Crawfords

Here’s a trick question! Have you ever seen a nail hole covered with an unidentified material? If you can see the nail hole, the wrong material was probably used or one of the paint materials was applied incorrectly.

We see it all the time, nail holes filled with caulk. While caulking is great, its intended use isn’t to fill nail holes.

Note: As an aside, if you see your house painter using nail hole caulking, you’re in. We all have to learn, but when you’re paying for quality service, your painter should know what they’re doing.

Painter’s Putty is a soft compound designed to fill nail holes and smooth out minor imperfections on wood and other rigid substrates such as PVC and composite siding.

Advantages of painter’s spatula

The cool thing about painter’s putty is its resistance to cracking. Also, unlike caulking, putty is resistant to shrinkage.

painter’s spatula shrinks; however, it shrinks about 90% less than conventional caulking. However, there is a caveat here. The drier the putty is applied, the more resistant it is to shrinkage.

Tip: A trick painters use to resist slight shrinkage is to remove a small amount of putty from the can a day before use.

Painter’s putty dries slowly, but if left unused for a few days, the excess water will be released and the putty will shrink before application. This trick works great with new putty cans.

Why Crawford’s Putty

A few other brands of painter’s putty can be found at places like Home Depot and Lowes. We’ll change the name dropping, but remember that just because it has market share, a particular product isn’t necessarily the best.

So if you’re reading this article, give us credit, and we don’t want to bore you; We just wanted to shed some light on why Crawsfords may not be available in your area.

Price point rules in today’s market, for understandable reasons. Another consideration is the lack of consumer research or knowledge.

Aside from its simplistic concept and determination, Crawfords has environmental benefits that are worth recognizing. There are no hazardous materials or compounds, so gloves are merely optional.

Ready to use, it is comparatively easy to apply and outperforms other brands by offering long-term resistance to cracking, sagging, splitting or shrinkage.

What exactly is painter’s spatula?

Crawfords is a non-toxic filler that contains no lead, asbestos or chemical preservatives. The ready-to-use compound serves as a multi-purpose spatula for indoor and outdoor painting work.

Crawford Putty contains refined natural linseed oils, water-milled calcium carbonates and lacquer-grade titanium.

Crawfords is best used for small cracks, nail holes, hammer blows, bridging wood flaws with knives and much more.

Ease of use and beautiful results make this product a secret weapon painters love to use.

The disadvantages of putty

A handful of painters would argue that putties aren’t the best tool for filling a nail hole, and in many ways they make a good point.

Painter’s putty puts a lot of strain on your fingertips when you have a lot of holes to fill. In extreme or high-production applications, fingertips may become sore and bleed. We can see that this would be a real problem for new builders.

Also, paint fillers generally take a while to harden. However, it can be painted over within a few hours. In some cases this can result in a subtle shrinkage, measured in the micron range, but can be more pronounced on glossier surfaces.

If you’re looking for absolute perfection, a combination of putty and putty or wood putty offers bulletproof results. But for most applications, putty is more than enough.

Tip: A tip for success is to use semi-gloss interior paints that are less viscous. That said, thicker interior paints will bridge the shrinkage, however subtle, should it occur.

Our experience with Crawfords Painters’ Putty

So it’s worth mentioning; We have few total interior finishes for new build houses with painters trowel – we do not offer this service. However, we use painter’s putty for almost every nail hole to repaint our homes.

In some cases, particularly with exterior trim, we will spot primers around the nail heads because they are not recessed enough, meaning there is no actual hole, but more of a 1/64 inch recess.

Tip: Another tip is to keep your hands clean when applying. Consequently, since Crawfords contains linseed oil, the oil will transfer to your hands and can be transferred to other areas and smeared.

Tip: Linseed oil can also leach through cheap vinyl paint. So when applying putty to new wood a good coat of good quality primer is highly recommended.

How to apply painters putty

Suppose you use paint filler to fill small nail holes; It is best to press the putty into the hole with your finger. Some painters try to work the putty with a 5-in-1 paint tool or a palette knife.

Tip: Tooling putty is one of its benefits, but not for nail holes. The knife is better used to shape the putty over larger areas like an outside corner.

Step 1: Take a pinch of putty for nail holes and roll it into your fingers using your index and thumb. After creating a mini ball, take the putty and press the putty firmly against the spot.

Step 2: Spread the remaining materials over the hole with your fingers until it is filled. Remember not to press or rub too hard. Instead, gently glaze over the hole to avoid creating a recessed fill of the nail hole.

Repeat the process until the hole is seamlessly bridged and that’s it! just right? It takes a little finesse, but is relatively easy with practice.

Conclusion and takeaway

Painter’s Putty requires no tools or additional sanding to make those holes or cracks in wood, vinyl, or composite molding look amazing!

Painter’s putty gets the job done with no fuss or additional health risks. We love it! It offers excellent results for most applications and is an essential tool for professional house painters and DIY interior or exterior painting projects.

From the painters of A Touch of Color we now conclude this article. Thank you for reading.

We offer more articles, insights and professional service for Raleigh, NC. Contact us or visit us on our social media!

This article was co-authored by Ryan Owsiany and wikiHow contributor Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Ryan Owsiany is a drywall and paint specialist and owner of Patch and Paint Pros in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. With over two decades of experience, Ryan specializes in interior and exterior home painting, as well as drywall, plaster and water damage repairs. Ryan holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University. Patch and Paint Pros employ only experienced, friendly painters who understand that proper preparation is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction on any painting project. This article has been viewed 87,174 times.

Article overview

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Putty is a great material for smoothing out your walls and filling any cracks or holes. First, wipe down your wall with a damp sponge to dampen it and help the putty adhere. Mix 2 parts water and 1 part putty in a bucket and stir until smooth. If you’re only filling small cracks and holes, use a spatula to apply the putty. Simply take some putty on your knife, press it into any crack or hole and scrape off any excess. Wait at least 6 hours for it to dry, then sand and wipe with a damp cloth. When applying putty to the entire wall, to save time, use a large trowel and apply in long, even strokes. Hold the trowel at a 30 degree angle and move it straight up the wall. Allow the wall to dry for 24 hours and then apply a second coat if needed before priming and painting. For more tips including how to protect door and window frames when applying putty, read on!

Painting is theoretically a very simple task. Well, it is very easy to apply paint to the walls and ceiling, especially with an electric paint sprayer.

However, to do this at a high level, you need not only a certain level of skill, but also the right materials and tools. And, boy, is there a ton of different tools, gadgets, and materials to choose from.

We’ve already covered a guide to cleaning and preparing your walls for painting here at Paint Sprayer Guide. For this article we wanted to address a question that is central to many debates and something you may have asked yourself.

So what is the difference between the two?

Painter’s putty vs. putty: Painter’s putty and putty are very similar, but there is a difference. Painter’s putty is designed for painters, while putty is not just for painting. Both can substitute for each other if needed, but it’s best to use painter’s putty whenever possible.

It’s funny that this is such a big problem because it always seems that way. The little things that get the most thought.

After all, you might have everything ready. You’ve made your decision whether to use just brushes or one of the different types of paint sprayers.

If you use one of these economical and time-saving tools, you’ve probably figured out what paint sprayer supplies you need. But what should you use – putty vs. putty.

If you are completely new to decorating or using these types of products, you may be wondering which putty or putty is best and what the main differences are.

Well, in the following post, we hope to help you in making a decision. It makes sense to first explain what each of these similar products is, why they are used, and why you should choose one over the other.

What is painter’s spatula?

Painter’s putty is designed as a tool specifically for painters (not just your general contractor), as the name suggests, although some call it a paint putty. It is used to fill small holes, nail holes, gaps and cracks on surfaces you wish to paint to give a nice smooth finish when used with a spatula and sandpaper.

Then, after you have corrected all problem areas, it can be primed and painted over seamlessly. That way no one would ever know that you actually did anything other than paint the wall.

If you don’t make these corrections to the wall or area to be painted before applying a coat, your hard work with the brush or syringe will be compromised and the quality will not show.

While that sounds like a lot of extra work, there’s no need to break a sweat over it. Most painter’s putties work incredibly fast and are so easy to use no matter your skill level or experience or purposes.

What is Spackle?

Unless you work in construction, you might think that this paste is one and the same.

Spackle is a drywall joint compound typically used in construction. Interestingly, it’s a different product that shares similarities with painter’s putty. For one, you can use it to fix gaps, holes, and other minor imperfections in woodwork, paneling, walls, or ceilings. Similar to joint compound, it is very easy to paint over if you coat it with a primer first.

Though it shares these similarities in its base compound, it’s not just another name for painter’s putty. Then what are the actual differences between them?

In general it is not quite as effective at picking up paint as it is intended for when used on top of paste. Sure, it’ll do the job, it just won’t and produce the same almost invisible results. It is designed as a common connection.

You can often see an area where putty has been applied because there is uneven paintwork and paint where the hole used to be as it dries. That’s probably not the effect you’re looking for when trying to achieve large visible surfaces on professional-level walls.

As with caulk, putty can shrink after the water dries, making dents in walls more difficult to fill with this putty than painter’s putty.

In this sense, what is the better product?

If you are painting a wall and need to patch or fix imperfections in the surface, or are working on the ceiling or a wooded surface that you are going to paint, then the best painter’s putty will always give you the best results. It has been specially developed and manufactured for painters and is not intended as a grout.

Unlike putty, which is manufactured as a more generic product with multiple applications and uses, e.g. B. for sealing gaps between plaster or drywall.

Does that mean Spackle has no place in your home? Not really, as they are both very helpful on their own. If, for example, color irregularities do not matter because the area where you will use it will not be visible and it is for purely static reasons, it is enough for wooden surfaces as well.

The final result

So hopefully that clears it up.

Yes, these putties are very similar and can be used indiscriminately for many of the same tasks, e.g. B. for filling nail holes. When it comes to performing a highly professional level of paintwork, painter’s putty should always be the answer and part of your process as long as you plan on sanding it after it’s dry.

If you are repairing plaster, corners, wood or trim, you should do the repair with putty as that is its main purpose.

frequently asked Questions

To conclude the post, I’ll answer some common questions I’m asked.

Can you use painters putty on drywall?

Yes you can, but it’s not the best option. Painters Putty is intended for use with plaster of paris, not raw drywall. When working directly over drywall, you’ll get better results with Putty, a specially formulated drywall joint compound.

Does paint filler harden?

Yes, paint putty dries, but it usually takes years. It generally forms a tough skin on the outside that can be sanded and smoothed. Applying heat will soften the putty, not harder. It’s best to leave it until it feels hard and be gentle with it.

How do you use painter’s spatula?

Using paint putty is different from applying putty. You need to dry the putty into the hole, and then remove all the excess with a spatula. Make sure you have covered the entire area as the paint will not fill any holes after painting.

Different fillers have different levels of absorption, as does the original finish of the wall. This means that when you paint over it, the paint behaves differently on each surface. Ideally, if you use filler you will need to prime it with a diluted solution of your top coat. I suspect you’ve already painted with a regular top coat, which explains why you’re still seeing the filler. To even things out, you’ll probably need to do a few more coats over the filler and feather it into the surrounding wall.

The other issue may be that the walls have been rolled and have a texture while the filler is smooth so it also stands out. The only way to solve this is to apply a few coats over the putty knife with a roller instead of a brush to try and match the texture of the wall around it.

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Common material used as a sealant or filler

This article is about the type of material. For the software, see PuTTY. For other uses, see Putty (disambiguation)

Putty is a material with high plasticity, similar in texture to clay or dough, typically used in home construction and repair as a sealant or filler. Although some types of putties (typically those using linseed oil) are slow to polymerize and stiffen, many putties can be overworked indefinitely, unlike other types of putties which typically set relatively quickly.

Use in construction[edit]

Putty has been used extensively in glazing to fasten and seal panes of glass in wooden frames (or sashes), although its use is declining with the proliferation of PVC and metal window frames that use synthetic sealants such as silicone. Glaze putty is traditionally made by mixing a chalk (finely ground chalk) base with linseed oil in varying proportions. In the past white lead was sometimes mixed with whiting.[1] There are a number of synthetic alternatives, e.g. B. Polybutene-based putties in which the polybutene is a low molecular weight oligomer replacing the linseed oil. Butyl rubber is also added to the mix to add some strength and flexibility.

Paint putty is typically a linseed oil based product used only to fill holes, minor cracks and blemishes in wood.

Putties can also be made intumescent, in which case they are used for fire protection, as well as padding sockets in fire-resistant drywall. In the latter case, hydrates in the putty create an endothermic reaction to mitigate heat transfer to the unexposed side.

Water-based putties are more commonly used in woodworking because they emit very little odor, are easier to clean, and are compatible with water and latex sealers.

Polyester putty and epoxy putty are plastics that can be shaped by hand but become stiff and hard after curing. Pratley Putty is an epoxy putty primarily used for bonding steel. Milliput is another epoxy putty. Bondo is a polyester putty.

plumber’s putty [ edit ]

Plumbing putty is the common name that encompasses a variety of products with wildly different compositions, all used to create a watertight seal in plumbing fixtures. It is a pliable substance used to waterproof faucets and drains. The putty is an essential part of a plumber’s tool kit and is often used when replacing plumbing fixtures. Plumbing putty formulations vary, but commonly contain clay powder and linseed oil. Other formulas use limestone, talc, or fish oil. RTV silicone or epoxy caulk can be used in place of putty.

Plumbing putty contains mineral and/or vegetable oils, so porous materials such as marble and some plastics can become soiled.[4]

Other uses[ edit ]

Certain types of putty also find use in the field of terminal ballistics, where the putty can accurately represent the average density of the human body. As such, it can be used, for example, to test projectile penetration or body armor stopping power.

Plasticine and play dough like plasticine and silly putty are common toys. Silly Putty is packed in plastic eggs.

See also[edit]

Grout and putty are two fantastic products designed to help you smooth out the imperfections in the walls of your home. However, if you are faced with the decision of having to choose between the two, which one should you go for?

While personal preference definitely plays a role, it really comes down to what you do with it. Before we proceed, however, it’s important to have a good understanding of what joint compound and filler are.

Joint compound, also known as drywall compound, is a putty that has the consistency of plaster and is designed for larger jobs. Joint compound is made by mixing plaster dust and water into a paste. It usually comes in a pre-mixed container and is widely used for masking and finishing drywall seams. There are 4 types of grout on the market. They include:

All-purpose compound : Can be used for all phases of the patching process.

: Can be used for all phases of the patching process. Putty: To be applied to a wall with two dried coats of putty.

: To be applied to a wall with two dried layers of tape. Adhesive Putty: The first and second layers of the putty you want to apply.

: The first and second layers of the mixture you want to apply. Fast Setting Mixture: Dries faster than the other mixes and is excellent for deep cracks and wide holes.

Spackle, on the other hand, is a branded product by Muralo. It is similar to paste and comes in light spatula and heavy spatula.

Lightweight spackle is generally made from vinyl and is used to fill small holes created by nails, pins and needles. Heavier putty is acrylic and is typically used for larger, thicker holes.

Spackle is also sold in pre-mixed containers for easy use, but powder mixes are also available for those interested. To keep the powder mixes from going bad, make sure you only mix enough for the job you are about to do.

Drywall joint compound vs. putty

Joint compound is a better choice for masking and finishing drywall seams, while putty is a better choice for filling small to large holes in your walls.

Well, that, but joint compound usually dries a lot slower than putty. In fact, after you repair a hole with putty, the surface can be sanded and painted within an hour, while if you repair it with joint compound,

Another benefit of putty is that it doesn’t shrink as much as joint compound after it’s fully dry. Because the putty shrinks so much, multiple applications are usually required to fully finish the surface. Spackle also shrinks, but it just doesn’t do nearly as much as putty. These additional grout applications are both time consuming and sometimes tedious.

Finally, Spackle is much easier to use. Most jointing compounds come in a convenient container that is ready to use, and while many jointing compounds will do this, there are some that you will need to mix yourself before applying. Spackle is also a thinner paste that is easier to spread. However, if you don’t want more than a thin coat, joint compound is probably a better choice.

Although putty dries much faster than joint compound, doesn’t shrink nearly as much, and is easier to work with, joint compound is much easier to sand down. In addition, the joint compound is also denser, thicker and more durable all around. The best part? You can use multiple layers to fill and thicken specific areas of a wall. That’s just something Spackle can’t do.

The price between joint compound and putty is another difference worth noting. Since grout is typically used to cover large areas, more of it is needed. As a result, the overall cost is usually higher. However, putty is more expensive on average, but because you don’t have to buy as much, you end up paying less. Fixing a few small holes in the wall doesn’t require a lot of joint compound, but covering the joints between the panels does require quite a bit of joint compound.

Although putty usually comes in larger and more expensive grades, it does not dry out as quickly as putty. In fact, putty dries out much faster. The best thing to do, whether you’re using putty or joint compound, is to make sure you put the lid back on the container when you’re done using it. This keeps your grout or filler fresh for longer.

Choice between grout and putty

When deciding whether to use putty or joint compound, always consider the task at hand. If you’re just trying to fill some holes and spread a thin layer, putty is your best bet. However, if you’re trying to cover a large area, thicken a wall, or want a surface that’s easy to sand, then grout is a better choice.

Joint compound vs. putty: fastening drywall

When your drywall needs repairs, your choices are putty and putty. Typically, joint compound is used to cover the seams that lie between two pieces of drywall. Spackle, on the other hand, is more used to covering holes. If you plan to use joint compound, you will need joint tape. This allows you to cover the seams.

Joint tape can be purchased at most hardware stores and comes in two different types, paper and fiberglass. Paper joint tape paper comes spooled on a roll while fiberglass cloth tape comes with adhesive conveniently applied to it. This is the most commonly used joint tape and probably the easiest to use. It’s your decision. When using joint tape to cover a seam:

Cut the tape to the exact length you need. Once you cut the tape, tape it to the seam. Do this for any seams you want to cover. Equip yourself with a trowel. Use the trowel to spread a layer of your joint compound over the seams. Allow the grout to dry. Check if additional applications are required. If so, add them and let them dry. Sand the surface for a flat, smooth looking wall.

You can now paint or tile your drywall however you like. One thing to remember about grout is that the more grout you apply, the more sanding you will need to do. This excessive sanding can result in a lot of dust falling onto your floor and into the air you breathe. So use it sparingly.

If you need to fill and cover some small holes in your drywall, consider using putty knife instead. That doesn’t mean you can’t use joint compound to fill holes, but as mentioned earlier, putty works better for these smaller jobs. Use spatula:

Equip yourself with a spatula. Spread some putty in and over the hole you want to cover. Once the holes are filled and covered, allow the putty to dry. Sand the surface until you have a smooth finish.

After sanding the surface, you can paint or tile your wall to your liking. As with the grout, use putty sparingly to avoid excessive sanding and dusting.

Joint compound vs. putty: review

So is putty the same as putty? They are similar to each other, but each also has its own purpose. Joint compound is your best bet when it comes to repairing large holes, cracks, and covering the seams between two pieces of drywall. Spackle, on the other hand, is a more appropriate choice for smaller jobs like covering nail holes and other minor blemishes on your walls.

Joint compound is much thicker, denser, and heavier than putty and takes much longer to dry. With putty you can apply it and paint your walls within an hour. That’s just not the case with grout. Allow sufficient time for the grout to dry.

Joint compound is sold in 1 liter containers up to 5 gallon pails. If you have a lot of area to cover, then the larger bucket is a better choice. Because putty is used sparingly, it is usually sold in smaller containers at a lower price.

Now that you know pretty much everything there is to know about joint compound and filler, you should have no problem deciding which is the better choice. It really all comes down to the type of work you need to do.

Painting is theoretically a very simple task. Well, it is very easy to apply paint to the walls and ceiling, especially with an electric paint sprayer.

However, to do this at a high level, you need not only a certain level of skill, but also the right materials and tools. And, boy, is there a ton of different tools, gadgets, and materials to choose from.

We’ve already covered a guide to cleaning and preparing your walls for painting here at Paint Sprayer Guide. For this article we wanted to address a question that is central to many debates and something you may have asked yourself.

So what is the difference between the two?

Painter’s putty vs. putty: Painter’s putty and putty are very similar, but there is a difference. Painter’s putty is designed for painters, while putty is not just for painting. Both can substitute for each other if needed, but it’s best to use painter’s putty whenever possible.

It’s funny that this is such a big problem because it always seems that way. The little things that get the most thought.

After all, you might have everything ready. You’ve made your decision whether to use just brushes or one of the different types of paint sprayers.

If you use one of these economical and time-saving tools, you’ve probably figured out what paint sprayer supplies you need. But what should you use – putty vs. putty.

If you are completely new to decorating or using these types of products, you may be wondering which putty or putty is best and what the main differences are.

Well, in the following post, we hope to help you in making a decision. It makes sense to first explain what each of these similar products is, why they are used, and why you should choose one over the other.

What is painter’s spatula?

Painter’s putty is designed as a tool specifically for painters (not just your general contractor), as the name suggests, although some call it a paint putty. It is used to fill small holes, nail holes, gaps and cracks on surfaces you wish to paint to give a nice smooth finish when used with a spatula and sandpaper.

Then, after you have corrected all problem areas, it can be primed and painted over seamlessly. That way no one would ever know that you actually did anything other than paint the wall.

If you don’t make these corrections to the wall or area to be painted before applying a coat, your hard work with the brush or syringe will be compromised and the quality will not show.

While that sounds like a lot of extra work, there’s no need to break a sweat over it. Most painter’s putties work incredibly fast and are so easy to use no matter your skill level or experience or purposes.

What is Spackle?

Unless you work in construction, you might think that this paste is one and the same.

Spackle is a drywall joint compound typically used in construction. Interestingly, it’s a different product that shares similarities with painter’s putty. For one, you can use it to fix gaps, holes, and other minor imperfections in woodwork, paneling, walls, or ceilings. Similar to joint compound, it is very easy to paint over if you coat it with a primer first.

Though it shares these similarities in its base compound, it’s not just another name for painter’s putty. Then what are the actual differences between them?

In general it is not quite as effective at picking up paint as it is intended for when used on top of paste. Sure, it’ll do the job, it just won’t and produce the same almost invisible results. It is designed as a common connection.

You can often see an area where putty has been applied because there is uneven paintwork and paint where the hole used to be as it dries. That’s probably not the effect you’re looking for when trying to achieve large visible surfaces on professional-level walls.

As with caulk, putty can shrink after the water dries, making dents in walls more difficult to fill with this putty than painter’s putty.

In this sense, what is the better product?

If you are painting a wall and need to patch or fix imperfections in the surface, or are working on the ceiling or a wooded surface that you are going to paint, then the best painter’s putty will always give you the best results. It has been specially developed and manufactured for painters and is not intended as a grout.

Unlike putty, which is manufactured as a more generic product with multiple applications and uses, e.g. B. for sealing gaps between plaster or drywall.

Does that mean Spackle has no place in your home? Not really, as they are both very helpful on their own. If, for example, color irregularities do not matter because the area where you will use it will not be visible and it is for purely static reasons, it is enough for wooden surfaces as well.

The final result

So hopefully that clears it up.

Yes, these putties are very similar and can be used indiscriminately for many of the same tasks, e.g. B. for filling nail holes. When it comes to performing a highly professional level of paintwork, painter’s putty should always be the answer and part of your process as long as you plan on sanding it after it’s dry.

If you are repairing plaster, corners, wood or trim, you should do the repair with putty as that is its main purpose.

frequently asked Questions

To conclude the post, I’ll answer some common questions I’m asked.

Can you use painters putty on drywall?

Yes you can, but it’s not the best option. Painters Putty is intended for use with plaster of paris, not raw drywall. When working directly over drywall, you’ll get better results with Putty, a specially formulated drywall joint compound.

Does paint filler harden?

Yes, paint putty dries, but it usually takes years. It generally forms a tough skin on the outside that can be sanded and smoothed. Applying heat will soften the putty, not harder. It’s best to leave it until it feels hard and be gentle with it.

How do you use painter’s spatula?

Using paint putty is different from applying putty. You need to dry the putty into the hole, and then remove all the excess with a spatula. Make sure you have covered the entire area as the paint will not fill any holes after painting.

Wall putty comes in a few common types, putty and wall putty. Know the difference so you can choose the right one for your project.

Wall putty 101

Remember the time your kids rode their bikes into the house and the pedals banged against the hallway walls? Or what about the scars left by the nails you tore out when moving pictures? Wall spatula to the rescue! Before you paint, cover those scars with this magic paste and no one will ever know they were there.

Let’s talk about the difference between the two main painter’s putties, putty and putty. There are a few distinguishing features, mainly:

project scope

dry season

shrinkage

Spackle comes in small tubs and has the consistency of fluffy toothpaste. Made from plaster powder and bonding agents (sometimes mixed with some vinyl) it is used to repair small dents and holes, such as nail holes.

It dries faster than any other putty (about 30 minutes) and shrinks less, so you can often repair the hole in one coat. And because it dries quickly, you can sand and paint it almost immediately after application.

Joint compound, also called drywall slurry, is used for larger jobs, most commonly by painters hanging drywall. This plaster and water mixture has the consistency of cake frosting and is mixed as you work. Painters hang up the drywall, tape the seams between the boards, and apply joint compound over the tape. This hides the seams, creating a smooth surface.

Spackle’s quick-drying nature means it doesn’t do well in mud. But mud can be used in place of putty. However, due to longer drying times and tendency to shrink, you may need to apply more than one coat and wait 24-48 hours before painting.

How to putty a wall before painting

Pro tip: work quickly and keep your putty covered when not in use. When you mix your own mud, you only make what you need for your job.

When patching drywall or plaster and filling holes smaller than half an inch, use a premixed putty knife.

Remove any loose drywall

Using a spatula, smooth out the putty by angling it at an angle of about 45 degrees and stroking down until the hole is filled

Scrape off the extra spatula

let dry

Apply another layer if necessary

Sand gently and wipe off dust

colour

For larger holes or cracks in plaster or drywall, use joint compound and reinforcing mesh. This is a type of aluminum backing material that gives the mud something to bind to. It helps ensure the mud doesn’t dry and crumble over time.

Attach the mesh to the drywall and completely cover the hole

Smooth out the grout

Let it dry and apply another coat if needed

sand

Finished

For larger holes, use a large piece of drywall reinforced with chicken wire or wood and smooth out some joint compound.

Are you ready for smooth walls or a new coat of paint? Request a free virtual quote. Or talk to us about color schemes – we’ll even send you free 8″ x 8″ color swatches.

Grout and putty are two fantastic products designed to help you smooth out the imperfections in the walls of your home. However, if you are faced with the decision of having to choose between the two, which one should you go for?

While personal preference definitely plays a role, it really comes down to what you do with it. Before we proceed, however, it’s important to have a good understanding of what joint compound and filler are.

Joint compound, also known as drywall compound, is a putty that has the consistency of plaster and is designed for larger jobs. Joint compound is made by mixing plaster dust and water into a paste. It usually comes in a pre-mixed container and is widely used for masking and finishing drywall seams. There are 4 types of grout on the market. They include:

All-purpose compound : Can be used for all phases of the patching process.

: Can be used for all phases of the patching process. Putty: To be applied to a wall with two dried coats of putty.

: To be applied to a wall with two dried layers of tape. Adhesive Putty: The first and second layers of the putty you want to apply.

: The first and second layers of the mixture you want to apply. Fast Setting Mixture: Dries faster than the other mixes and is excellent for deep cracks and wide holes.

Spackle, on the other hand, is a branded product by Muralo. It is similar to paste and comes in light spatula and heavy spatula.

Lightweight spackle is generally made from vinyl and is used to fill small holes created by nails, pins and needles. Heavier putty is acrylic and is typically used for larger, thicker holes.

Spackle is also sold in pre-mixed containers for easy use, but powder mixes are also available for those interested. To keep the powder mixes from going bad, make sure you only mix enough for the job you are about to do.

Drywall joint compound vs. putty

Joint compound is a better choice for masking and finishing drywall seams, while putty is a better choice for filling small to large holes in your walls.

Well, that, but joint compound usually dries a lot slower than putty. In fact, after you repair a hole with putty, the surface can be sanded and painted within an hour, while if you repair it with joint compound,

Another benefit of putty is that it doesn’t shrink as much as joint compound after it’s fully dry. Because the putty shrinks so much, multiple applications are usually required to fully finish the surface. Spackle also shrinks, but it just doesn’t do nearly as much as putty. These additional grout applications are both time consuming and sometimes tedious.

Finally, Spackle is much easier to use. Most jointing compounds come in a convenient container that is ready to use, and while many jointing compounds will do this, there are some that you will need to mix yourself before applying. Spackle is also a thinner paste that is easier to spread. However, if you don’t want more than a thin coat, joint compound is probably a better choice.

Although putty dries much faster than joint compound, doesn’t shrink nearly as much, and is easier to work with, joint compound is much easier to sand down. In addition, the joint compound is also denser, thicker and more durable all around. The best part? You can use multiple layers to fill and thicken specific areas of a wall. That’s just something Spackle can’t do.

The price between joint compound and putty is another difference worth noting. Since grout is typically used to cover large areas, more of it is needed. As a result, the overall cost is usually higher. However, putty is more expensive on average, but because you don’t have to buy as much, you end up paying less. Fixing a few small holes in the wall doesn’t require a lot of joint compound, but covering the joints between the panels does require quite a bit of joint compound.

Although putty usually comes in larger and more expensive grades, it does not dry out as quickly as putty. In fact, putty dries out much faster. The best thing to do, whether you’re using putty or joint compound, is to make sure you put the lid back on the container when you’re done using it. This keeps your grout or filler fresh for longer.

Choice between grout and putty

When deciding whether to use putty or joint compound, always consider the task at hand. If you’re just trying to fill some holes and spread a thin layer, putty is your best bet. However, if you’re trying to cover a large area, thicken a wall, or want a surface that’s easy to sand, then grout is a better choice.

Joint compound vs. putty: fastening drywall

When your drywall needs repairs, your choices are putty and putty. Typically, joint compound is used to cover the seams that lie between two pieces of drywall. Spackle, on the other hand, is more used to covering holes. If you plan to use joint compound, you will need joint tape. This allows you to cover the seams.

Joint tape can be purchased at most hardware stores and comes in two different types, paper and fiberglass. Paper joint tape paper comes spooled on a roll while fiberglass cloth tape comes with adhesive conveniently applied to it. This is the most commonly used joint tape and probably the easiest to use. It’s your decision. When using joint tape to cover a seam:

Cut the tape to the exact length you need. Once you cut the tape, tape it to the seam. Do this for any seams you want to cover. Equip yourself with a trowel. Use the trowel to spread a layer of your joint compound over the seams. Allow the grout to dry. Check if additional applications are required. If so, add them and let them dry. Sand the surface for a flat, smooth looking wall.

You can now paint or tile your drywall however you like. One thing to remember about grout is that the more grout you apply, the more sanding you will need to do. This excessive sanding can result in a lot of dust falling onto your floor and into the air you breathe. So use it sparingly.

If you need to fill and cover some small holes in your drywall, consider using putty knife instead. That doesn’t mean you can’t use joint compound to fill holes, but as mentioned earlier, putty works better for these smaller jobs. Use spatula:

Equip yourself with a spatula. Spread some putty in and over the hole you want to cover. Once the holes are filled and covered, allow the putty to dry. Sand the surface until you have a smooth finish.

After sanding the surface, you can paint or tile your wall to your liking. As with the grout, use putty sparingly to avoid excessive sanding and dusting.

Joint compound vs. putty: review

So is putty the same as putty? They are similar to each other, but each also has its own purpose. Joint compound is your best bet when it comes to repairing large holes, cracks, and covering the seams between two pieces of drywall. Spackle, on the other hand, is a more appropriate choice for smaller jobs like covering nail holes and other minor blemishes on your walls.

Joint compound is much thicker, denser, and heavier than putty and takes much longer to dry. With putty you can apply it and paint your walls within an hour. That’s just not the case with grout. Allow sufficient time for the grout to dry.

Joint compound is sold in 1 liter containers up to 5 gallon pails. If you have a lot of area to cover, then the larger bucket is a better choice. Because putty is used sparingly, it is usually sold in smaller containers at a lower price.

Now that you know pretty much everything there is to know about joint compound and filler, you should have no problem deciding which is the better choice. It really all comes down to the type of work you need to do.

Are you trying to decide between putty vs. joint compound and wood filler vs. joint compound to fill holes and gaps in your home improvement projects? This beginner’s guide will walk you through joint compound, wood filler, wood putty, putty, and joint compound. Learn how to choose the right product with confidence!

Thank you DAP for sponsoring this joint compound, wood filler and putty guide! All opinions are entirely my own. This post also contains affiliate links, but nothing I wouldn’t wholeheartedly recommend. Read my full disclosure here.

There are so many different types of materials to fill in holes and gaps in your home improvement projects and around your home. Joint compound, wood filler, wood spatula, putty, joint compound… just to name a few.

No wonder most DIY enthusiasts and homeowners are quite confused as to what the best product is.

Whether you’re filling gaps in trim and baseboards, or filling in nail holes, there’s a lot of finishing touches involved when working on weekend DIY projects, renovations, and woodworking projects.

Sealing overview

Caulking or caulking is a material used to fill gaps in the seams between two materials or to seal joints. It is sold in a tube that loads into a caulking gun that is used to force the caulking into the seam. It is also sold in a squeeze tube.

Caulk is used to seal seams, joints and corners from water, insects, air and/or water.

Caulk is usually made of either latex or silicone (or a combination of both).

There are tons of different types of caulk for all types of renovation and construction purposes, so it is very important that you choose the right caulk for the job.

What is caulking used for?

Flexible exterior seals are used around windows, doors, trim and trim

Flexible interior sealant is used around crown molding and baseboards, at the corners and edges of accent walls (such as shiplap).

Interior waterproofing for kitchens and bathrooms (or anywhere that can get wet or exposed to moisture) is used for all joints, corners and gaps between two materials. For example, where sinks meet countertops, where tile meets countertops with backsplashes, where a bathtub or shower meets wall or floor, etc.

Learn about the different types of gaskets and how to apply them!

What is the best seal?

Alex FlexCaulk

For interior trim and trim applications, we love DAP’s Alex Flex Premium Molding & Trim Acrylic Latex Siliconized Sealant. It is a high performance sealant specifically formulated for use in molding and trim applications. It offers excellent adhesion and flexibility for a tear-resistant seal. We also love that it’s ready to paint in 30 minutes.

Extreme expansion seal

When caulking is required in an area that will be subject to extreme temperature changes or potential movement, another great option is DAP’s premium, ultra-expandable, acrylic urethane elastomeric sealant. It is a high quality sealant that is ideal for sealing a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces. It is specially formulated to stretch over 600% to ensure the seal does not crack or lose adhesion making it perfect for most sealing projects including windows, doors, trim, side panels, corner joints, sinks and countertops .

Kwik Seal Ultra sealant

For kitchen and bathroom sealing, we love DAP’s Kwik Seal Ultra Advanced Kitchen & Bath Sealant. It’s an advanced sealer with innovative ultra-hydrophobic technology that repels water, dirt and stains and offers a lifetime guarantee against mold and mildew to keep the sealer looking clean, fresh and new.

Can you fill nail holes with joint compound? When handling things like crown molding, you’ll encounter nail holes as well as gaps between the crown molding and the wall. Chances are you’ll be tempted to just fill nail holes with caulk while you have it out. Why not kill two birds with one stone, right? We do not recommend using joint compound to fill nail holes. The downside to using joint compound to fill nail holes is that joint compound isn’t sandable, so you can get it as smooth as wood putty or putty. Caulk is also pretty messy, so using caulk to fill a small nail hole is a risk. Finally, caulk is more likely to shrink over time than wood filler or putty.

Overview wooden spatula

Wood filler is a sandable material that can be applied to nail holes, ridges, cracks, gaps, and imperfections on the wood surface.

Typically wood filler is used once a project is built but not yet stained/painted/sealed. Filling nail holes and other imperfections is one of the final steps in your woodworking projects.

Once applied and dry, you can sand it smooth and stain or paint your project.

What is wood spatula used for? Filling nail holes in woodworking projects

Filling of grooves and imperfections in the wood

Filling dents, grooves and nail holes in wood paneling and baseboards (that have not yet been stained or sealed)

Smoothing out cracks in wood projects

smoothing joints (where two pieces of wood come together)

Shaping damaged areas such as corners and edges What is the best wood spatula? Plastic Wood X general purpose wood spatula

For filling nail holes, crevices, cracks and imperfections on woodworking projects, we typically use DAP’s Plastic Wood X™ all-purpose wood putty with DryDex drying time indicator.

One thing I love about it is that it turns pink and dries to a natural wood finish so you’ll know when it’s ready to sand! How cool is that? This patented technology takes the guesswork out of figuring out when to grind and reduces the chance of mistakes.

Ready to use, the Wood Putty has a thick, knife-quality formula that spreads easily for quick, professional repairs and can even be applied to vertical surfaces.

Plastic Wood X is stainable, paintable and will not shrink, crack or crumble. After curing, it can be sanded, planed, cut, drilled, screwed or nailed.

Premium wood spatula

Premium Wood Filler from DAP is a custom 3-in-1 wood filler, grain filler and sealer. It has a unique water-based formula that allows you to more closely match existing wood tones to create a seamless and invisible repair.

The Premium Wood Filler will not sink, shrink, crack or fall out. It has strong impact resistance, making it perfect for filling edges or cracks. It dries quickly (slightly faster than Plastic Wood X), allowing you to finish your woodworking project faster.

The Premium Wood Filler features Chameleon Color Mixing Technology, which allows you to mix stains or pigments directly when wet for an exact color match. Alternatively, you can also apply the stain afterwards, because this wood filler accepts stains, tints, pigments, dyes and varnishes.

If you plan to use it as a grain filler (e.g. if you are painting the wood surface and don’t want to see the wood grain through the paint) you can dilute it slightly with warm water until you get a thick, paint-like consistency. Then brush it over the wood grain to fill in the natural wood pores. This ensures a smooth finish on the tabletop.

How to use wood spatula

Clean the surface. The area to be filled should be clean – dry and free from dirt and sanding dust. The surface and air must be above 40 degrees F.

The area to be filled should be clean – dry and free from dirt and sanding dust. The surface and air must be above 40 degrees F. Apply wood filler. Use a clean spatula to push wood spatula into larger grooves and scrape lightly flat across the surface with the knife to smooth it out. For small nail holes, you can simply push the filler into the hole with your finger. You should slightly overfill the repair when applying the wood filler so that you can sand it down to a smooth, flat finish after it dries. If the damaged area is deeper than 1/8″ – 1/4″, apply the wood filler in layers and allow each layer to dry before proceeding.

Use a clean spatula to push wood spatula into larger grooves and scrape lightly flat across the surface with the knife to smooth it out. For small nail holes, you can simply push the filler into the hole with your finger. You should slightly overfill the repair when applying the wood filler so that you can sand it down to a smooth, flat finish after it dries. Sand smooth. Once the wood filler has dried (when it’s no longer pink if you’re using Plastic Wood X with DryDex), you can sand it smooth with 150 grit sandpaper. It should take approximately 2-6 hours for shallow repairs to dry and up to 36 hours for deeper fills.

Once the wood filler has dried (when it’s no longer pink if you’re using Plastic Wood X with DryDex), you can sand it smooth with 150 grit sandpaper. It should take approximately 2-6 hours for shallow repairs to dry and up to 36 hours for deeper fills. stain or color. After sanding, you can usually stain or paint the wood filler as needed. Be sure to check the label for specific directions so you can get the best possible result.

Should I use wood filler or joint compound?

To summarize the difference between joint compound and wood filler, joint compound is used to fill in corners and gaps between two materials while wood filler should be used to fill in nail holes and other defects on flat wood surfaces.

Wood filler can be sanded and joints cannot.

Overview of wood spatula

Wood putty is a malleable material used to fill small holes and damage in woodwork and furniture. Wood putty is generally applied after the project is complete (i.e. stained, painted and sealed).

Another use of wood putty could be to treat damage to older wood furniture or moldings. Even if the piece has been sealed for years, you can find a good color match and fill in the damage with wood putty.

A key feature of wood filler is that it does not harden after drying. It remains malleable over time, meaning you can’t sand it smooth.

Plastic wood spatula (non-hardening)

Plastic Wood Putty from DAP is an easy-to-use, non-hardening wood putty ideal for filling small holes and minor imperfections in interior wood surfaces (like stained baseboards) after assembly and finishing.

It is recommended for filling and covering countersunk nail holes, grooves, scratches and miter joints.

Plastic Wood Putty is available in 12 popular wood tones that complement most painted wood finishes. The colors can be mixed together for an individual color match.

What is the difference between wood spatula and wood spatula?

The main difference between wood putty and wood putty is that wood putty hardens after drying (so that it can be sanded smooth) and wood putty does not.

Wood Filler can be used for interior and exterior applications (at least the products I mentioned above), while wood filler can only be used for interior projects.

Finally, wood filler is meant to be used during the construction process before the piece has been stained/sealed or painted. Wood putty is to be applied to the other side after the piece is finished.

Spackle overview

Spackle is a soft substance used to repair small damaged areas in drywall (like small holes, dents, and dents) and to fill in nail holes on walls. Spackle is typically made from plaster, glue, and other compounds.

Spackle is definitely one of those must-haves for homeowners that they always need to have close at hand, especially when you’re doing interior painting.

What is putty used for?

Filling nail holes on the wall before painting

Smooth out dents and dents in walls before painting a room

Filling dents, joints and nail holes in prepainted or primed trim and baseboards prior to painting

Filling nail holes and imperfections on a door frame or window trim (but check your label first as some putties are not suitable for door and window frames)

Patching nail holes on accent walls, like board and batten and faux shiplap

Repairing a small crack in the drywall

Putty is used before painting a room to repair damage to the walls such as nail holes and dents.

What is the best type of spatula?

DAP manufactures several different putty products to suit different uses, jobs and budgets. Here are 4 of our favorites!

DryDex putty

DAP’s DryDex Spackling is America’s #1 best seller and we generally turn to it first when filling holes before painting. DryDex putty should not shrink or crack after application.

Just like Plastic Wood X wood filler, it contains a patented DryDex drying time indicator that causes the product to change color when the optimal drying time is reached, which is generally 1 to 5 hours. It turns pink and turns white when dry! This unique feature is the indicator that it is ready for sanding and painting.

Alex Flex flexible spatula

If the area you are patching is prone to cracking and you have experienced repeated drywall cracking, consider DAP’s Alex Flex Flexible Spackling. It’s similar to DryDex putty in that it won’t shrink or crack and is sandable and paintable – but it’s more flexible.

Fast Dry Premium Putty

If you are in a hurry and don’t want to wait 1-5 hours for the putty to dry completely before sanding and painting, you can use DAP’s Fast Dry Premium Putty. It has a drying time 8 times faster than traditional heavy fillers and is typically ready to paint in just 15 minutes.

Alex Plus spatulas

DAP’s Alex Plus Spackling is another great option for filling holes and cracks in surfaces such as drywall, plaster, wood, brick, metal and stone. It has a ready-to-use, smooth white formula that spreads easily for quick, professional repairs that won’t sink, shrink or crack.

How do you use putty?

Clean the surface. The area that needs patching should be clean – dry and free of dirt and dust. If you want to learn more about how to clean walls before painting, check out this tutorial.

The area that needs patching should be clean – dry and free of dirt and dust. If you want to learn more about how to clean walls before painting, check out this tutorial. Apply putty. Stir spatula with a spatula. Use a clean spatula to press the putty into holes and damaged areas, then scrape flat across the surface with the knife to smooth it out. For small nail holes, you can simply push the spatula into the hole with your finger. You’ll want to slightly overfill the repair when applying the putty so you can sand it down to a smooth, flat finish after it dries. For better adhesion to your surface, first lightly sand the surface with a sanding block to d-shine the surface. If the damaged area is deeper than 1/8″ – 1/4″, apply the putty in layers and allow each layer to dry before proceeding.

Stir spatula with a spatula. Use a clean spatula to press the putty into holes and damaged areas, then scrape flat across the surface with the knife to smooth it out. For small nail holes, you can simply push the spatula into the hole with your finger. You’ll want to slightly overfill the repair when applying the putty so you can sand it down to a smooth, flat finish after it dries. Sand smooth. Once the putty has dried (when it is no longer pink when using DryDex) you can sand it smooth with a sanding block. The drying time is generally 1-5 hours. You can always touch the surface to see if it’s dry and if your sandpaper is clogged with putty, wait and allow the repair longer to dry before sanding to a smooth finish. If you’re in a hurry, try Fast Dry Spackling for a 15 minute paint dry time. For a smoother finish, dip your putty knife in water and lightly smooth the putty before drying. Use a dual grit sanding block for a nice and smooth finish. Start with medium (60-100 grit) and then finish with fine grit (120-220 grit).

Once the putty has dried (when it is no longer pink when using DryDex) you can sand it smooth with a sanding block. The drying time is generally 1-5 hours. You can always touch the surface to see if it’s dry and if your sandpaper is clogged with putty, wait and allow the repair longer to dry before sanding to a smooth finish. Colour. After sanding, you can paint the surface.

What is the difference between putty and wood putty?

It may be difficult to tell the difference between putty and wood putty as both fill holes on flat surfaces prior to painting and both are sandable.

However, the main difference between putty and wood putty is that putty cannot be stained like wood putty. So if you are planning to stain your project, wood putty is definitely the right choice.

Additionally, wood spatulas and spatulas are made very differently – although they do some of the same things (like filling holes).

Wood putty sticks and clings to wood, while putty sticks to drywall, stone, and plaster. This is one reason why you should stick to putty for wood and putty for walls.

Can you use putty as a wood putty?

One of the big questions you’re probably asking is “can you use putty as a wood filler?” The answer is technically yes, it will usually “do the job”. If you’re in dire straits and that’s all you’ve got and just a small hole to fill – sure, go ahead. However, wood filler is generally a better option when working directly with raw wood.

What is the difference between putty and joint compound?

To summarize the difference between putty and joint compound, joint compound is used to fill in corners and gaps between two materials, while putty should be used to fill in nail holes and other damage on flat surfaces (walls and/or trim).

Putty can be sanded and caulk cannot.

Overview of common connections

Joint compound (also called drywall slurry or mud) is a wet substance applied to the surface of drywall to seal joints and provide texture and a base for painting interior walls and ceilings.

The joint compound is usually made from plaster dust, water and other ingredients. Sometimes it is sold as a dry powder that is mixed with water and other products sell it as a pre-mixed material.

Is putty the same as putty?

Although putty and putty have similar jobs, they are very different. Putty is much more runny than putty and therefore dries much slower than putty (24 hours for putty versus 1-5 hours for putty).

Grout should be used when texturing drywall or repairing large areas of damaged drywall. Spackle is best used for filling smaller holes and damage in drywall.

Joint compound must be primed before painting, whereas many high-quality putty products can be painted without first priming.

What’s the Best Filler for the Job?

We’ve covered a lot about filling holes and gaps in this guide, so thought we’d wrap it up with a list of basically every job you’ll find on renovation and home improvement projects, and end the debate on which product to use is. No more wondering about putty vs. joint compound or wood putty vs. joint compound!

Below is a list of all the products (sealant, wood filler, wood filler and putty) that we have mentioned in the guide and a brief listing of what the product is intended to be used for.

There are so many different products out there to fill the holes and gaps in your DIY project that it’s easy to get confused. Hopefully, by using this guide, you now know whether you should use wood putty versus caulk or putty versus caulk on your next project.

You can confidently go to the hardware store and buy your materials knowing you are buying the best infill material for your project!

Do you have more questions about filling holes and gaps in your projects?

Let us know in the comments below!