Are you repairing a small hole, or hanging new drywall? The answer will determine whether spackle or joint compound is the better material for the job.

Learn More › Drywall is durable, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, gypsum-board walls can sustain ugly cracks or holes. Fortunately, drywall is easy to repair easy, but there is an art to it.

When fixing lath and plaster walls, use joint compound. Joint compound for drywall is favored due to its compatibility with both the plaster and the underlying wooden lath; the formula is better ...

Tip: When using joint compound, cover it with primer before painting to prevent “flashing” which occurs when joint compound absorbs the paint, dulling the finish.

Step 3: Mud and tape patch seams. Using joint compound and tape will help hide the seams and prevent cracks down the road. Simply apply mud to the patch’s seam using a 4-inch drywall knife.

Joint compound or plaster of paris? A former owner had wallpapered the ceiling of my bathroom. I’ve scraped it off but in places, the plaster has come off all the way down to the cement. To patch it, ...

9. Using sandpaper, sand excess joint compound to create a smooth surface, making sure you don’t damage the drywall face paper. 10.