Pro tip: I used to patch drywall with spackle from a tube, now I mix my own mud from a bag

For years I would grab those little tubs of pre mixed spackle for any hole in the wall. Last month I had a fist sized hole from a doorknob and that stuff just crumbled out after a day. My neighbor Bob came over and showed me how to mix a small batch of joint compound from a 5 pound bag. All you need is a bucket, a stir stick, and water. The mud goes on smooth and dries solid enough to sand without cracking. I finished the whole repair in one afternoon and it cost me about 4 bucks instead of 15 for the tube. Has anyone else switched from those premade patches to mixing your own?

2 comments

2 Comments

iris_green841mo ago

Oh man, the doorknob hole thing is so real. I had a huge one in my hallway from when my kid slammed the door open and the knob dented the wall. I tried using one of those mesh patch kits with the little tub of spackle and it literally fell out overnight lol. My dad showed me how to mix a quick batch of joint compound from a bag and honestly, I havent looked back. I like that I can make it as thick or thin as I want and it sands down so smooth. Plus the bag lasts forever in my garage.

hugo501mo ago

That bit about the tube spackle crumbling out after a day hit close to home. I used to think premixed was fine for everything until I tried the bagged stuff and saw how much stronger it sets up. Now I keep a small bag in the garage and mix just what I need for each job.