What Is the Difference Between Plaster of Paris and Spackle?

By Alice Nichols

When it comes to home repairs, two materials that are often used to patch up walls are plaster of Paris and spackle. While both are used for similar purposes, they have distinct differences in their composition and usage. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between the two materials.

What is Plaster of Paris?

Plaster of Paris is a white powder made from gypsum that hardens when mixed with water. It has been used for centuries as a building material and is commonly used today for molding, casting, and repairing walls.

The powder is mixed with water to create a paste that can be applied to a wall or other surface using a trowel or putty knife. Once applied, it dries quickly and becomes hard.

Uses of Plaster of Paris

  • To repair large holes in walls or ceilings.
  • To create decorative moldings.
  • To make casts for sculptures or other objects.

What is Spackle?

Spackle is a type of putty that is commonly used to repair small holes and cracks in walls. It is made from gypsum powder mixed with binders such as glue or acrylic resins. Unlike plaster of Paris, spackle does not harden when it dries; instead, it remains somewhat flexible.

Uses of Spackle

  • To fill small holes and cracks in walls or ceilings.
  • To cover nail holes before painting.
  • To smooth out rough patches on walls before painting.

Differences Between Plaster of Paris and Spackle

Composition: Plaster of Paris is made from gypsum powder while spackle contains gypsum powder mixed with binders such as glue or acrylic resins.

Drying Time: Plaster of Paris dries quickly and hardens to a solid finish while spackle remains somewhat flexible and does not harden when it dries.

Usage: Plaster of Paris is used for large repairs, creating decorative moldings, and making casts while spackle is used for small repairs, covering nail holes, and smoothing out rough patches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both plaster of Paris and spackle are used for repairing walls, they have distinct differences in their composition and usage. Plaster of Paris is ideal for larger repairs, creating decorative moldings, and making casts while spackle is best suited for smaller repairs such as filling nail holes or smoothing out rough patches. By understanding the differences between these materials, you can choose the right one for your specific repair needs.