What Is Joint Compound?
The slow-drying "mud" for big drywall jobs. Overkill for nail holes, where spackle wins.
The gypsum paste ("mud") used to tape drywall seams and skim large patches. It goes on in thin coats, shrinks as it dries, and expects two or three passes a day apart, which makes it the right tool for big repairs and the slow, wrong tool for nail holes, where spackle wins.
Fixes that use this
Walls, Doors & Floors
Patch a Hole in Drywall (Doorknob, Fist, or Anchor Size)
The size of the hole decides the method. Under four inches takes a mesh patch, bigger needs a backed plug. Three thin coats beat one thick one.
Time1 hr plus drying Cost$10–$35 moderate
Walls, Doors & Floors
Patch Nail Holes in Drywall Before Move-Out (10 Minutes, $8)
Spackle, a putty knife, and fine sandpaper make nail holes disappear. The exact steps, drying times, and how to handle paint that doesn't match.
Time10 min per room + drying Cost$8–$12 easy