Joint Compound vs Spackle??

Hi, I will be replacing some large pieces of sheet rock between joists where large recessed lights were installed. I want to get rid if them and install the standard light junction box instead.

My question is, about the difference between joint compound and spackle... I know that I have to cut the sheetrock to the nearest joist and screw the replacement pieces of sheetrock to the joist. Everything I see on Youtube says to use joint compound and tape to finish. That made me wonder... is spackle is the same thing as joint compound or are they used for different things??

Thanks!

Derrick

 

Spackle will dry hard and fast. Sanding is a chore. Use drywall compound, tape and several coats for a really good smooth finish. Spackle is mostly used for holes in the wall and small repairs that need little sanding.

 

Also, spackle can only be used for minor repairs. You can't tape with it or apply it over a large area.

 

Thanks guys, but I'm a little confused... While I have not worked with joint compound, I have used spackle many times to fill holes and do small patches. It always was super easy to sand and could be scraped away simply by using my fingernail. Did you mean that joint compound will dry hard and fast/sanding is a chore rather then spackle?

 

There is a bit of variation between brands of spackle. I'm not aware of any spackle that can be used to tape or skim coat. I don't know that spackle is any harder or easier to sand than j/c other than the fact when using j/c you'll usually have a bigger area to sand.

Setting compounds like durabond or easy sand dry extra hard and are a lot harder to sand than either spackle or regular j/c.