Selecting the Right Patching Compound

Properly prepping a surface for painting is essential to a paint job’s success. Often, this involves patching. From small dents to larger holes, there’s a perfect patching compound for every type of surface situation. Read on for more information on how to select the right patching compound.

How to Use Patching Compound

Before choosing a patching compound, there are some questions you will need to answer to ensure you use the best product for your specific job.

• What is the material you are trying to repair? (wood, drywall, vinyl plastic, etc.)
• How long and deep is the imperfection on the surface you are trying to repair?
• Is this an interior or exterior surface?
• Is the surface likely to get banged up again?

Difference Between Joint Compound and Spackle

The smaller the hole or imperfection that you’re trying to repair, the lighter the product you will need. Lighter patching compounds will shrink less and dry faster but are less durable. Vinyl patching compounds are known for their flexibility and are often lauded as products that work well on both interiors AND exteriors. Vinyl patching compounds also offer minimal shrinkage, ideal for quickly filling a nail hole and priming over it. Lightweight wall patch & prime products offer spackling and primer as one and can be painted over in as little as 30 minutes! These lightweight, pre-mixed spackling products save time, can fill holes in one application, and offer no shrinking or cracking.

Our Products

Dunn-Edwards Lightweight Patching Compound – This lightweight patching compound makes repairing walls and ceilings fast and easy. It fills cracks, dents and nail-heads in just a single application, goes on smoothly and dries quickly. No sanding is required and it works on interiors and exteriors with easy water clean-up. Available in ½ pint, quart and gallon sizes.

Where to use:

• Plaster, drywall and stucco
• Wood, particle board
• 1” or smaller repairs and patches

Dunn-Edwards Vinyl Patching Compound – This pre-mixed Vinyl Patching Compound is a general purpose, water-based spackling compound for patching holes and nail-heads. It’s specially formulated for easy application and sanding, dries fast and holds tight. Great for interior and exterior use and with easy water clean-up. Available in ½ pint, quart and gallon sizes.

Where to use:

• Plaster walls, wallboard and drywall
• Wood surfaces and particle board
• Medium to large repairs (medium = 1” – 2.5”, large = 2.5” or larger)

Dunn-Edwards Patch N Prime Wall Patch – Patch and prime in one fast, easy step with our Patch N Prime Wall Patch. This premium, lightweight, pre-mixed formula saves time with no need to prime before painting. Works on interiors and exteriors with easy water clean-up and is paintable in minutes. Available in ½ pint and quart sizes.

Where to use:

• Plaster, drywall and stucco
• Wood and particle board
• Medium to large repairs (medium = 1” – 2.5”, large = 2.5” or larger)

We hope this breakdown helps you select the perfect patching compound for your next painting job. And regardless of which product you choose, Dunn-Edwards has created a new square tub for the ½ pint and quart sizes that is designed and contoured to work with a putty knife for easy application. Happy patching!