Why does it matter how long it takes for spackle to dry? The biggest reason is that you can’t do any painting until the spackling is dry and sanded. Also, since you will likely need more than one application of spackle, the drying time will increase.
How Long Does Spackle Take to Dry?
How quickly spackle dries depends on multiple factors. The most important is the spackle itself. Different compounds dry at different rates. There are “fast dry” and “fast setting” compounds available on the market that has added chemicals that allow them to dry quickly.
The next factor that must be taken into consideration is the size and depth of the space that is being filled. The more significant and more profound the hole, the longer it is going to take to dry. A small hole may only take a few minutes while a large patch may take several hours. If the dry time is not important for you, these types of repairs usually should not be done with spackle. (Joint Compound vs Spackle)
The third thing to consider in the spackling compound dry time is the humidity. The muggier it is, the longer it will take for the spackle to set. Since spackle is mixed with water, it is more difficult for the water to evaporate when there is moisture in the air.
Does Fast Drying Spackling Work?
What exactly is the fast dry spackling that we mentioned? There are two types of spackling that dry faster than the natural compound. Each uses a different chemical reaction to improve their drying time.
The first type of fast dry spackling is a dry powder that is used as a quick setting drywall compound. This type is sold in powder form, and it needs to be mixed with water before it is applied. The water causes a chemical reaction which improves the drying time. Once the water is combined with the powder, the reaction starts, but you only have a short amount of time before it dries.
Many people use these products as they are an excellent option for quick patch jobs. They dry harder and more quickly than most other products, but they tend to be more challenging to work with and require immediate cleanup.
The other type of quick drying spackle is a premixed type. This kind of compound begins to dry as soon as it is exposed to air. These types do not dry as quickly as the powder and water version and may have additives that affect the finished product, such as vinyl.
Help Spackle Dry
If you are in a hurry or want to get your spackle drying, there are a few things you can do to try and get it to dry more quickly. Spackling is made of gypsum and water as noted before there are a few things, such as humidity and air movement that affect the drying process. Here are some things that can help the spackling to dry faster.
☆ Air Conditioning: Air conditioning will improve both the humidity and the air movement when working with spackle. Air conditioners will remove the moisture from the air and will help the spackling to dry faster.
☆ Portable Fans: Although not as effective as an air conditioner, circulating the air around patched areas will help them to dry. The moving air will help evaporate water from the patch. Run the fan as close to the area you are working in as possible.
☆ Hair Dryers: If there are no air conditioners or fans available and there is only a spot or two that is still wet grab a hairdryer. Make sure to set it to cool and blow the air onto the spot. The only problem is that you will have to stand there and hold the dryer.
☆ Temperature: Last but certainly not least if you can control the heat, you can control the drying time. If it is too hot and humid in your room, it will take much longer for your spackling to dry. Keep your room cool and less humid, and your patches will be dry in no time!
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