Using Patching Compounds to Repair Surfaces

Patching compounds may not seem like much, but they are an essential item to have in your toolkit, especially if you love doing DIY jobs around the house. Patching compounds can easily repair holes or cracks in the walls with little effort and minimal cost.

If you are planning to render a wall, but notice that it has small holes, cracks, or dents, don’t let that stop you from fulfilling your DIY dream. Instead, run down to Bunnings or your local hardware store and pick up a bucket of patching compound to cover any imperfections and ensure a smooth, neat rendering job.

Continue reading to learn more about patching compounds, why they’re great to have on hand, and how they can repair and improve the look of damaged surfaces and prepare them for rendering.

What is a Patching Compound?

A patching compound is a versatile and durable material used to fill and repair holes, cracks, grooves, or imperfections in the wall that measure more than 5mm. Patching compounds can be applied to most materials, including wood, concrete, plaster, drywall, and cement walls or ceilings.

They are available as ready-to-use putty mixes or as powders that need to be mixed with water before application. Patching compounds are usually made from cement-based mortars or epoxy polyurethane.

Patching compounds are typically applied with a trowel or putty knife, but can also be applied with mortar or injected into the hole or crack.

What Are the Different Types of Patching Compounds?

The different types of patching compounds on the market include:

Joint Patching Compound

Joint patching compound (also known as drywall mud) is a gypsum-based material that is the ideal solution for filling smaller cracks and seams in plasterboard and to cover up any nail holes to prepare the surface for rendering or painting.

It is available in premixed or powder form, which must be mixed with water before use.

Spackling Patching Compound

Spackling patching compound is a gypsum-based putty or paste that repairs dents, small holes, and cracks in wood or drywall plaster. It is easy to apply and quick to dry, making it perfect for fast and on-the-go repairs, such as covering nail holes.

It dries and sets hard, making it easy to sand for a smooth finish.

• The difference between joint and spackling patching compounds: Although joint and spackling patching compounds are often compared due to their similar materials, there are a few differences between them: joint patching compounds are often of a wetter and runnier consistency than spackling compounds, making them more suitable for larger repair areas, while spackling compounds are drier and better suited for smaller repair or touch-up areas.

Plaster Patching Compound

As the name suggests, plaster patching compounds are specially designed to repair holes, cracks, or dents found in plasterboard or drywall walls or ceilings.

It is usually of a thicker consistency than other patching compounds, resulting in improved adhesion to plaster surfaces.

Setting-Type Patching Compound

Setting-type patching compound (also known as ‘hot mud’) dries and sets through a chemical reaction, making it best suited for fast repairs, instead of evaporation like other patching compounds. Setting-type patching compounds can set at various times, depending on the kind you get.

It has low shrinkage, high water resistance, and superior bonding, making it perfect for large repair areas in humid conditions.

Vinyl-Based Patching Compound

Vinyl-based patching compound is a specialised compound that consists of vinyl resins or polymers, which give it increased flexibility, durability, and adhesion properties.

This patching compound can be used both on exterior and interior surfaces, as well as on vinyl furniture and fabrics.

When Should You Use a Patching Compound?

Here are the most effective and common ways to use a patching compound:

• Wall, ceiling, and floor repairs: For fixing cracks, dents, and holes in drywall, plaster, concrete, or wood walls, ceilings, or floors.
• Surface preparation: For smoothing over and creating a level surface for paint, render, or wallpaper to be applied.
• Large holes or cracks: For filling in cracks and holes in concrete surfaces that are larger than 5mm.

How to Apply a Patching Compound

The steps to apply a patching compound consist of the following:

• Safety first! Before beginning the mixing and application process, ensure you are wearing protective gear, such as safety glasses, gloves, and coveralls or a work apron, to protect yourself from splashes or spills.
• Preparing the surface: Just like rendering, it is important to prepare the surface before applying a patching compound. Clean the surface and remove any debris or loose dirt, ensuring it is fully dry.
• Application: The application process can differ slightly depending on what type of patching compound you use:
  • Pre-mixed patching compound: If you’re using a pre-mixed or putty patching compound, use a putty knife to apply it. Make sure that the patching compound rises slightly out of the hole or crack. Let it dry for a few hours or overnight (depending on how many coats you apply).
  • Powder patching compound: Mix the patching compound with water and any sealers or primers that are required.
    Once the patching compound is the right consistency, use a trowel to apply it so that the material rises slightly above the crack or hole. Let it dry.
• Sanding: Once the patching compound has fully dried, use sandpaper (fine-grit is recommended) to sand down the area and create a smooth, neat surface.
• Applying render or paint: After sanding, the surface is now ready for the render or paint to be applied.

Tips for a Successful Patching Compound Application

• Examine the repairs you have to make: Inspect where the holes and cracks are located, how big they are, and decide how much patching compound you will need.
• Do your research: Make sure you know which patching compound works best for the surface you’re working with and the type of repairs needed.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Each patching compound may have slightly different mixing and drying instructions, which should be followed for the best results.
• Use the right tools: Trowels are generally better for larger repair areas, while putty knives are better suited for smaller touch-ups or repairs.
• Don’t overfill the hole/cracks: If you overfill the hole or crack too much, it can lead to uneven and messy-looking surfaces. Apply the patching compound slowly and build up as needed.
• Apply in layers: Apply the patching compound in thin layers, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.
• Make sure you always sand: Sanding the area will ensure that it is smooth and blends in with the rest of the wall.

What Are the Benefits of Patching Compounds?

The benefits of patching compounds include:

Easy to Apply

Patching compounds are fairly easy to apply and can be a DIY job. All you need is some safety equipment, a trowel or putty knife, and the patching compound mixture.

Versatile

Patching compounds can be used on various materials, including plaster, drywall, cement, wood, and concrete surfaces.

Improve and Restore Surfaces

Patching compounds are perfect for repairing cracks, dents, or nail holes in surfaces. Say goodbye to unsightly-looking walls and ceilings.

Structural Repair

They are strong enough to be used for structural reinforcement if needed, and to fix damaged concrete.

Fast Results

You can expect speedy results when you apply a patching compound.

Are Patching Compounds and Fillers the Same?

Patching compounds and fillers are often used for repairing damaged surfaces; they aren’t exactly the same.

Here are the main differences:

If you want to find out more about the application and benefits of a patching compound, give Sydney Cement Rendering a call! We take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts and providing our customers with the highest-quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!