How to Thin Spackling Compound

How to Thin Spackling Compound
Written By
Lorna Hordos
Lorna Hordos
Published: Apr 21, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

But there's no need to toss it and buy more; you can thin hardened spackling compound. Use Spackle compound, or joint sealer, thinned to the proper consistency for projects such as sealing drywall/sheetrock joins or filling nail holes.

Things You Will Need

  • Warm water
  • Putty knife
  • Wooden spoon or clean paint stir-stick
  1. Mix the Spackle with a putty knife to check its texture. It should resemble that of creamy cake frosting. If it's thick or dried-out and looks cracked, stir or break the compound loose with the putty knife creating cuts or seams for water to seep in.

  2. Pour a small amount of warm water over the Spackle. For a gallon of Spackle, start with approximately 1/2 cup of water.

  3. Work the water into the compound using the putty knife. Use a crisscross cutting motion or stir until the Spackle becomes pliable. Add more water as needed to form a creamy paste.

  4. Stir in a circular motion with the wooden spoon or paint mixing stick until you have a lump-free mixture resembling fluffy cake icing for sealing drywall/sheetrock joins or slightly thicker than smooth peanut butter for filling nail holes. Press any lumps against the inside of the container to break them up using the back of the spoon or the stick.

The Drip Cap

  • Spackling compound is a pasty joint or hole sealer that comes ready to use right out of the container or as a powder to which you add water to make a paste.
  • Mix the Spackle with a putty knife to check its texture.
  • Stir in a circular motion with the wooden spoon or paint mixing stick until you have a lump-free mixture resembling fluffy cake icing for sealing drywall/sheetrock joins or slightly thicker than smooth peanut butter for filling nail holes.

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Lorna Hordos

Lorna Hordos is a home-flipping business owner and freelance writer. She writes friendly, conversational business, home and lifestyle articles for Bizfluent, azcentral, Daltile, Marazzi, Lowes, Philips Lighting, WordPress.com and numerous…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.