Plaster or Spackle

[Joe Bartolucci]

Hi All:

Just bought a 100 yr old house and am making some minor changes and need to fill in the plaster that has broken away. Can someone please direct me on the best way to do this and what product I should use. Can spackle be used to do the same thing?

Thanks
Joe

[CThomp]

Depends on the size of the hole. Drywall compound can do it too. Just realize when you fill in the hole your wall texture will change.

[David]

I'd rather use spackle than drywall compound.

[Joe Bartolucci]

Hi Guys, Okay so what about using plaster? Any thoughts. I know there are some pretty large holes I will need to fill up. And what is the difference between spackle and drywall compound. I have used the USG stuff in the past, I do believe that is drywall spackle? Are they not the same?
Thanks Guys!
Joe

[giddonah]

I've patched plaster walls with compound (for small cracks and nail holes) and plaster for large holes. Plaster sets up quickly, so you have to work fast. It also is harder to sand, but ends up working great.

[CThomp]

For small holes yeah stick with spackle. I'm used to big holes and entire walls.