How to Make Homemade Spackle

filling wall hole with putty knife and spackle
  • 2-24 hours
  • Beginner
  • 50-90
What You'll Need
Putty knife
Water
Vinegar
Plaster of Paris
Toothpaste
Sandpaper
Paint
What You'll Need
Putty knife
Water
Vinegar
Plaster of Paris
Toothpaste
Sandpaper
Paint

Spackle has numerous applications and can be used for exterior or interior projects. This paste is used to fill holes in sheetrock, which is one of the most popular materials in American homes. However, purchasing enough spackle to fill a hole can be costly. In addition, if spackle isn’t properly sealed, the paste will dry out in its own container, rendering the paste unusable.

Luckily, there are two ways to make your own homemade spackle that won’t dry out as quickly. This project isn’t suggested for long-term or commercial applications, but these two methods work well for temporary fixes and small holes.

Using Plaster of Paris

One way to fill a hole in the wall is by using plaster of Paris. However, this product has a rapid drying time. If you’re spackling a large area, its quick drying time can cause issues. To use plaster of Paris effectively, add vinegar to the substance to slow the drying time.

Step 1 – Mix in Vinegar

Simply mix 1/4 cup of vinegar for every 1 pound of plaster, after you have mixed the water in with the plaster powder. With this ratio, the spackle should dry in about 30 minutes.

Step 2 – Use Putty Knife to Spread

Use a putty knife to spread the spackle on, making sure you apply it as smoothly as possible.

Step 3 – Sand and Paint

Once dry, sand the area until it’s smooth and matches the surrounding areas. Then, paint it to match.

Using Toothpaste

Another common household item that can work as a homemade spackle is toothpaste. While toothpaste isn't cost-effective nor suggested for large holes, it’s perfect for small ones. As an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about getting any on yourself because you can easily wash it off.

Step 1 – Find the Right Toothpaste

The key to using toothpaste is using the right kind. Look for white toothpaste, not the gel toothpaste that comes in various colors. Gel toothpaste will not produce the same results, and it will not dry properly.

Step 2 – Spread the Toothpaste

For small holes, spread the toothpaste on the area. You can use a putty knife, or you can simply use your hand to spread it evenly. Wait for 24 hours for the paste to dry.

Step 3 – Sand and Paint

Once it’s hard and dry, gently sand the area. Then, you can apply paint.

While there are numerous types of spackle you can purchase at the store, you might already have the ingredients you need at home to make your own with one of these methods.