Use lightweight spackle for quick, shrink-free repairs

Apply a pre-mixed lightweight spackling paste (such as DAP DryDex or 3M Patch Plus Primer) directly into nail holes, screw holes, or hairline cracks using a flexible putty knife. Lightweight spackle contains microspheres or air-filled particles that make it less dense than standard spackle, so it dries faster, shrinks less, and sands more easily.

Why It Works

Traditional spackling compounds are dense and tend to shrink as moisture evaporates, often requiring a second coat. Lightweight formulas reduce shrinkage to near zero for fills under 1/4 inch deep, meaning most small repairs are finished in a single application. Some brands (like DAP DryDex) include a color-change indicator -- the spackle goes on pink and turns white when dry, removing the guesswork about drying time.

Tips

• Best for nail holes, small screw holes, and shallow dents up to about 1/4 inch deep
• For holes deeper than 1/4 inch, apply in layers (let each layer dry before adding the next) or switch to a setting-type compound
• Overfill the hole very slightly and scrape flush with the putty knife in one smooth pass -- lightweight spackle is soft and sands away easily if you leave a slight bump
• Sand with 220-grit sandpaper after drying; a damp sponge can substitute for sandpaper to avoid dust
• Always prime the patched spot before painting -- even "primer-infused" spackle benefits from a coat of actual primer for consistent paint sheen
• A small 8 oz tub costs $3-6 and handles dozens of nail holes
• Common mistake: using lightweight spackle on cracks that move seasonally (e.g., around door frames) -- it is not flexible and will re-crack; use caulk for those