How do you use vinyl spackling?

Vinyl spackling is smooth, flexible and durable. To apply it yourself, you need an ambient weather thermometer, a tub of vinyl spackle, a putty knife, water, an empty spray bottle, sandpaper, paint, and a paint brush or roller. Minor spackling jobs take roughly two hours, but spackling large areas requires more time.

1. Examine the work environment

   Check the temperature with an ambient weather thermometer. The temperature in the work area must be at least 50 F.

2. Prepare the spackle and work surface

   Clean the work surface. Open the tub of spackle, and stir the spackle with a putty knife.

3. Apply the spackle

   Apply the spackle with a clean, dry putty knife. Dip the knife in water, then run it over the wet spackle to smooth the surface and remove air bubbles. Rinse and dry the putty knife. Wait for the spackle to dry before you proceed.

4. Apply a second layer of spackle

   Apply a second coat of spackle. Wet the putty knife and then run it over the surface.

5. Clean up

   Rinse and dry the putty knife. Cover the spackle tub, and store it in a cool, dry place.

6. Wait for the spackle to dry

   Test the spackle once an hour until it's hard and dry.

7. Sand and paint the spackle

   Pour clean water into an empty spray bottle. Stand at least 2 feet away from the dry spackle and lightly mist it with water. Sand the surface until it's smooth and flush with the surrounding areas. Cover the spackle with one coat of paint.