Spackle® is a product which is designed to fill holes and cracks in walls before painting or papering. The act of applying Spackle® to these surfaces is sometimes called “spackling,” and numerous companies sell their own versions of Spackle® as “spackling paste.” Most hardware and construction stores carry Spackle® in a variety of weights designed for different tasks.

The word “spackle” is an excellent example of a genericized trademark, because this one product has been so well marketed and distributed that people do not realize that Spackle® is a brand name, not the name of the substance. The trademark for Spackle® is held by the Muralo Company. Spackle® often appears without its trademark or in lowercase in print, further diluting the company's trademark, much to their frustration.

There are two basic forms of Spackle®: powdered, and paste. Powdered Spackle® needs to be mixed with water before use, and it has the advantage of not turning dry and crusty like paste Spackle® does. Paste Spackle® is, of course, more convenient, since one merely needs to open the container to access the Spackle® inside. Paste Spackle® is available in tubs or tubes to meet a variety of needs.

This material is made from gypsum powder and glue which holds the powder together. After a surface has been prepared with Spackle®, it takes a little while for the Spackle® to dry, and then the surface can be sanded and papered or painted as desired. Spackle® types can be differentiated on the basis of their grain. Regular Spackle® tends to be fairly heavy, with large grains of material, but it is also possible to purchase lightweight Spackle® for more delicate jobs. Some companies also manufacture a paste of intermediate weight.

Knowing how to repair holes with Spackle® can be quite useful, especially if you are preparing to move out of a house with small holes in the walls from screws and nails. Small holes require lightweight paste, while large holes need a heavier paste; very large holes will require a backing of some kind or the Spackle® will crumble out. It is a good idea to trim the edges of holes to remove hanging bits of drywall, and then use a spatula or Spackle® knife to smear a daub of Spackle® into the hole, starting slightly above the hole. Allow the Spackle® to dry and sand it smooth; you may require multiple coats for a larger hole.