How to Make Spackling Last
- 1
A clean putty knife does not leave clumps of dried spackle behind.Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Open the new container of spackling paste and remove enough of it for your project. Transfer the paste to a clean plastic bucket. Put the top back on the container of spackling paste before continuing, because when exposed to the air, the paste immediately starts to dry. This is why a separate container is used when applying spackling paste. Remove any dried paste from the putty knife you will use to apply the fresh paste to avoid mixing the two when you dip the knife into the paste. - 2). Cut a circular piece of heavy-duty plastic bagging two inches larger than the diameter of the container the spackling paste came in. This will serve as a barrier between the paste and any air that might enter the container. The thick heavy-duty plastic is easier to handle than thinner plastics when putting it into the container.
- 3
Always transfer the spackling paste to a seperate container.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Remove any excess paste from the edges of the original container. Paste around the top of the container is subject to air exposure, which causes it to dry out. This is the No. 1 cause of unusable spackling paste. Remove the excess paste immediately after transferring the spackling paste for your project into the plastic bucket. If the excess paste is wet, you can use it. If it's starting to dry, discard it. - 4). Center the cut-out plastic circle over the wet paste in the original container. The larger circle ensures that the plastic completely covers the spackling paste.
- 5). Replace the top back on the spackling paste container firmly to create an airtight seal. Place the container inside a large plastic storage bag. Squeeze the excess air from the bag and seal the bag's locking mechanism. The spackling paste is now in an environment that will allow it to remain wet and ready for use in the future.
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