Spackling: time between coats?

[TomL]

How long should I wait between coats of spackle on new sheetrock work? The room will be 60 - 65 degrees overnight. Thanks.

[Robert Allison]

Please tell me that you mean joint compound and not spackle. If it is joint compound, you wait until it is dry. This usually happens overnight or even sooner, but it is easy to tell that it is dry by the color and texture. Sometimes humidity can cause it to take longer to dry.

Now if you are using spackle to tape and float, you are on your own.

[TomL]

poor choice of words. yeah, its joint compound. my main concern is after 3rd coat what's a reasonably waiting period before I start paint primer coat.

[Brad]

You mean before you sand it one last time, don't you?

[jeffc]

Well, then overnight should be fine. For a heavier first coat, wait 24 hours, especially at the cooler 60 degrees.

[jeffc]

The 3rd coat is normally quite thin. A fan in the room can really speed things up. Could be 2 or 3 hours if you needed.