The following points provide professional tips for proper application of Crawford's Spackling Paste.

• Crawford's Free Spackling Paste can be used straight from the can. Never attempt to thin with water or other substances, as this will contaminate the product and reduce it's adhesive properties.
  
• It is not necessary to spend a great deal of time making patched areas smooth and neat. Crawford's Free sands so well that just a brief sanding after drying will prepare the patch for priming and painting.
  
• Do not apply spackling in areas subject to excess vibration, over mitered joints, on weather beaten or rotting wood, or where sprinklers may hit the patched area.
  
• Always fill each hole and crack to the maximum, with an extra amount above the substrate surface and just beyond the edges of the hole or crack. Surfaces not filled completely may be mistaken as product shrinkage. Crawford's free Spackling Paste greatly resists shrinking when used on properly prepared surfaces.
  
• If material in the top of the container has dried, remove the dry part and use what is underneath. If the entire contents have dried out, discard.
  
• Never apply any tint or stain to the product, only apply paint after proper drying has taken place.
  
• when patching a series of countersunk mail holes, load up the knife once, and fill one hole right after another.