If you’ve used the Fix-It-All patching compound before, you probably appreciate how reliable and tough it was. For ages, it has been the go-to for DIYers and professionals because of its fast setting and rock-hard finish.
Unfortunately, the Fix-It-All disappeared from shelves and online stores after being discontinued, leaving a noticeable gap in the market.
The good news is, there are plenty of formidable alternatives that match the Fix-It-All in strength and ease of use. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best ones for quick cosmetic fixes and heavy-duty jobs.
What Happened to Fix-It-All?
Fix-It-All patching compound has been discontinued for some time now. People first started noticing it when markets stopped renewing their stocks, and then it went completely off the market, both online and in stores.
No one is sure why the product was discontinued. It may be because of material shortages or safety concerns, or it may be because of the introduction of a new product.
The Best Alternative to Fix-It-All Patching Compound
There are many alternatives to the Fix It All patching compound, but the best option depends on your usage and what you want it for. The closest product to the Fix-It-All in terms of usage and composition is the Durham’s Water Putty.
Here’s a roundup of all the alternatives and what they’re best for:
Durham’s Water Putty – Best Overall
Why is Durham’s Water Putty a good alternative to the Fix It All patching compound? Here’s a table to summarize the similarities and differences:
| Feature | Fix-It-All | Durham’s Water Putty |
| Powdered, water-mixable | Yes | Yes |
| Fast setting | 30 minutes avg. | May dry slower in thick applications |
| Non-shrinking | Yes | Yes |
| Hardness and sandability | Rock-hard, sand/drillable | Rock-hard, smooth sanding |
| Indoor use only | Yes | Both indoors and outdoors |
What is Durham’s Water Putty?
Durham’s Water Putty comes as a powder that mixes with water. When it dries, it becomes hard enough to sand, drill, or even paint. Like Fix-It-All, it doesn’t shrink, and it sticks to wood, stone, plaster, and concrete.
You can use the Water Putty for multiple projects, like filling holes and cracks. It’s best known for being rock hard and easy to sand.
Why is it a great Fix-It-All alternative?
Durham’s Water Putty is a great alternative for Fix-It-All because it shares a lot of its properties. For example, it comes as a powder, it doesn’t shrink, and it’s rock hard and drillable.
There are some differences, though, like the fact that it dries slower, especially in thick applications.
The Water Putty is also suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, though it offers limited adhesion on flexing surfaces. Meanwhile, the Fix-It-All is for indoor use only.
Tips for Transitioning to Durham’s Water Putty
Before transitioning from Fix-It-All to Durham’s Water Putty, there are a couple of things to take care of:
- It can be brittle on flexible surfaces or heavy layers, and it may be crack-prone if applied thickly. Make sure that you read the instructions on the pack before using it.
- It lacks fiber reinforcement, so if you rely on it for heavy-duty structural filling, you should probably mix in reinforcing fibers or use additives.
DAP Patch-N-Paint – Best for Cosmetic Fixes
Unlike the Fix-It-All, which comes as a powder that mixes with water, the DAP Patch-N-Paint comes as a pre-mixed paste. It dries smoothly enough for painting without requiring sanding like most patching compounds do.
However, the Patch-N-Paint is more about quality and convenience than strength. It’s not as load-bearing as the Fix-It-All, so it can’t be used for heavy structural tasks. It’s mostly only good for small cosmetic repairs.
You can use the Patch-N-Paint on drywall, plaster, wood, and masonry. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
3M High Strength Small Hole Repair – Best for Single, Small Holes
Like the Patch-N-Paint, the 3M Small Hole Repair comes as a pre-mixed paste, but unlike the former, it needs sanding after application.
It’s a primer-enhanced compound for fixing light-duty holes, and it dries fast. It also doesn’t shrink or crack, but it’s mostly suitable for small holes in drywall. It’s not as load-bearing as the Fix-It-All, so it’s limited to small tasks only.
One of the best things about the 3M Small Hole Repair is that it comes in an applicator-based design, making it easy to use right away without needing extra tools.
MH Ready Patch – Best for Structural Jobs
The MH Ready Patch is the closest option on this list to the Fix-It-All and Durham’s Rock Hard Water Putty. Though it comes as a pre-mixed paste, it’s rock hard as both products. It’s also resistant to shrinking and cracking, and it’s a suitable option for heavy-duty fixes, both indoors and outdoors.
The MH adheres well to glossy, metal, and masonry surfaces. It needs sanding after application, but it’s easy enough to do, thanks to the smooth finish.
Despite all the similarities, the MH dries slower than the Fix-It-All, taking around an hour or more.
Which Is the Best Fix-It-All Alternative?
The best overall alternative to the Fix-It-All is the Durham Water Putty.
The Patch-N-Paint is a pretty solid option for quick cosmetic finishes since it dries in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the 3M Small Hole Repair is the best option for fixing small holes.
If you can’t get your hands on the Durham Water Putty, the second-best option is the Zinsser MH Ready Patch. It’s non-shrinking and rock-hard, and it offers strong adhesion for both indoor and outdoor projects. Here’s a quick comparison between the three products, so you can choose your best option according to the job you want to do:
| Feature | DAP Patch-N-Paint | 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair | Zinsser MH Ready Patch | Durham’s Water Putty |
| Form | Pre-mixed paste | Pre-mixed paste in applicator | Pre-mixed paste | Powder |
| Hardness | Hard, no-sand finish | Primer-enhanced | Rock-hard, plaster-like | Rock-hard, smooth sanding |
| Sanding | None needed | Needs sanding | Easy sanding | Easy sanding |
| Drying Time | Paint-ready in 30 minutes | 3X faster than traditional vinyl spackling | Touch dry in 60 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Shrinking | Shrink-resistant | No shrinking or cracking | Shrink-resistant, no sagging | No shrinking |
| Reinforcement | Microsphere tech (filling/priming) | Primer-enhanced, not fiber | Plaster-like stretch, but no fiber | Plaster-like stretch |
| Adhesion | Drywall/plaster/wood/stucco/masonry surfaces | Drywall | glossy/metal/masonry surfaces | Drywall/plaster/wood and other porous surfaces |
| Best for | Indoors and outdoors | Indoors only | Indoors and outdoors | Indoors and outdoors |
How to Choose the Right Patching Compound
Patching compounds aren’t created equal. Whether you’re fixing a nail hole or sealing a deep crack, the patching compound you choose can make all the difference in how long the fix lasts.
Here’s a simple guide to help you match the right patching compound to the right job:
- How Large and Deep Is It?
For small holes, like nail holes or screw pops, go for a lightweight, pre-mixed compound like the 3M Small Hole Repair. These compounds are often quick, and some of them don’t need sanding.
For larger holes, it’s better to use a heavy-duty compound like the MH Ready Patch or Durham’s Water Putty. Choose a compound that dries rock-hard, and keep in mind that most of those need sanding.
- Is It Indoor or Outdoor?
Most compounds work indoors, but if you want to do some outdoor repairs, you should make sure your product of choice is rated for exterior use. Not all compounds can handle the weather elements, especially in rainy areas.
- Is It a No-Sand Compound?
No-sand compounds dry smooth, so you can paint over them right away. They’re perfect for quick, shallow fixes. Meanwhile, compounds that require sanding usually dry harder and may shrink slightly, so you’ll need to sand them down to level the surface.
Though this adds an extra step, the result is usually stronger and more seamless.
- Is It Compatible With the Surface?
Most patching compounds work fine with drywall and plaster, but when it comes to different surfaces, you’ll want to confirm compatibility. For example, wood and concrete often require compounds with strong adhesion and zero shrinkage, like Durham’s Water Putty.
Some surfaces are also tricky, like glossy or metallic surfaces. For those, you can use products designed for tricky adhesion, like the MH Ready Patch.
Where to Buy Durham’s Water Putty?
You can get your hands on Durham’s Water Putty at plenty of retailers across the United States. The list includes Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Do It Best, True Value, and Menards. If none of these stores are close to you, you can buy the water putty online through Amazon or Walmart.
Final Thoughts
Fix-It-All may be off the market, but there are still solid options that deliver similar results, depending on your needs.
Durham’s Water Putty is the closest match in terms of strength and multi-surface use.
For cosmetic patches, DAP Patch-N-Paint saves time with its no-sand finish, while the 3M is ideal for small holes with its applicator-based design.
If you need something heavier and more suitable for tricky surfaces, like glossy and metallic ones, the MH Ready Patch is a strong second to Durham’s.
To choose the right compound for the task, consider the size and depth of the hole, the surface, and whether it’s indoor or outdoor.
