Spackle vs Drywall mud for backdrop joints?

[selector]

I have only ever used 'exterior' spackle, but only to clean up weathered and badly pitted door trim or sills, or the ends of large beams that have suffered under the weather for a few years.  Spackle designed for exterior repairs dries very hard, and it's difficult to sand.  So, troweling/smoothing well is important at the outset.

Taping and mudding takes longer, but you might find it more easily handled and shaped.

[mbinsewi]

Both are susceptible to shrinkage cracking if applied too thick.

I'd go with the dry wall mud and tape, because I've done it many times before, and that's what I used to prepare the wall for my back drop, but, I used drywall and not hardboard.

I would think the drywall method would hide the seams better.

When I think of spackle, I think of filling small nail holes, and divets, and misc imperfections before painting, and not hiding or covering a joint in a wall system.

Just my thoughts,

Mike.

[The Milwaukee Road Warrior]

I have two different MR books addressing backdrop finishing work at the joints of hardboard.  One mentions using spackle, the other: the full drywall application with tape.  Pros and cons for each please.  I get the impression the drywall mud with tape is more resistant to cracking?  I've done plenty of spackling in my day but never done any drywall work.

Thanks