#1 Home Improvement Retailer

Internet # 202329714

Model # 385140

Store SKU # 258717

3.5 qt. All Purpose Ready-Mixed Joint Compound

Apply Now
6 Months Everyday Financing** available on purchases of $299 or more. Apply Now
  • Versatile joint compound for all drywall finishing steps
  • Excellent for skim coating
  • Best-in-class for embedding tape
  • View More Details
sample icon
Calculate items for your Drywall Project
Select from panels, mud, tape, and screws

Ask about this product

Get an answer now with AI

AI-generated from the text of manufacturer documentation. To verify or get additional information, please contact The Home Depot customer service.

Product Details

About This Product

USG Sheetrock Brand All Purpose Joint Compound is the original, most-trusted conventional weight all purpose, ready-mixed joint compound for all phases of drywall finishing. Use for repairing cracks on drywall and plaster, embedding USG Sheetrock Brand Paper Joint Tape, and applying drywall filling and finishing coats. May also be used for covering fasteners and USG Sheetrock Brand Corner Bead and Trim, skim coating drywall surfaces, and hand-applying simple textures. USG ready-mixed joint compounds are preferred for consistently high-quality work. Superior formulations are premixed to a creamy, smooth consistency and are essentially free of crater-causing air bubbles. They may be used in hand or machine-tool applications and offer excellent slip, bond, and easy workability.

Highlights

  • Pre-mixed compound for minimal mixing, thinning, and retempering
  • Superior filling and finishing
  • Provides top-quality bond and hard finish surface
  • GREENGUARD Gold certified for low-emitting performance
  • Return Policy
  • California residents
     see Prop 65 WARNINGS

Product Information

Internet # 202329714

Model # 385140

Store SKU # 258717

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq. ft.): 88

Dimensions

Coverage Area (sq. ft.)

88

Details

Container Size

3.5 qt.

Drying Time (hours)

24

Drywall Features

Conventional Weight

Interior/Exterior

Interior

Questions & Answers

Can I use it to fill in designs made in the celling?
ByJun 4, 2026
2 Answers | 
Answer This Question

Thank you for your inquiry. USG SHEETROCK® BRAND ALL PURPOSE JOINT COMPOUND can be used for skim coating drywall surfaces and hand-applying simple textures. It can also be used for repairing cracks on drywall and plaster. Without knowing what was used to create the designs in the ceiling, we cannot make a recommendation.

By|Jul 16, 2026

    (2)

    yes you can use it to fill in, but you might need to mix it with other products to achieve a good consistency to adhere and prevent craking. with products like plaster of paris or USG easy sand powder

    By|Jun 11, 2026

      (1)

      Can this compound be applied directly to small areas of exposed brick that had plaster chiseled away for repairs?
      ByMay 24, 2026
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      John USG does not recommend applying joint compound directly to the interior face of an exterior masonry wall. We recommend furring out any plaster system so that it is not subject to condensation. Ready mix joint compounds are not approved for this application.

      By|May 26, 2026


        Drying Time?
        ByMay 22, 2026
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        Nelson Thank you for your inquiry. The drying time for ready mixed joint compounds varies depending on temperature, humidity and how thick it was applied. Ready mixed joint compounds can be applied up to 1/8" thick. The minimum room temperature should be 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the room should be well ventilated. There is no specific drying time that can be given due to the differences in jobsite conditions. If you are unsure if the compound is completely dry you can test it by applying plastic film over an area and taping it on all 4 sides. Wait overnight and if droplets of moisture appear on the underside of the film then the compound is not yet dry.

        By|May 26, 2026


          What is the diameter of the top of bucket?
          ByMay 19, 2026
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          Thank you for your inquiry. The diameter of the top of a 4.5 gallon bucket of Sheetrock All Purpose joint compound is approximately 11.3 inches. Note that this does not include the handle attachment points.

          By|Jul 15, 2026


            Fo you need to add water well mixing. Does it shrink well drying
            ByMay 13, 2026
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Jake- You do not have to add water. Remix contents before use. When taping and finishing joints, thinning with water may improve application. Add clean water in half-pint increments, remix and trial apply until preferred consistency is reached. Over dilution causes abnormal shrinkage, poor bond and other negative effects. Do not mix with any other material.

            By|Jul 24, 2026

              (3)

              Does it need to be mixed
              ByMay 7, 2026
              1 Answer | 
              Answer This Question

              James Thank you for your inquiry. When you first open the bucket, mix the entire contents with a paddle mixer. Only remove what you need for your project and do not return any unused compound back into the bucket. When you are done for the day cover the compound with about an inch of water and then tightly cover with the lid. When you want to use the compound again, pour that water off and remix. Hope this helps.

              By|Jul 30, 2026

                (4)

                Why do air bubbles appear during spackling?
                ByMay 1, 2026
                1 Answer | 
                Answer This Question

                Mark Thank you for your inquiry. Air bubbles can appear when applying joint compound over previously painted surfaces because air and moisture from the compound comes to the surface, rather than being absorbed by the paper face. We recommend using a fine mesh or sand paper to rough up the painted surface before applying the joint compound. Overmixing the joint compound will add air to it. Reduce the speed of the drill to slow down the mixing paddle. Be sure to apply the joint compound with your knife at a 45 degree angle. If the knife is at a tighter angle you may be forcing air into the compound as you apply it. If bubbles do appear they can either be smoothed out with the drywall knife while the compound is wet, or sanded out after the compound dries. Hope this helps.

                By|May 19, 2026

                  (2)

                  Is it easy to apply
                  ByApr 29, 2026
                  1 Answer | 
                  Answer This Question

                  Ceiling- This material is ready to use; it can be thinned slightly with water for easier application. Add water in small increments (for 1 gal. of compound, add water in 2 oz. increments.)

                  By|Jun 5, 2026

                    (1)

                    Viewing 1-8 of 312

                    Customer Reviews

                    4.7 out of 5

                    • 4.7 out of 5,908 reviews
                    • 92% recommend this product
                    Filter by:
                    Showing 1-10 of 5,908 reviews
                    I've been using this joint compound for decades. Never lets me down.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    I had purchased a usg Sheetrock brand 1.75 pt . All purpose ready mixed joint compound . It is easy to use . After open pull some joint compound mix with small amount of water mixed it up in the tray and apply to the wall it stick like a champion. Couple coats later it turn up like professionally done I highly recommended it
                    by
                    Great product easy to sand dry fast
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    Item matches product description. May need little water for smoothing.
                    by
                    Warning: Contaminated with Black Mold
                    Beware of bad batches of this stuff. I got some that's contaminated with Black Mold! See picture.
                    by
                      Works perfect for very small touch up and repairs. The area (3”x 3”) that was repaired here as indicated by the red arrow cannot be distinguished from rest of the rest of the ceiling.
                      by
                      • Verified Purchase
                      This joint compound worked out great for me. I removed an old wall telephone, patched the hole with a piece of drywall, and applied the compound to the seams. It was easy to apply and dried fast. The only problem is that I had a lot left over, but I still highly recommend this compound.
                      by
                      This customer chose to rate the product and not provide text.
                      by
                      This customer chose to rate the product and not provide text.
                      by
                      as always this joint compound did not fail. I had multiple nail and screw holes in my wall after removing a shelving unit and this worked perfect. Would highly recommend.
                      by
                      • Verified Purchase
                      Showing 1-10 of 5,908 reviews