Best for Adhesives & Glue, Fasteners, Paint Accessories
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120 pcs in a pallet
| Feature | USG Sheetrock Plaster of Paris | DAP Plaster of Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Set Time | 20–30 min (patching); 30–50 min (casting) | 20–30 min |
| Working / Pot Time | ~15 min | 6–10 min |
| Mix Ratio (Patching) | 1 lb powder : 6 oz water | 2 parts powder : 1 part water |
| Mix Ratio (Casting) | 1 lb powder : 8 oz water | Same |
| Water Temp Recommended | Cool/clean water | Cold water (40–50°F specifically) |
| ASTM Standard | Meets ASTM C59 | Not specified on TDS |
| Shrinkage | Minimal | Non-shrinking (stated claim) |
| Paint Absorption | Normal — primer recommended | Resists paint absorption (stated claim) |
| Available Sizes | 25 lb bags | 4 lb bag/box, 8 lb bag, 25 lb bag |
| Shelf Life | 1 year (sealed, dry storage) | Not stated |
| Surfaces | Drywall + plaster walls/ceilings | Interior plaster walls/ceilings |
| Uses | Patching, casting, molding, sculpting | Patching, mold making, casting, crafts |
USG gives you ~15 minutes of working/pot time before it begins to set
DAP gives you only 6–10 minutes — significantly shorter
For large patches or complex pours, USG is easier to work with; DAP is better for quick, small spot repairs
DAP explicitly calls for cold water (40–50°F) to extend working time — without it, DAP sets even faster
USG says "cool, clean water" but is not as strict — more forgiving in real job-site conditions
USG meets ASTM C59 (the standard specification for Gypsum Casting Plaster and Gypsum Molding Plaster) — this is a professional/commercial quality benchmark
DAP does not reference ASTM C59 on its TDS — it's positioned more as a consumer/DIY product
DAP specifically claims it resists paint absorption after drying — you may be able to paint directly without heavy priming on small patches
USG recommends applying a prime coat (e.g., Sheetrock First Coat) or undiluted interior latex before top-coating — standard professional practice
USG comes primarily in 25 lb bags — contractor/trade format
DAP offers 4 lb, 8 lb, and 25 lb options — more homeowner/retail friendly; the 4 lb box is convenient for small jobs
USG Sheetrock is a contractor-grade product with documented ASTM specs, a defined soaking step in mixing, and is widely used in commercial drywall and plaster work
DAP is a consumer/hardware-store product optimized for ease of use — simpler mixing instructions, smaller pack sizes, broadly available at Home Depot/Lowe's (which matches your open tab!)
| Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Large plaster wall/ceiling patch | USG (longer working time, ASTM-rated) |
| Quick small hole repair | DAP (fast set, small pack size) |
| Casting / mold making (detail work) | USG (more forgiving pot time, ASTM C59) |
| DIY homeowner job | DAP (widely available in small sizes) |
| Commercial / restoration work | USG (professional benchmark, 25 lb bags) |
| Need to paint same day | DAP (resists paint absorption) |
| Job site with warm temps | USG (less sensitive to water temp) |
Bottom line: Both are calcium sulfate hemihydrate (the same chemistry), but USG is the professional-grade choice with a longer working window and ASTM certification, while DAP is the consumer-friendly option with faster set and more retail pack sizes. For plaster wall patching in older Brooklyn buildings, USG Sheetrock gives you more control — especially on deeper, multi-coat patches.
Best for Adhesives & Glue, Fasteners, Paint Accessories


Hello! Need help? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Tell me what’s up, and I’ll be happy to assist 💁