9 Best Drywall Muds in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

You might be surprised at the variety of drywall materials and types available to you if you’re new to home improvement. Drywall mud is a joint compound that’s applied to installed drywall to hold the joints together. It may come pre-made or may require mixing with water or a filler before application.

It has a mud-like consistency, (which explains the term “mudding”) and once it dries it is sanded down to create a smooth wall and ceiling surface. In this post, we’re going to discuss the different drywall mud products available today along with reviews of each one.

A Quick Overview of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Dap 10100 Wallboard Joint Compound	Affordable Smooth finish Easy to make	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		3M High Strength Small Hole Reparation	Dries 3xs faster than other spackles Easy to spread Light weight	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		USG 381466 Lightweight Ready Mixed Joint Compound	Ready-mixed formula Easy application Non-shrinking	CHECK PRICE
		US GYPSUM 380270072	Smooth texture Crack/shrink-resistant Excellent value for money	CHECK PRICE
		US Gypsum 384211120 Ez Sand	No priming needed Easy to apply Professional results	CHECK PRICE

The 9 Best Drywall Muds

1. Dap 10100 Wallboard Joint Compound – Best Overall

Dap is one of the most popular names in the home improvement industry, and this compound doesn’t disappoint. We think it’s the best overall drywall mud available. This product will make your projects easier, even though many products will be difficult to use.

The compound is already ready to go in its package, so you don’t have to prepare it. You will only need to open the package and get to work. Shrinkage is the main drawback for many drywall muds and this drywall mud does not have that issue. This easy-to-apply mud can be used to repair holes and joints in interiors. However, it can get messy so just be prepared for that fact.

2. 3M High Strength Small Hole Reparation – Best Value

3M’s High Strength Small Hole Reparation preparation is more of a spackle than mud, but it can be used for a number of different jobs, including those requiring small amounts of mud. It’s easy to use and offers great value for money.

This product can be used to repair any nicks or holes in nails quickly and effectively. Once you’re done with repairs, it can hold your screws and nails in place. This product can make repairs much quicker than other spackles. It’s versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. We think it’s the best drywall mud for the money. However, it’s only good for repairing small holes in drywall.

3. USG 381466 Lightweight Ready Mixed Joint Compound – Premium Choice

This all-purpose joint compound is great for anyone looking for a quick application and less mess. Lightweight drywall mud has the advantage of being easy to spread and dilutable if you want something thinner for your application. You can use it straight out of the box because it has already been mixed.

It’s not only convenient but also durable. It doesn’t shrink, which means that it’ll keep its shape almost unchanged even after drying. However, it’s listed as our premium choice because it’s a bit pricey. And if you don’t use it all, the unused portion can get moldy over time.

4. US GYPSUM 380270072

Spreading spackling that is heavy and thick can be rather difficult. But this product has a smooth texture, making it easy to use. It’s also easy to sand, so you won’t need to struggle with the application process, even if you’re a beginner. You also won’t need to prime the product before you use it. You can open the package and get started using it. The item will not shrink or crack after proper application and it leaves a smooth finish. The downside is this is a much smaller product than the others on this list so far as far as quantity, so you may have to buy a lot if you need to cover a large area.

5. US Gypsum 384211120 Ez Sand

Need a joint compound that’s easy to work with? Well, here’s one to consider. It’s lightweight, which makes it very easy to use. This compound will give you a flawless finish, no matter how hard or slow you work–something that new DIYers will appreciate.

Sanding the compound is very easy and less time-consuming if you have an orbital sander. The mud’s superior bonding and low shrinkage make it ideal for many different projects. Its mud is perfect for any job, no matter how small. The downside is that like other US Gypsum products on our list, this one is a bit expensive as well.

6. US GYPSUM 385140004 All Purpose Joint Compound

Here’s a great joint compound by US Gypsum. This compound is easy to apply and provides a strong bond. Once the compound has dried, it won’t chip or break. This item can be used for plaster repair, as well as repairing drywall. This product is versatile, and you can use it for multiple types of projects. You also don’t have to worry about priming the item before applying it. The downside is that this product is expensive, which is why it’s listed as our premium choice.

7. DAP 12330 Dry-Time Indicator Spackling

Here’s another great product by DAP. This item is a premixed spackle which means no mixing and you don’t have to worry about priming. Sometimes, drywall muds can get messy. But this one is easy to clean, no matter if it’s a ceiling or wall job. The DAP spackle is easy to use and sanding is a breeze, even with a sanding brush or sandpaper. This spackle is suitable for both interior and exterior use. The only downside is that it can be hard to apply evenly.

8. Boncart Drywall Repair Kit – 2 Pack

This easy-to-use kit by Boncart is perfect for small projects or noticeable drywall imperfections. This spackle wall repair kit is easily reusable and can be used to quickly and easily repair damaged walls and includes 2 wall mending agents, applicators, and sandpaper.

It has everything you need to get the job done, and it’s affordable. The kit is safe and does not contain any formaldehyde or harmful dyes. It’s waterproof, crack-resistant, and will give you professional-looking results. It’s only good for small drywall projects, though, and may not be suitable for large ones.

9. SUSIN 2 Pack Drywall Repair Kit

Here is another drywall repair kit to add to your arsenal. If you have paintings that have caused nail damage on your walls, or dents in your drywall from furniture damage, this is the product to use. This wall patch repair kit is made from resin, glue, and a thin carbonate-based covering layer.

It’s also formaldehyde-free and safe for adults and children. This kit can be used to quickly repair wall cracks, tears, dents, and graffiti, as well as fill holes. The repair cream will be ready to go in about 4 hours depending on the temperature in your home. This is another drywall repair product that is better for smaller jobs than larger ones, though.

Conclusion

Dap 10100 Wallboard Joint Compound is our #1 pick for the best drywall mud on the market. This mud is dependable, comes from a great brand, and is perfect for all types of projects. 3M’s High Strength Small Hole Reparation is our #2 pick for its value.

This simple and affordable product can be used on a number of small and medium-sized repair projects. Though not a “mud” per se, it can provide the same hold that most muds can. And lastly, the USG 381466 Lightweight Ready Mixed Joint Compound is our #3 pick and it’s one of the most popular mud choices according to online reviews by contractors. This mud dries fast, doesn’t shrink, and leaves a crack-free hold that’s easy to sand and paint over.

Featured Image Credit: Tuzemka, Shutterstock