Aesthetically pleasing and durable options for finishing walls and ceilings Aesthetic Assemblies

Determining the appropriate finish for an interior building area can involve many factors, such as location, acoustical performance, cost, durability, application and desired aesthetics. Ideally, the appropriate finish will complement the architectural design.

User’s Guide This brochure provides information on how to: – Determine the appropriate level of finish, decorative finish and corner treatment – Choose and apply textures for walls and ceilings Understand Your System Overview Definitions Components Select Your System Performance Selector Finish and Color Selector Texture Selector Specify Your System Application Guide Specifications Technical Service 800 USG.4YOU Web Site www.usg.com 3 USG Aesthetic Assemblies

An area that receives little light or attention, such as a commercial garage or a plenum area above a ceiling, probably merits a less expensive finish than a residential living room. In a garage or plenum area, drywall joints might only be taped but not finished, while in a living room the specifications might call for joint compound, primer and skim coat for the highest quality finish. A textured finish might be used to cover surface imperfections in one application, while in another it might be deemed unacceptable. And finally, the corners themselves can receive different treatments. To determine...

“Level of finish” is an industrywide set of requirements for surface treatment or preparation relative to the type and angle of surface illumination from both natural and artificial lighting, the paint and method of application, and the type and finish of wall-covering material specified as the final decoration. Intended usage can also affect level of finish. For instance, temporary construction, garages or attics might require a lower level of finish. The level of finish designates how and to what level joints, interior angles, fastener heads, and accessories are treated with (or without) joint...

Skim Coat A thin coat of joint compound, or other specially manufactured material for this purpose, applied over the entire surface to fill imperfections in joint work, smooth paper texture, and provide a uniform surface for decorating. Excess compound is immediately sheared off, leaving a film of skim coating compound completely covering the paper. There is very little surface buildup. Wall Covering Primer Another type of drywall primer used prior to the application of wall coverings to minimize damage if wall coverings are removed. These materials are white, self-sizing, and water based. Levels...

Substitutions of any of the components are not recommended or supported by USG. Refer to the appropriate product material safety data sheet for complete health and safety information. Gypsum Board Finishing Drywall Joint Tapes SHEETROCK® Brand Joint Tape – Superior center creasing for trouble-free corner finishing – High-strength to resist tearing, stretching, wrinkling – Processed for superior bond – Wafer-thin for easy joint treatment – Refer to product submittal sheet J1736 for more information SHEETROCK Brand Fiberglass Drywall Tape – Self-adhesive tape—no bedding coat needed – Smooth joints...

SHEETROCK Brand MIDWEIGHT™ All Purpose Joint Compound – Ready-mixed convenience – Weighs up to 15% less than conventional-weight compounds – Easy working and sanding – Low shrinkage – Refer to product submittal sheet J963 for more information Setting-Type Powder Joint Compounds SHEETROCK Brand DURABOND® Setting-Type Joint Compound – Choice of setting times – Exceptional bond with low shrinkage – Same-day finishing and next-day decorating possible – Excellent check-crack resistance in heavy fills – Unique resistance to humidity – Refer to product submittal sheet J17A for more information SHEETROCK...

Powder Texture SHEETROCK Brand QT Ceiling Spray Textures – For striking simulated acoustical appearance on interior ceilings – Ideal for new construction and for renewing old ceilings – Hides minor surface defects with an attractive texture – Choice of three high-style finishes – Easy-pumping, low-cost spray application – Refer to product submittal sheet J378 for more information SHEETROCK Brand Wall and Ceiling Multipurpose Texture – Spray, brush, or roller applied – For artistic variety of light texture effects on new drywall interiors – Offers decorative versatility – Conceals minor surface...

SHEETROCK Brand Wall and Ceiling Sand Finish Texture 1 Texture Paint – For producing a light sand finish with light-bodied under-texture – Quick-drying—shortens decorating time, reduces overall costs – Interior white latex – Refer to product submittal sheet J917 for more information USG COVER COAT® Compound – For filling and smoothing monolithic concrete ceilings and columns located above grade – Easily applied; no extra bonding agent needed – Dries to a fine white decorative surface – Also ideal for drywall tape embedding and first coat over bead – Refer to product submittal sheet J59 for more...

Plaster Systems See SA920, Plaster Systems, in this binder for more information on substrates, basecoat and finish plasters, gauging plasters, and finishing limes. Basecoat Plasters DIAMOND® Brand Veneer Basecoat Plaster – Quality walls and ceilings for residential or commercial construction where a high production rate is desired – Use where superior strength of IMPERIAL Brand Basecoat Plaster is not essential – Refer to product submittal sheet P774 for more information IMPERIAL® Brand Basecoat Plaster – High-strength (3,000 psi) veneer basecoat plaster for use in two-coat applications – Can...

RED TOP Brand Finish Plaster – Easy-working mill-mixed gauged plaster-lime finish for high productivity – Offers excellent smoothness and trowelling characteristics – Refer to product submittal sheet P773 for more information USG Acoustical Plaster Finish – Natural white, aggregated spray-on texture finish – Provides sound-rated decorative finish for interior use on basecoat plaster, concrete, metal deck, and gypsum panel ceilings – For use on noncontact surfaces only Corner Treatments Flex Tapes SHEETROCK Brand Flex Metal Tape – Tape-on flexible corner – All-purpose use on any inside or outside...