This has become almost exclusively the only compound I use for patch and paint repairs. It is expensive, but saves so munch time, its really the cheapest option. I haven't had a crack yet, even when using it to patch 5/8" deep, by 4" wide tear-outs, and 1" through-holes in one pass. You can thin it with water. And in the past year I've been using it, I have not had a single crack. The fiber reinforcement works the same as fiberglass or cutting up mesh tape and mixing in traditional compound, only the fibers are so tiny, you'd need a microscope to see. You can see how touch it is when you pick up a dried glob of it from the floor, you can't hardly break it in half. Beats all the filing, and bedding mesh, and filling again and dry times of traditional. It dries about as fast as 20 min mud. I thin my fiber wall repair compound with a little water, and never need to sand for holes up to ~4", and skim patches up to 12"x24". Just comeback in 15 to 45 mins and shoot some texture, or roll paint. This is perfect for handymen and repairs. My patch-n-paint jobs got faster, easier, and more reliable with this compound. This little tub should go a long way, mine has lasted countless patches on 8 rooms, but I spend the time to float so smooth, I rarely need to sand. It will have a sightly velvety feel when dry, especially if you sand it, as it has micro tiny soft hairs/fibers in it. Takes paint really well, dries surprisingly fast in thin layer. ***Tips: Like most any pre-mixed compounds, always keep the rim and lid clean, clean it from the walls of the tub and add some water after each use, make certain to squeeze the excess air out of the lid as you seal/snap it shut. This stuff is tough, like their is adhesive in it, clean your tools immediately. It dries fast and you will need a sander to get it off your knives if you wait 10 mins to clean the. Having access to a sink or hand scrubbing wipes will save your drywall tools.