Drywall Finishing

Drywall finishing transforms rough drywall panels into smooth, paint-ready surfaces. The process involves multiple coats of joint compound (mud) applied over paper or mesh tape at seams, screw holes, and corners. Professional finishing requires at least three coats: embedding tape in the first coat, widening the second coat, and feathering the final coat to blend imperceptibly. Each coat must dry completely before sanding smooth. Corner beads protect outside corners, while flexible tape forms inside corners.

Why Quality Matters

Drywall finishing quality directly impacts your final appearance. Poor finishing shows through paint as ridges, bumps, or visible seams—especially with semi-gloss paint or raking light. Level 4 finish (standard for flat paint) requires three coats and skim coating. Level 5 finish (required for gloss paint or critical lighting) adds a full skim coat over the entire surface. Denver's dry climate causes faster drying, which helps speed the process but requires proper mud consistency to prevent cracking. Dust control during sanding prevents dust from spreading throughout your home.

Common Finishing Steps

• First coat: Embed paper or mesh tape in joints, fill screw holes
• Second coat: Widen joint coverage to 8-10 inches, smooth corners
• Third coat: Feather edges to 12+ inches, blend seamlessly
• Sanding: Fine-grit sanding removes imperfections without gouging
• Priming: Seal surface with drywall primer before painting
• Texture optional: Skip texture for modern smooth walls, or add knockdown/orange peel