Drywall finishing is the process of preparing the newly installed drywall for painting finishes or other wall covering. It involves covering seams and screwheads with joint compound (“mud”), then sanding and smoothing until the wall has a uniform texture with a seamless appearance. The goal of drywall finishing is to make individual drywall panels look like one continuous piece and provide a foundation for a beautiful, long-lasting finish. 

The Process 

1. Taping the Joints 
After the drywall is installed, the finisher applies tape over the seams between the panels. This tape prevents cracks from forming over time. 

2. Applying Joint Compound 
This compound is spread over the joint seams, inside corners, outside corners, and fastener heads. Usually applied in multiple coats. 

3. Sanding and Smoothing 
Once the compound is dry, it is sanded smooth. 

4. Final Surface Preparation 
The wall surface is inspected, touched up, and prepared for primer and paint.

Levels of Drywall Finishes 

Level 0 
No tape, mud, or finishing. Typically only seen in temporary construction or unfinished spaces.

Level 1 
There is tape embedded in the joint compound. Typically seen in areas hidden from view.

Level 2 
An additional level of compound over the joints and fasteners. Often used in garages.

Level 3 
Suitable for medium to heavily textured wall finishes. 

Level 4 
The standard finish for most residential and commercial painted walls 

Level 5 
A thin skim coat is painted applied over the entire drywall surface, creating a seamlessly smooth wall. Ideal for high end paint and areas with bright lighting.

Why it Matters 

Proper drywall finishing is essential for achieving the clean, polished look that your project deserves while enhancing long-term paint adhesion and durability. Even premium paint can highlight imperfections on an uneven surface, making proper drywall finishing the foundation of any successful interior finish. Whether your vision includes paint, wallpaper, or decorative textures, a high-quality drywall finish creates the perfect surface to bring it to life.