Smooth walls are the least forgiving finish there is. Long windows, wall-washing lights and satin or semi-gloss paint all show every seam that isn't flat.
What goes into it
- Taping every joint and inside corner
- Setting corner bead straight and true
- Three feathered coats over joints and fasteners, sanded between coats
- A full skim coat where the light or the paint calls for it
Picking the level
Drywall finish is graded from Level 0 (bare board) to Level 5 (a skim over the whole surface). Most painted walls at home are finished to Level 4. We'll recommend Level 5 when a wall faces strong side light or will get a glossy paint, and tell you why.