There’s a moment in every construction or renovation project when a space begins to feel like a room—not just a collection of beams and insulation, but a place with potential. That moment comes when drywall is installed. But while hanging drywall defines the shape, it’s the finishing and texturing that gives the walls their soul.
Drywall finishing and texturing is where craftsmanship meets creativity. It’s the difference between a wall that’s “done” and one that’s polished, professional, and ready for life. At Brawler Drywall, we believe finishing isn’t just a step—it’s an art form. One that requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of what makes a space feel complete.
Let’s explore how flat drywall becomes flawless through expert finishing and custom textures—and why this stage is one of the most important in the entire construction process.
Why Finishing Matters: More Than Just a Pretty Face
You can hang drywall perfectly, use the right materials, and follow every guideline—but if the finishing is off, none of it matters. Finishing is what turns raw drywall into smooth, seamless surfaces that are ready for paint, texture, or wallpaper.
Without proper finishing:
- Joints show through paint
- Nail pops become visible over time
- Walls feel rough and uneven
- Corners chip easily
- Light exposes flaws from every angle
In contrast, a flawless finish makes walls fade into the background—in the best way. They become the silent, smooth canvas that supports your design, décor, and daily life.
The Levels of Drywall Finish: A Quick Breakdown
Professional drywall finishers follow an industry-standard scale that ranges from Level 0 to Level 5. Each level corresponds to a different stage of readiness and visual perfection:
- Level 0: No finishing at all (raw panels)
- Level 1: Tape applied over joints, but no compound
- Level 2: One coat of joint compound—often used in garages or behind tile
- Level 3: Two coats of compound, light sanding—suitable for heavy textures
- Level 4: Three coats, full sanding—ready for paint with light sheen
- Level 5: Perfectly smooth, skim coat over entire surface—best for high-end finishes and glossy paint
At Brawler Drywall, we customize our finishing level based on how the wall will be used and finished. For luxury homes, retail spaces, and design-forward interiors, Level 5 is often the standard. For utility areas or highly textured walls, Levels 3–4 may be ideal.
The Drywall Finishing Process: Where Precision Is Everything
Achieving a smooth finish is a layered, multi-day process. Rushing it only leads to subpar results. Here’s how we bring each wall from flat to flawless:
1. Taping the Seams
It all starts with joint tape—applied over every seam and corner. This tape helps reinforce the joints and prevent cracking. For inside corners, paper tape is folded and embedded with precision. For flat seams, mesh tape or paper may be used, depending on the surface.
2. First Coat of Joint Compound (Mud)
A thin layer of joint compound is applied over the tape, feathered out several inches past the seam. This coat sets the foundation, covering fasteners and joints while beginning to smooth the surface.
3. Second and Third Coats
Subsequent layers widen the feathered edge and increase smoothness. Each coat is allowed to dry completely before the next is applied. With each pass, the surface becomes flatter, smoother, and more refined.
4. Sanding and Inspection
Once the final coat is dry, we sand the surface by hand or with power sanders. But sanding isn’t just about smoothing—it’s about sculpting the perfect surface. We check walls under direct light to find even the smallest imperfection. If needed, touch-ups are applied and re-sanded.
Adding Texture: Function Meets Flair
Once the surface is perfectly prepped, the question becomes: smooth or textured? Texture isn’t just decorative—it’s practical. It helps conceal minor flaws, adds personality to a room, and softens acoustics.
At Brawler Drywall, we offer a range of texturing styles to suit every aesthetic:
Knockdown
A popular choice that balances clean lines with subtle movement. Knockdown texture is created by spraying a thin layer of joint compound, then “knocking it down” with a wide trowel. It’s elegant, understated, and perfect for modern homes.
Orange Peel
This fine, dimpled texture resembles the surface of an orange. It adds interest without overpowering the wall and is ideal for large spaces or open floor plans.
Skip Trowel
Applied by hand, skip trowel texture brings a rustic, artisan feel to walls and ceilings. It’s bold, dramatic, and best suited for spaces that embrace unique character.
Smooth Finish
The most refined and demanding option, a smooth finish requires a Level 5 surface and absolute precision. The result is crisp, modern, and ideal for high-end designs or light-reflective paint.
Matching Texture in Renovations or Repairs
One of the most delicate parts of finishing is blending new surfaces with old ones. Whether it’s repairing a damaged wall or expanding an existing space, matching texture is an art form in itself.
We analyze the original pattern, adjust our tools and mud consistency, and perform test sprays until the new section blends invisibly into the existing wall. This attention to detail is what sets Brawler Drywall apart in both new builds and renovations.
Common Mistakes We Avoid
Inexperienced finishing shows up in all the wrong ways:
- Visible seams or tape lines
- Over-sanded or gouged surfaces
- Bulging or uneven areas
- Improper drying times leading to shrinkage cracks
- Inconsistent texture application
At Brawler Drywall, we avoid these pitfalls by following time-tested processes and using top-tier materials. Every stage is carefully executed—and inspected—before moving on to the next.
Why Finishing Is a Skill Worth Investing In
It’s easy to overlook finishing in favor of bigger design decisions. But ask any painter, decorator, or lighting designer—and they’ll tell you that nothing ruins a high-end interior like uneven drywall. The truth is, great finishes make everything else look better.
A beautifully finished wall:
- Enhances natural and artificial lighting
- Supports bold color and texture choices
- Increases property value
- Creates a more polished, professional look
- Feels better to the touch—and under scrutiny
Trust Brawler Drywall to Finish Strong
Drywall finishing and texturing isn’t just the final step—it’s the final statement. It tells everyone who enters your space that this was done right, with care and craftsmanship.
At Brawler Drywall, we bring years of experience, precision technique, and pride in every pass of the trowel. Whether you’re building from the ground up or reviving a room, we’ll help take your walls from flat to flawless—because that’s what they deserve.