Posted on April 14th, 2025

 

Getting smooth walls with drywall isn’t just a job—it’s a glow-up for your space.

One moment you’ve got uneven seams and gritty patches, and the next, you're staring at sleek, flawless walls that look straight out of a showroom.

That transformation? It’s addictive. But let’s be real—those clean finishes don’t just appear out of nowhere.

They’re the result of a little grit, a lot of patience, and knowing which step to take when.

It’s not rocket science, but it’s also not something you want to wing.

Picking the right tools, picking up the right motion, and knowing when to let things sit are all part of the rhythm.

And while you might think it’s all mud and tape, there’s a whole lot more going on behind the scenes.

Once you get a feel for it, though, the whole process starts to click.

Stick with us—we’re breaking it all down so you can go from "eh" to “heck yes” on your next drywall project.

 

Getting Familiar with the Basics of Drywall Finishing

Before your walls can wow anyone, they need a solid foundation—and that starts with learning the basics: taping, mudding, and sanding.

First up, taping. This is where you cover the seams between drywall sheets, helping everything hold together and keeping future cracks at bay.

Think of it as stitching your wall panels into one seamless canvas. You’ll apply a thin layer of joint compound along the seam, press in paper or mesh tape, and then smooth it out to avoid bubbles.

Go slow here—flat is the goal, not fast. Once the tape is firmly set, you’ll cover it with another thin coat of mud to lock it in and help it disappear into the wall.

With the seams taped, it's time for mudding—the part where you layer on more compound to even things out. You’ll cover taped seams, screws, and any other surface blemishes with thin, even coats.

Feather the edges out a few inches so everything blends smoothly. Don’t pile it on thick; let each layer dry completely (usually 24 hours, depending on the room) before adding the next.

The final coat should glide on clean and smooth, saving you effort later during sanding. A little patience now means fewer headaches down the road.

Sanding might be the messiest part, but it’s what brings everything together. Use fine-grit sandpaper and take your time—rushing here can undo all that careful mudding.

Keep the pressure light to avoid scraping down to the tape or drywall.

A dust mask, good lighting, and regular feel checks with your fingertips will help you spot uneven spots before they become paint problems.

When done right, sanding turns a patched-up wall into a flawless surface ready for paint, texture, or whatever look you’re going for next.

 

Essential Tools and Materials for a Flawless Finish

Getting professional-level results with drywall doesn’t just come from technique—it starts with the right gear. You wouldn’t expect a chef to cook a five-star meal with a plastic fork, and the same logic applies here.

Whenever it comes to achieving smooth, solid walls, the tools and materials you choose will either make your life easier or a whole lot harder.

First up: joint compound, or what’s often just called “mud.” This stuff is the heart of drywall finishing.

For most people, a pre-mixed all-purpose compound is the safest bet. It’s smooth, easy to spread, and dries at a steady pace, making it ideal for taping, filling, and skim coating.

Brands like USG Sheetrock and Hamilton are well-loved for a reason—they deliver consistent results, in case you're dealing with humidity or working in a drier climate.

If you’re in a hurry and know what you’re doing, setting compounds dries faster and can speed up the process. Just keep in mind: they don’t wait around, so you’ll need to work quickly once it’s mixed.

Next on the list: drywall knives. These are your go-to tools for spreading and smoothing mud, and yes—size matters.

A 6-inch knife is great for tight spaces and detail work, while a 10- to 12-inch knife covers larger areas and helps feather those edges like a pro. Look for stainless steel blades with a bit of flex; they’ll give you more control and hold up longer.

Ergonomic handles are also a must. You don’t want your hand cramping halfway through a wall. Brands like Hyde and Ames are solid picks that hold up well even after repeated use.

And then there’s sanding—the make-or-break moment for that perfectly polished surface. For the best results, you’ll want both hand tools and power options.

A sanding block is great for corners and touch-ups, but a pole sander with a swivel head lets you cover wide areas without climbing all over the place.

Look for tools that come with dust-catching features to keep the air cleaner and the mess under control. The PORTER-CABLE drywall sander is a favorite among pros thanks to its built-in dust collection.

Dialing in the right tools doesn’t just help you get smoother walls—it builds confidence. With every clean swipe and seamless finish, you’ll get closer to expert status. And it all starts with choosing smart, reliable gear that works as hard as you do.

 

Advanced Techniques and Best Practices

Getting that flawless, showroom-smooth finish isn’t just about applying mud and sanding—it’s about knowing the small tricks that separate a patchy wall from a perfect one.

These advanced techniques are what experienced pros use to consistently nail that clean, polished look, even in the most stubborn corners and seams.

Here are some expert-level techniques worth knowing:

• Feathering Edges Like a Pro: Use wider knives to gradually taper the joint compound, helping seams disappear into the wall instead of standing out.

• Skim Coating Entire Walls: For an ultra-smooth finish, apply a thin coat of compound over the entire surface, not just joints and screws.

• Wet Sanding for Less Dust: Swap the traditional dry sanding for a damp sponge—less mess, easier breathing, and a smoother finish with fewer scratches.

• Double Taping Trick: In high-stress areas (like ceilings or corners prone to cracking), using mesh and paper tape together can add strength and durability.

• Pre-filling Gaps: Fill larger seams or holes with quick-set compound before applying regular joint compound to avoid shrinkage or cracking later.

• Proper Lighting While Finishing: Use raking light—angled lighting across the wall—to highlight flaws and uneven textures during your sanding and mudding stages.

• Mixing Your Own Mud: Adjust consistency based on the job. Thinner for taping, thicker for finishing—fine-tuning your mix goes a long way.

Sounds like a lot? That’s because it is. Getting these techniques right takes practice, and mistakes can be frustrating—not to mention expensive if things need to be redone.

That’s why bringing in professionals often saves you more than just time. Our team already has the skills, tools, and experience to get the job done fast and flawlessly.

If you’re in the Chicagoland area and ready to leave the stress behind, let Big Boss Drywall handle it.

 

Why You Should Hire Professionals To Get The Job Done Right

Staring at a wall you’ve just finished smoothing can be a proud moment—every layer, every pass, every patient pause has led to something solid and clean.

Drywall might look simple, but getting that smooth, ready-to-paint surface takes serious effort and the right approach.

Quality materials, steady hands, and smart timing make all the difference. But let’s be honest—not every job is a DIY win.

When you’re facing a big project, a tricky patch, or just don’t have the time, that’s where we can really help.

Our drywall installation services across the Chicagoland area offer the kind of precision and consistency only years of experience can bring.

We don’t cut corners. We smooth them. And we make sure the job’s done right the first time.

From selecting the right compound to creating a flawless finish, we handle it all—so you don’t have to. Our team uses professional-grade tools and techniques to minimize mess, keep your space clean, and deliver results that last.

No guesswork. No unnecessary rework. Just clean, even walls ready for whatever look you’re going for next.

If you're ready to take the pressure off and leave your walls in expert hands, learn more about what we offer at Big Boss Drywall.

For direct support or to get a quote, give us a call at (224) 622-9932. We’re here to help bring your project to the finish line—clean, smooth, and done right.