Drywall Finishing & Taping in Reno, NV

Reno Precision Drywall provides expert drywall finishing and taping in Reno, NV with over 15 years of precision finishing experience. Our multi-coat compound systems, proper drying protocols, and raking-light inspections produce smooth, professional surfaces that look flawless under any lighting condition.

From level 5 smooth finishes for critical lighting areas to knockdown and orange peel textures that match existing walls, we deliver the exact finish your project requires. Serving Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Washoe County.

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Drywall Finish Types

Level 5 Smooth Finish

The highest quality drywall finish available. We skim coat the entire surface with a thin layer of compound, creating a perfectly uniform substrate. Essential for areas with critical lighting such as hallways with downlights, high-gloss paint applications, and spaces where even minor imperfections would be visible.

Knockdown Texture

A spray-applied texture that is immediately flattened with a knockdown knife, creating a subtle, organic pattern with flat plateaus and slight valleys. Popular in modern homes for its clean appearance that hides minor imperfections while maintaining a refined look. Applied consistently across walls and ceilings.

Orange Peel Texture

A lighter spray pattern that creates uniform, small bumps resembling the surface of an orange. This is one of the most popular residential finishes because it provides consistent coverage, hides minor surface imperfections, and is easy to clean and repaint. Applied with controlled spray equipment for even distribution.

Three-Coat Finishing System

Professional drywall finishing is not one coat and done. Our three-coat system builds quality in layers, with each coat serving a distinct purpose and every coat inspected under raking light before the next is applied.

Tape Coat (First Coat)

The first coat beds the joint tape into compound, removing air bubbles and creating clean, flat edges along every seam. This foundation coat determines the quality of everything that follows. We use paper tape for most joints and mesh tape where additional flexibility is needed.

Block Coat (Second Coat)

The second coat fills any remaining depressions and begins feathering the compound outward to create smooth, gradual transitions. Applied wider than the tape coat, this layer builds the joint profile that will be invisible after painting.

Skim Coat (Third Coat)

The final coat applies a thin, wide layer of compound that feathers far beyond the joint line, creating a seamless transition between joint and drywall face. This coat is what makes joints disappear under paint. Proper dry time between each coat is critical for a lasting finish.

Raking Light Inspection

After each coat and after final sanding, we inspect every surface under raking light positioned at a sharp angle to the wall. This reveals imperfections invisible under normal conditions. Any issues are addressed before moving forward.

Tape Embedding

The first coat beds joint tape into wet compound, pressing out air bubbles and creating clean, flat edges. We use paper tape on flat joints and inside corners, and flexible mesh tape on areas prone to movement. Proper embedding prevents tape blistering and edge lifting that leads to visible seams after painting.

Multi-Coat Compound Application

Each successive coat is applied wider than the last, feathering compound edges progressively outward. The second coat fills, the third coat blends. We allow full dry time between coats and never rush the process. This progressive-width technique creates joints that are completely invisible after painting.

Final Sanding & Inspection

HEPA-filtered sanders capture dust at the source while producing a uniformly smooth surface. After sanding, we run raking light across every wall and ceiling to catch imperfections that standard lighting misses. Touch-up compound is applied to any areas that need attention before the surface is declared paint-ready.

Drywall Finishing Process

Surface Preparation

We inspect all hung drywall for protruding fasteners, loose panels, and damaged edges. Any issues are corrected before taping begins. Dust and debris are removed from seams to ensure proper tape adhesion and compound bonding.

Tape Embedding

Joint tape is bedded into wet compound on every seam, inside corner, and butt joint. Paper tape on standard joints, mesh tape where flexibility is needed. Air bubbles are pressed out and edges are cleaned for a flat foundation.

Compound Application (2-3 Coats)

Each coat builds on the last with progressively wider application. Full drying time between coats prevents shrinkage cracking and ensures a solid bond. Screw dimples and corner beads receive the same multi-coat treatment as flat joints.

Sanding & Texture

HEPA-filtered sanding produces a dust-controlled, smooth surface. Texture is applied if specified, whether knockdown, orange peel, or another pattern. We match existing textures precisely when working on additions or renovations.

Final Inspection

Every surface is examined under raking light. We walk through the finished space with you, address any concerns, and confirm the surface meets the specified finish level before declaring it paint-ready.

Drywall Finishing & Taping FAQs

What finish levels are available?

Drywall finish levels range from Level 0 (no finishing) to Level 5 (full skim coat over entire surface). Most residential projects use Level 4, which includes three coats of compound with full sanding. Level 5 is recommended for areas with critical lighting or high-gloss paint. We assess your space and recommend the appropriate level during consultation.

How many coats of compound do you apply?

We apply a minimum of three coats on every project: the tape coat, the block coat, and the skim coat. Each coat is wider than the previous one and serves a specific purpose. Level 5 finishes receive an additional full-surface skim coat. We never cut corners by reducing coats.

How long do you wait between coats?

Each coat must dry completely before the next is applied, typically 24 hours depending on temperature, humidity, and compound thickness. Applying compound over a wet coat causes shrinkage cracks and adhesion failure. We never rush dry times to compress the schedule.

What is the difference between knockdown and orange peel?

Both are spray-applied textures, but they produce different results. Orange peel creates uniform small bumps across the surface. Knockdown starts the same way but adds a flattening step with a knockdown knife, creating broader, flatter plateaus with subtle valleys between them. Knockdown has a more pronounced, organic pattern while orange peel is more uniform and subtle.

Can you match the texture on my existing walls?

Yes. Texture matching is a core part of our finishing work. We analyze the existing texture pattern, adjust our spray settings and technique to replicate it, and test on a sample area before applying to the full surface. Whether your walls have knockdown, orange peel, skip trowel, or smooth finish, we match it so new and old areas blend seamlessly.

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Get a detailed estimate for drywall finishing and taping in Reno. Professional results, no shortcuts.

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