What this covers
Skim coating covers a damaged, textured or uneven wall with thin coats of joint compound, sanded between coats, until it is flat and smooth. Texturing is the reverse: matching an existing orange peel, knockdown or other texture over a repair so the patch disappears. Both finish with a primer that makes the surface ready for paint. The work is dusty and the room is masked.
When to call
- Walls left rough after wallpaper removal or a repair.
- A texture you want gone, or a patch that needs to match the texture around it.
- New drywall after a water or fire rebuild that needs to match the rest of the house.
What to expect
- AssessThe company checks the surface and, for texture matching, samples the existing texture.
- RepairHoles, cracks and loose paper are repaired.
- Skim or textureCompound is applied in thin coats and sanded, or texture is sprayed or hand-applied to match.
- PrimeThe surface is primed and ready for paint.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
What is a level 5 finish?
The smoothest drywall finish, with a skim coat over the whole surface. It is used where strong light rakes across a wall and would show every joint.
Can an orange peel texture be matched?
Yes. The finisher adjusts the spray and compound until a test patch matches, then textures the repair. Knockdown and other textures are matched the same way.
How much dust is there?
Sanding makes fine dust. Rooms are masked and some crews use dust-collecting sanders. Plan to clean surfaces afterward.
Related: Popcorn ceiling removal · Wallpaper removal · Interior painting · All painting and wall finishes
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.