Smooth walls are everywhere on my jobs now

I've been hanging board for years, and something's different lately. Everyone wants smooth finishes, no texture at all. Last week, I did a whole house where the owner said textured ceilings feel dated. It means I spend way more time sanding and applying thin coats of mud. Honestly, it's a bit more effort, but the results look great. I think it's because of those home renovation shows pushing sleek styles. Back in the day, we textured to cover up mistakes, but now with better tools, we can aim for perfection. It's a cool change, but man, my arms are tired from all the sanding, lol.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_james1mo ago

Smooth walls just show every single flaw and bump though.

taylorcarr1mo ago

Yeah, it's crazy how everything's gone smooth lately. I just finished a commercial job where the specs called for level five on every wall. My crew and I spent twice as long on prep and sanding, but the client loved it. Those TV shows have really changed what people expect, no more hiding flaws with texture. With better knives and lights, we can chase that perfect surface now, but it's a grind. My shoulders are shot from all the sanding this month.

felix_bailey451mo ago

Media really changes what folks expect from pros. My buddy tried to remodel his bathroom after watching too much HGTV, and he ended up hiring out because the details were overwhelming. He learned the hard way that perfect finishes aren't as easy as they look on screen.