Drywall Finisher

A drywall finisher (also known as a drywall taper or taper) is a skilled construction trade professional who specializes in preparing installed drywall panels for painting or other final decorations. Their primary role is to create smooth, seamless walls and ceilings by concealing joints, screws/nails, and imperfections after the drywall has been hung (typically by a separate drywall hanger or installer). Key Responsibilities

Applying joint tape over seams between drywall panels. Spreading joint compound (often called "mud") in multiple layers to fill joints, cover fasteners, and smooth surfaces. Sanding between coats and finally to achieve a flawless finish. Repairing cracks, holes, or damage. Sometimes applying texture if specified. Ensuring the surface is ready for paint, wallpaper, or other treatments.

This work requires precision, as even minor flaws can show under paint. Finishers often use hand tools (knives, trowels, sanders) or automatic tools (like bazookas/tapers and boxes) for efficiency on larger jobs.

The goal is a perfectly smooth, monolithic surface like this:

How to Become One Most enter the trade through apprenticeships (often 2–4 years, combining on-the-job training and classroom instruction), offered by unions or contractors. No advanced degree is required, but physical fitness, attention to detail, and comfort with heights/tools are essential. It's a physically demanding job involving ladders, scaffolding, dust, and repetitive motions.