What’s the Difference Between Taping and Skim Coating? (Ottawa Drywall Finishing Guide)

Ron Selmani
May 29
2 min read

If you’ve ever talked to a drywall contractor or tried to watch a DIY video, you’ve probably heard terms like taping, mudding, and skim coating. But what do they actually mean—and which one does your wall need?

At R&G Walls, we get this question all the time from Ottawa homeowners. In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly, so you know exactly what to expect (and what you’re paying for).

🔧 What Is Drywall Taping?

Taping is the process of covering the seams where drywall panels meet. It involves:

Applying joint compound (a.k.a. “mud”)
Embedding drywall tape
Smoothing and feathering the compound

It usually takes three coats with drying and sanding in between. The goal is to create a seamless, invisible joint once the wall is primed and painted.

✅ Best for:

New drywall installations
Repairs where drywall panels are replaced
Hiding screws and corner joints

🎨 What Is Skim Coating?

Skim coating is the process of applying a thin, smooth layer of compound over an entire surface—not just the seams. It’s often done after:

Bad or uneven drywall repairs
Removing wallpaper or textured finishes
Water damage or stains
Painting over patched areas

Skim coating helps create a clean, uniform surface with no shadows, bumps, or texture.

✅ Best for:

Older walls with patches or imperfections
Prepping for high-end paint jobs
Renovation or resale projects where finish matters

🤔 Do You Need Both?

Sometimes, yes. For example:

On a new wall, we tape all the seams, then skim coat the entire surface for a level 5 finish.
On a patched or repaired wall, we may do taping on the joint and skim coating around it to blend the repair invisibly.

💡 Ottawa Tip: If you have a newer home but the walls show flashing (shiny areas) or paint inconsistencies, you may just need a light skim coat before repainting.

🧱 What We Recommend

Wall Condition	Recommended Service
Brand-new drywall install	Taping + sanding
Repaired or patched wall	Taping + spot skim coat
Poorly finished or textured surface	Full skim coating
High-end finish or resale project	Taping + full skim (Level 5)

🏆 Why Ottawa Trusts R&G Walls

With over 20 years of experience, R&G Walls delivers clean, consistent drywall finishes every time. From mudding and taping to full skim coats, we know what your walls need—and we never upsell what you don’t.

✔ Honest advice✔ Smooth finishes painters love✔ Fair pricing and clean work✔ Ottawa’s go-to drywall and finishing experts

📞 Call or text us at 613-869-7391📍 Serving Ottawa, Orleans, Kanata, Barrhaven, and nearby towns