Walls and Ceilings - Smooth walls

Hi, we are having a new house built. Our drywall is almost complete and our builder wants to know what texture we want. Our choices were orange peel or knockdown, but we don't like either. We would prefer a smooth surface to be able to paint or hang wallpaper if we choose. What is the proper procedure for creating the smooth surface? After they apply the joint compound, can they sand it smooth, apply a coat of primer, and then paint? Thanks so much for your help.
VM

Absolutely. That is exactly how a no texture sheetrock wall is done.

Now I am not a painter or paper hanger but I think something different is used (rather than primer, or maybe in addition to) if wallpaper is to be hung.

Texture on the ceiling is pretty standard but going out of style. I haven't seen texture on the walls of a new custom home in a long time. It's your house. Tell them what you want. It will probably cost more for smooth walls in your situation since it sounds like texture is what they are used to.

Texture is often used to hide minor imperfections in drywall joints. It's quicker, easier and cheaper for the contractor to come in and spray texture walls and ceilings than for him to have to take the extra time to sand the joints perfectly smooth.

Talk t your builder and let him know your preferences. You may be able to come up with a compromise solution that won't be too expensive. Look at what areas you want smooth and see if there are rooms where texture would be acceptable. IMO what you don't want is popcorn ceilings.

Wallpaper can be hung over light orange peel texture but it should have a good primer. If the builder uses the normal cheap builders line of paint it would still benifit from a quality primer, it will make stripping the paper a lot easier later on.

Texture is often used to hide minor imperfections in drywall joints. It's quicker, easier and cheaper for the contractor to come in and spray texture walls and ceilings than for him to have to take the extra time to sand the joints perfectly smooth.

Talk t your builder and let him know your preferences. You may be able to come up with a compromise solution that won't be too expensive. Look at what areas you want smooth and see if there are rooms where texture would be acceptable. IMO what you don't want is popcorn ceilings.


And check their work carefully. If they typically do texture, they may not be very good at doing good smooth joints.