After sheetrock joints are taped, what coat is typically applied?

• A. Skim Coat
• B. Base Coat
• C. Finish Coat
• D. Sealer

Answer: (A)

The situation tested is drywall finishing after joints are taped. The next coat typically applied is a skim coat—a thin layer of joint compound spread over the entire surface. This coat smooths out ridges from the tape, fills minor imperfections, and creates an even, continuous surface ready for the final coats and paint.

This thin skim makes it easier to feather the edges and reduces the risk of visible seams once you apply the finish coat. A base coat is usually thicker and used to cover tape during the embedding stage, not as the smoothing pass after taping. The finish coat is the final layer that builds up the surface, often after a skim or base coat. Sealer is a primer/undercoat, applied before painting, not part of the joint finishing sequence.