General Contractor Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

A smooth finish on drywall involves several critical steps to ensure a flawless surface. Filling nail holes is an essential part of preparing drywall for finishing, but the most appropriate material for this task is usually joint compound, rather than caulk. Joint compound is specifically designed to smooth out imperfections, such as nail holes, seams, and joints, and allows for better blending into the surface.

Applying joint compound is a fundamental aspect of achieving a smooth finish as it helps in covering the seams and imperfections on the drywall. Sanding the surface is crucial because it helps to remove any imperfections left after the joint compound has dried, enabling a flat, smooth surface suitable for painting or other finishes. Taping joints is also vital because it prevents the edges from cracking and provides a seamless transition between pieces of drywall.

In this context, while filling nail holes is a necessary step, using caulk for that job does not align with the standard practices for preparing drywall for a smooth finish. Thus, this option stands out as the least applicable regarding achieving a smooth drywall finish.