 "The Films of Laurel and Hardy" author William K. Everson delivered a mixed report in 1967, saying "Considering the promise it offers, "The Finishing Touch" is a slight disappointment.The climactic gags lack the force and 'boff' quality that the build-up has led us to expect, and the whole short has a somewhat mechanical flavor to it.Nevertheless, it has energy, and the problems of house construction... provide every gag with "anticipation" as well as culmination."