levels Of Drywall Finishes

Drywall is a common building material that is used in homes, businesses and many other places. There are several different finishes you can use for your drywall walls and ceilings. There are also a lot of different drywall texture options to choose from, so it’s important to know what you want before you start your project.

Level 1

Drywall finish levels were developed by drywall professionals to help building owners, specifiers, architects and contractors define what they needed on their jobs in more specific terms. Level 0: No taping or finishing is required. This is considered temporary construction and usually used as a starting point by subcontractors until the general contractor or client decides on the final decoration.

Level 1: A surface free of excess joint compound is specified in plenum areas above ceilings, attics and service corridors where appearance is not of prime concern. The joints and angles are taped with a thin layer of joint compound, but fasteners and accessories are not covered.

Level 2

Level 2 is often used in places like garages or service corridors, where appearance isn't really a concern. This is an ideal drywall finish for wainscoting, but it can also be used for tile installations. A thin coating of joint compound is applied over taped joints and screw holes, followed by sanding once dry. This results in a smooth, clean surface that can be painted or covered with wallcoverings or other decorations.

The surface is further made even smoother by applying another coat of drywall compound to all flat joints and angles, as well as the fasteners on accessories. This is followed by sanding the whole surface, making sure it's completely smooth and free of tool marks or ridges.

Level 3

Level 3 is a recommended drywall finish for walls that will receive medium or heavy wall texture, such as spray or hand-applied textures. This type of wall covering is generally not suited for smooth painted surfaces or light wallcoverings, as it requires a uniform surface that conceals fasteners and joint tape. During the taping process, all joints and angles are embedded in a thin coat of joint compound. Then, a double coat of compound is applied over fastener heads and accessories. Finally, drywall primer is applied to hide tool marks and ridges.

Level 4

A level 4 drywall finish is the most common drywall finish you will get for interior walls. It is perfect for flat painted surfaces, light texturing, and a lightweight wall covering such as wallpaper or tile. This level is usually specified for high profile projects, interior retails and commercial establishments, or other areas that require a smooth surface that will not show shadows in severe lighting conditions.

This level is similar to Level 2 but instead of tape embedded in the compound, extra compounds are removed and a thin coating is left over the joints and angles. Fastener heads, corner beads, and accessories are covered with a coat of compound as well. Ridges and tool marks are acceptable but excess joint compound should be sanded away.

Level 5

The gypsum board industry and drywall professionals have codified a set of standards that break the process of finishing drywall into five distinct levels. Serious do-it-yourselfers should take note of these levels if they want their finish to look as professional as possible. Level 5 is a high-end drywall finish that creates an ultra-smooth surface. It is ideal for high-end residential and commercial spaces where a clean, professional look is a priority.

A level 5 drywall finish is achieved through a process of applying two to three coats of joint compound and sanding between each coat. It also includes a skim coat, which is a thin layer of joint compound that is applied evenly across the wall or ceiling to create a smooth surface.

Of course choosing the best drywall finishing companies can help you achieve the perfect finish and Dallas drywall solution proud itself in being the finest company that can cover every drywall finish types.

To read about drywall, navigate to Comprehensive Guide to Painting and Drywall: Contractors, Repairs, and Companies, or The Art of Tape and Bed.

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