What are the recommended levels of finish?

Understanding the Finish Levels for Drywall, Glass Mat and Gypsum Panels

The recommended levels of finish are as follows, as stated in the Gypsum Association publication, GA-214 “Recommended Levels of Finish for Gypsum Board, Glass Mat and Fiber-Reinforced Gypsum Panels”

Level 0:

No taping, finishing, or accessories required

• Typically specified in temporary construction or whenever the final decoration has not been determined.

Level 1:

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound. Excess joint compound, tool marks and ridges are acceptable.

• Typically specified joint treatment in smoke barrier applications and areas not normally open to public view such as plenum areas above ceilings, attics, and other areas where the assembly would generally be concealed

Level 2:

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and wiped with a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. Joint compound applied over the body of the tape at the time of tape embedment shall be considered a separate coat of joint compound and shall satisfy the conditions of the level. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with one (1) coat of joint compound. Surface shall be free of excess joint compound. Tool marks and ridges are acceptable.

• Typically specified where gypsum panel products are used as a substrate for tile; may be used in garages, warehouse storage, or other similar areas where surface appearance is not a concern.

Level 3:

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. One (1) separate coat of joint compound shall be applied over all joints and interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with two (2) separate coats of joint compound. The surface shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges.

• Typically specified in appearance areas that are to receive heavy- or medium-texture finished (spray or hand applied) before final painting, or where heavy-duty/commercial grade wallcoverings are to be applied as the final decoration. This level of finish is not recommended for smooth wall designs or applications where light textures, non-continuous textures, or lightweight wallcoverings are applied.

Level 4:

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. Two (2) separate coats of joint compound shall be applied over all flat joints and one (1) separate coat of joint compound shall be applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with three (3) separate coats of joint compound. The surface shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. Where glass mat and/or fiber-reinforced gypsum panels are installed, refer to the gypsum panel manufacturer for specific finishing recommendations.

• Typically specified in appearance areas where smooth wall designs are decorated with flat paints, light textures, non-continuous textures, or where wallcoverings are to be applied. This level of finish is not recommended where non-flat or dark/deep tone paints are applied. In critical lighting areas, flat paints applied over light continuous textures tend to reduce joint photographing. The weight, texture, and sheen level of wallcoverings applied over this level of finish should be carefully evaluated. Joints and fasteners must be adequately concealed if the wallcovering used is of lightweight construction, contains limited pattern, has a sheen level other than flat, or any combination thereof. Unbacked vinyl wallcoverings are not recommended over this level of finish.

Level 5:

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embedded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped with a joint knife leaving a thin consistent coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles. Two (2) separate coats of joint compound shall be applied over all flat joints and one (1) separate coat of joint compound shall be applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be covered with three (3) separate coats of joint compound. A thin skim coat of joint compound or a material manufactured especially for this purpose shall be applied to the entire surface. The surface shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges.

• Typically specified in appearance areas where smooth wall designs are decorated with non-flat paints (i.e., sheen/gloss) or other glossy decorative finishes, dark/deep tone paints are applied, or critical lighting conditions occur. This level of finish is the most effective method to provide a uniform surface and minimize the possibility of joint photographing and/or fasteners showing through the final decoration.