Level 5 Drywall Finish Requirements

What Areas Require a Level 5

The Level 5 Drywall Finish spec is designed to minimize the possibility of "joint photographing" (shadowing of joints) on walls and ceilings with intense direct sunlight. Also it is specified for Walls that will be painted with satin or semi gloss paint. Paints with a higher sheen show the surface texture much more than walls painted with a low sheen paint. This is the same reason auto body work is so expensive. The surface must be perfectly smooth when applying glossy paints.

Level 5 is specified for areas that require a perfect finish and a level 4 finish would show minor surface texture differences. It is required in the following scenarios:

• Glossy Finishes: When smooth walls are decorated with non-flat paints (sheen/gloss) or other glossy decorative finishes .

• Dark Colors: When dark or deep tone paints are applied, as these tend to highlight surface imperfections .

• Critical Lighting: Where critical lighting conditions occur, such as strong side lighting from windows or surface-mounted fixtures that might exaggerate minor drywall paper texture differences .

Requirements to achieve a Level 5 Drywall Finish

Steps Required To Achieve A Level 4 Drywall Finish

• Taping: All joints and interior angles must have tape embedded in the joint compound and immediately wiped with a joint knife, leaving a thin, consistent coating of joint compound over the area

• Flat Joints: Two (2) separate coats of joint compound must be applied over all flat joints .

• Interior Angles: One (1) separate coat of joint compound must be applied over interior angles .

• Fasteners and Accessories: Fastener heads and accessories must be covered with three (3) separate coats of joint compound .

Additional Step To Achieve A Level 5 Finish

• Skim Coat (This step brings the finish to a level 5): A skim coat of joint compound, or a material manufactured especially for this purpose, shall be applied to the entire surface .

• The skim coat is intended to conceal minor surface differences and create a more uniform surface .

• There is no specific mil thickness required for the skim coat, but the surface must be smooth and free of tool marks .

• This coat effectively fills the pores of the paper and the surface of the compound to ensure uniform suction and texture across the entire wall . It minimizes the possibility of "joint photographing" (shadowing of joints)

Level 4 Drywall Finish

Level 5 Drywall Finish

The level 5 requirements on this page are from the Gypsum Association documents GA-2142-2021 and GA-214-202