

This level of finish is often specified when the finished surface will have a heavy texture.
#FINE HOMEBUILDING SKIM COATING DRYWALL FREE#
The compound is smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. Level 3: A Level 3 finish has a second coat of compound on taped joints, interior angles, fastener heads, and accessories. This level of finish is often specified for use under tile and in mechanical areas where surface appearance is not a concern. Fastener heads are covered with one coat of compound, and tool marks and ridges are acceptable. Level 2: All joints and interior angles have tape set in joint compound and wiped with a joint knife, with a thin coating of compound left on the joints and interior angles. This level of finish is often described as “fire taping” and is seen typically in garages and other unfinished areas that require a fire separation. Tool marks and ridges are acceptable, and tape and fastener heads need not be covered with compound. Level 1: All joints and interior angles have tape set in joint compound. This level of finish is useful for temporary construction or when the final level of finish has yet to be determined. Level 0: No taping, finishing, or accessories are required. A Level 5 finish has an additional skim coat of compound spread over the entire wall to give the wall a uniform surface and to make joints disappear. You can solve these problems by moving up to a Level 5 finish, which the Gypsum Association recommends for areas with severe lighting or glossy paint.

Each reflects light differently, which produces an inconsistent wall surface. If that weren’t enough, there are areas of the drywall that don’t get sanded, so every sheet ends up with three different textures and porosities. But at this level of finish, any joints and imperfections can show when they’re under a coat of glossy paint or flooded with bright light.Īnother problem with a Level 4 finish occurs when sanding: The compound becomes smooth, but the drywall’s paper facing gets rough. If the drywall is to be wallpapered, textured, or painted with flat paint, a Level 4 finish is perfectly acceptable. When I visit a job site to estimate a drywall project, the homeowner almost always wants what drywallers call a Level 4 finish: two sanded coats of compound over the embedded tape. This article includes a sidebar describing the six levels of board finishes as outlined by the Gypsum Association. Roll on just enough so that it won’t dry before you have to scrape off the excess. Next, thin out the mud, and then use a thick-nap roller to apply a layer of joint compound on the wall. With a soft push broom, wipe down the walls, and remove any errant blobs of joint compound. Starting with a Level 4 finish, use a pole sander to smooth all joints, corners, and fastener heads.
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In this article, Ferguson demonstrates how to produce a flawless Level 5 drywall finish that can stand up to the brightest light and glossiest paint. Ferguson is our go-to guy when it comes to drywall installation, finish, and repair.
