5 Levels of Drywall Finish

Drywall finishing is the process of fortifying and preparing walls for paint. It requires excellent craftsmanship and deep knowledge of the standard procedure of finishing drywall. While it’s highly recommended that you leave the job to experts, Envy Home Services breaks down the five drywall finish levels to give you an idea of how the process goes.

Level 1

At this point, the drywall joint tape is embedded in the joint compound, but it doesn’t cover fasteners yet. This drywall finish level is commonly used in attics, garages and other areas that are not accessed by the public. When level one is applied in places that have pedestrian traffic, drywall experts add accessories and use the available tool marks and ridges.

Level 2

This level is where drywall contractors skim a thin coat of joint compound over the tape and cover the drywall screw holes. If you intend to cover your walls with tiles, you can stop at this stage.

Level 3

At this stage, a coat of joint compound is applied to the tape and screws. If you’re planning to add texture to your walls, finishing can end at this level since texturing will produce a rougher finish.

Level 4

Known to be the classic drywall finish, level four is where another coat of joint compound is applied to the tape and screws and the dried compound is smoothed out. This is the perfect finishing for walls that are intended to be painted or covered with wallpaper.

Level 5

This highest level of drywall finish is where you ensure uniformity and conceal any imperfections. Typically, it involves the application of a thin skim coat of joint compound on the entire wall surface. At this stage, the interior angles and joints still have tape embedded in the joint compound, which is quickly wiped to leave a thin coat.

Afterward, two separate coatings of the compound are applied over the flat joints and interior angles. Before finishing with a final skim coating of the joint compound, the fasteners and accessories are concealed with three coatings for a more polished result.

Do you need an expert to help you with your drywall finish? At Envy Home Services, we have the skills and experience to deliver top-notch results. Call us at (888) 847-7954 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.