Even highly adept do-it-yourselfers may become frustrated by the last step of completing the drywall.
The gypsum wallboard business and drywall specialists have formalized a set of professional standards that divide the process of finishing drywall into five distinct levels, since it requires a lot of craftsmanship. If serious do-it-yourselfers want their finish to look as professional as possible, they should pay attention to these five finishing levels.
Level 0
Here, no accessories, finishing, or taping are necessary. Usually, temporary construction or situations where the final decoration has not been decided upon specify this.
Level 1
The tape must be incorporated into the joint compound at all joints and interior angles. Excess tool marks, ridges, and joint compounds are acceptable. This is frequently specified for joint treatment in smoke barrier applications and places where the assembly would typically be hidden, such as plenum spaces above ceilings and attics.
Level 2
All interior angles and joints must have tape inserted in the joint compound and wiped with a joint knife, leaving a thin layer of joint compound on them. When the joint compound is placed over the tape’s body during tape embedment, it is regarded as a distinct coat and must meet the level requirements. Fastener heads and accessories must have one coat of joint compound applied to them. There must be no extra joint compound on the surface.
Level 3
All interior angles and joints must have tape embedded in joint compound before being promptly wiped with a joint knife, leaving a thin layer of joint compound on them. All joints and internal angles must have a single, independent coat of joint compound applied to them. Joint compound must be applied in two separate coats over fastener heads and accessories. The surface must be flat and devoid of bumps and tool marks.
This is often required in appearance areas where heavy- or medium-texture finishes (applied by spray or by hand) are to be applied before final painting. It’s also specified when commercial-grade heavy-duty wallcoverings are to be used as the final decoration. This level of finish is not advised for smooth wall designs or situations where light textures, non-continuous textures, or lightweight wallcoverings are used.
Level 4
All interior angles and joints must have tape embedded in the joint compound before being promptly wiped with a joint knife, leaving a thin layer of joint compound on them. All flat joints must have two distinct coatings of joint compound applied, whereas interior angles only require one separate coat.
Three distinct applications of joint compound must be applied to fastener heads and accessories. The surface must be flat and devoid of tool ridges and markings. You should refer to the manufacturer of the gypsum panel for specific finishing suggestions where glass mat and/or fiber-reinforced gypsum panels are installed.
Where smooth wall designs are to be decorated with flat paints, light textures, discontinuous textures, or wallcoverings, this level of finishing is typically specified. Where non-flat or dark/deep tone paints are used, this level of finish is not advised. Flat paints applied over light, continuous textures in regions with poor lighting have a tendency to make joints harder to photograph. Wallcoverings applied over this degree of finish should be carefully analyzed for their weight, texture, and gloss.
Whether the wallcovering is of lightweight construction, has a limited pattern, has a sheen level other than flat, or any combination of these, joints and fasteners must be concealed well. It is not advised to use unbacked vinyl wallcoverings over this level of finish.
Level 5
All internal angles and joints must have tape embedded in the joint compound before being quickly wiped with a joint knife, leaving a thin, even layer of joint compound over them. All flat joints must have two distinct coatings of joint compound applied, whereas interior angles only require one separate coat. Joint compound must be applied in three separate coats over fastener heads and accessories.
This is usually necessary in places with smooth wall designs where non-flat paints (sheen/gloss or other glossy decorative finishes) are applied, dark or deep-tone paints are used, or under important lighting conditions. The best way to ensure a homogeneous surface and reduce the likelihood of fasteners or joint photography in the final design is to use this level of finish.
Get Professional Drywall Services Today
The process of installing and finishing drywall is trickier than it appears. For both structural and aesthetic purposes, it is best done by a professional with years of experience. If you want to save time, money, and effort, consider engaging professional drywall services!
