It is all about standardization and a proper formal communication. When you tell a professional drywaller to finish the wall with Level 4 or 5, that should be enough to convey how you want the wall finish to be ready. Let’s review what are the 5 levels of drywall finish.
Just imagine how difficult it is to convey the same message, for desired level 4, with below note:
I want the wall with two coats of compounds on tape joints. The screws etc. to be covered with three coats. Then apply a coat of drywall primer. Isn’t it complicated?
So, these are industry’s standard terminology on drywall finishing. Let’s review all the different levels and their meaning. Level 0 is the base and it is called “0” because there is no finishing involved.
Level 0 (L0)
Surface finish or Prep. for Level 0 drywall:
- Drywall installed on framing with screws exposed.
- No Finishing.
- No taping.
- Not any mud or joint compound.
- Without corner beads.
- And Not good for a nice and smooth paint finish.
Uses of Level 0 finish drywall:
Temporary partitions, hoardings and dust wall.
Level 1 (L1)
Surface finish or Prep. for Level 1 drywall:
- Joints are taped.
- Little bumps, dents, ridges and tool marks are OK.
- Not good for a nice and smooth paint finish.
- You can see and feel the taped joint with a layer of compound over it.
- Tape is not completely embedded with the compound. Just set in place.
- Screws or corner beads not finished or embedded in drywall compound.
Uses of Level 1 finish drywall:
Areas not visible by public, attics, plenum above ceiling, building service corridors and temporary hoardings.
Level 2 (L2)
Surface finish or Prep. for Level 2 drywall:
- Tape is embedded in the joint compound (applied as a separate coat).
- No excess joint compound on the surface. Everything wiped with a knife or trowel.
- Screws, accessories, corner beads to be covered with one coat of compound.
- Little bumps, dents, ridges and tool marks are OK.
- Not good for a nice and smooth paint finish.
Uses of Level 2 finish drywall:
Areas where tile application is specified (provided the Gyp board used is water resistant / tile backing purpose).
Also used in storage areas, warehouses and garages.
Level 3 (L3)
Surface finish or Prep. for Level 3 drywall:
- Tape is embedded in the joint compound (L2 level) + 1 additional coat of compound.
- Screws, accessories, corner beads to be covered with one coat of compound (L2 level) + 1 additional coat of compound.
- No tool marks or ridges to be present. All joint compound shall be smooth.
- One coat of drywall primer after taping.
Uses of Level 3 finish drywall:
Walls receiving heavy textured finishes like spray applied products or heavy-duty wall coverings. Not good for smooth painted wall finish or lighter wall coverings.
Level 4 (L4)
Surface finish or Prep. for Level 4 drywall:
- Tape is embedded in the joint compound (L2 level) + 2 additional coats of compound.
- Screws, accessories, corner beads to be covered with one coat of compound (L2 level) + 2 additional coats of compound.
- All joint compound shall be smooth.
- One coat of drywall primer after taping.
Uses of Level 4 finish drywall:
Good for flat paint (no shine or gloss). Also, where Light textures or wall coverings are planned as a final finish.
Level 5 (L5)
Surface finish or Prep. for Level 5 drywall:
- This is the highest level of drywall finish.
- Prepare a level 4 finish without applying a coat of primer.
- Apply a thin skim coat with joint compound (mud).
- Then apply a coat of drywall primer.
Uses of Level 5 finish drywall:
This is the highest quality finish of a drywall. Used where the final finish is reflective with high end interior lighting. Good for glossy or shiny paint finishes. Some wall coverings also specify Level 5 finish as a substrate.
If you want to study more on the 5 levels of drywall finish or the drywall then the link below from USG will be very helpful. USG provides one of the best online resource to understand drywall and finishes.
https://www.usg.com/content/usgcom/en/packaging/finishdrywall.html
