Drywall, also known as gypsum board or Sheetrock, is one of the most commonly used interior building materials for walls and ceilings in homes and commercial spaces. Applying the right drywall finish is essential to achieve the desired aesthetic look and durability. There are five main levels of drywall finishing that provide increasing levels of smoothness and polish to the drywall’s surface:

Level 0 Drywall Finish

Level 0 drywall finish is the most basic level with no joint finishing involved. In this method, drywall panels are installed on the walls or ceilings with the seams between panels left unfinished. The drywall joints and screw/nail heads are visibly indented.

Level 0 finishing is suitable for temporary construction or areas that will be covered with final finishes like tile backsplashes or wallpaper. It is also used in places that don’t require an aesthetic finish like inside closets or service corridors.

Advantages:

Quick and inexpensive
Doesn’t require taping, mudding or sanding

Disadvantages:

Very rough surface with uneven joints
Unsuitable for visible areas
Prone to cracking along seams

Level 0 should never be used in living spaces but can be useful as a substrate for final finishes in some cases. It does not produce an acceptable finish for interior walls or ceilings that will remain exposed.

Level 1 Drywall Finish

A level 1 drywall finish is a basic seam treatment with a thin layer of joint compound over all joints and interior corners. The fastener heads remain exposed.

In this method, a single coat of drywall mud is applied over the seam between drywall sheets. The mud is pressed into the gap with a drywall knife to embed the paper tape over all joints and inside corners. The tape helps prevent cracks.

Minimal sanding is done after the mud dries before painting. The drywall surface will feel smooth but the seams and screws may still be slightly visible under paint or final finishes.

Advantages of Level 1:

Quick and inexpensive
Provides basic seam reinforcement

Disadvantages:

Fasteners are still exposed
Joints and seams somewhat visible
Not recommended for visible areas

Level 1 finishes are acceptable for areas that don’t require high aesthetic standards like garages, basements or attics. The drywall requires a heavy textured paint or separate wall covering to hide imperfections.

Level 2 Drywall Finish

A level 2 drywall finish has all joints and interior angles concealed with two separate coats of joint compound. All screws and nails are covered but air pockets and seams may still be visible.

This method provides better results than a level 1 finish. After the first thin layer of mud dries over the seam tape, a second coat is applied over all joints, corners, and fasteners. The seams are wider and smoother but may still read under certain lighting.

Minimal sanding is done when dry before priming and painting. The level 2 finish is feasible for bedrooms, closets, and private offices that won’t be subjected to sidelighting.

Benefits of Level 2:

Moderately smooth surface
Fasteners are concealed
Minimizes cracks and joints

Drawbacks:

Joints and fasteners may read under lighting
Not suitable for critical lighting situations
May require heavy paint texture

A level 2 drywall finish works well for most rooms that don’t have elements like cove lighting or floor-to-ceiling windows. The smooth finish reduces fastener pops and hides most imperfections.

Level 3 Drywall Finish

A level 3 drywall finish provides a uniform surface with barely visible joints and fasteners. It involves applying three separate coats of joint compound over all seams, corners, and fastener heads.

The process is similar to a level 2 but includes a third smoothing layer called a “skim coat” over the entire prepared surface. The skim coat helps blend the seams and create a consistent surface texture and appearance.

Sanding is required once the final coat has dried to remove any imperfections and create a smooth finish. The fasteners and seams are almost invisible to provide a uniform appearance.

Benefits of Level 3:

Provides a smooth, consistent surface
Minimizes imperfections
Suitable for areas with side lighting

Potential Drawbacks:

More time consuming than lower levels
Requires greater expertise
Not ideal for highly textured paints

Level 3 is the minimum recommended finish for living areas, hallways, and anywhere with critical side lighting. The smooth finish highlights gloss and sheen variability in paints.

Level 4 Drywall Finish

A level 4 drywall finish is the highest-quality seamless finish achieved through a multi-coat process of applying joint compound over all joints, corners, and fasteners.

It involves skim coating the entire prepared surface with two separate finish coats of joint compound. The coats are sanded smooth between applications and after the final coat.

The result is a flat, consistent, and virtually flawless surface with no visible drywall seams, corners, or fasteners. It offers the highest quality results for the most demanding lighting situations and paints.

Benefits of Level 4:

Provides the smoothest possible finish
No visible fasteners, cracks, or imperfections
Ideal for semi-gloss or gloss paints
Hides flaws in uneven walls

Potential Limitations:

Very labor intensive and time consuming
Requires expert technique
Adds cost in materials and labor

A level 4 drywall finish is typically used for drywall that will be finished with semi-gloss or high-gloss paints in critical lighting applications. The flawless finish works well for modern styles.

Level 5 Drywall Finish

A level 5 drywall finish refers to a perfectly smooth drywall surface attained through multiple skim coats of joint compound finished with a thin layer of drywall plaster.

It follows the same steps as a level 4 finish but with a final skim coat of mineral-based veneer plaster instead of joint compound. The thin plaster layer provides an ultra-smooth surface and glass-like finish when painted with glossy sheens.

Advantages of Level 5:

Provides the highest quality drywall finish
Glass-smooth surface for glossy paints
No visible flaws under any lighting

Potential Drawbacks:

Extremely labor intensive
Highest cost in materials and labor
Requires expert plastering skills

Level 5 drywall finish is overkill for most residential and commercial applications. It may be justified for showrooms, lobbies, or anywhere that perfect results are required under critical lighting.

How to Choose the Right Drywall Finish Level

Picking the appropriate level of drywall finish involves balancing cost, labor, and the desired end results. Here are some guidelines for selecting the right drywall finish for your project:

Level 0 – Temporary construction only
Level 1 – Garages, basements, attics
Level 2 – Bedrooms, offices, low-use areas
Level 3 – Main living spaces, hallways
Level 4 – Critical lighting, semi-gloss/gloss paints
Level 5 – Showrooms, lobbies, flawless results

Consider the space, lighting, and planned paint sheen. A modest interior with simple lighting may only require a level 2 or 3 finish. Spaces with natural lighting, cove lighting or semi-gloss paints benefit from level 4 for best results.

Discuss options with your drywall contractor to pick the ideal finish level based on your budget, application, and lighting. While higher level finishes cost more in materials and labor, they may be worthwhile for showcase areas or perfectionists.

Drywall Finishing Process Step-By-Step

Achieving smooth finished drywall requires careful preparation, proper materials, and technique. Here is an overview of the step-by-step process:

1. Plan Panel Layout

Minimize seams in highly visible areas
Use full sheets to reduce seams
Layout seams so corners land at openings

2. Hang Drywall

Use screws for wood framing, nails for metal studs
Recess fasteners just below paper surface
Ensure panels are flush at seams

3. Tape Joints

Use paper drywall tape for most applications
For joints wider than 1/16”, use fiberglass mesh tape
Apply thin layer of compound over all joints

4. Apply Mud Over Screws and Seams

Let compound dry fully between coats
Feather out edges of mud to taper seams
Avoid excess buildup of compound

5. Sand Between Coats

Lightly sand to remove tool marks and roughness
Do not over sand, avoid damaging paper
Sand by hand or with power sander

6. Apply Finish Coats

Level 2: Add second coat to all seams/screws
Level 3+: Skim coat entire surface

7. Final Sanding

Sand finish coat smoothly once fully dried
Use fine grit sandpaper or sanding sponge
Be gentle to prevent scratches

Proper finishing materials, technique, adequate drying time, and sanding are essential for smooth results. Work systematically around the room to prevent lap marks. Prime and paint with a high-quality paint suited for the finish level.

Drywall Primers and Paints

An appropriate primer and paint are vital for achieving the desired appearance and performance. Consider these factors:

Primers

Use drywall primer before painting
Look for stain-blocking, high-build products
Allow primer to fully dry before painting

Paint Sheen

Flat – Level 1-3, heavy textures
Eggshell – Level 3+
Satin/Semi-Gloss – Level 4+
High-gloss – Level 5

Paint Quality

Higher quality paints provide better results
Avoid cheap builders-grade paint
Use paint suited for chosen finish level

Take time to properly prepare surfaces, apply quality primer, and use paint suited for the specific sheen and finish level. Paying attention to these factors helps the paint look its best.

Drywall Repair Tips

Even professionally finished drywall can eventually suffer dents, gouges, cracks or water damage over time. Here are some tips for repairing flaws in finished drywall:

Carefully cut away loose paper and loose drywall
Maintain clean perpendicular edges
Pretreat water stains with a sealer
Build up layers of compound to fill voids
Extend final coat 2” beyond patch
Sand smooth and feather edges
Prime before painting

For large patches, cut and replace full sheets if possible for best results. Take proper safety precautions when cutting drywall to prevent breathing dust.

DIY Drywall Finishing Tips

Finishing drywall requires skill that improves over time with practice. DIYers can achieve quality results with patience and by following a systematic process. Helpful tips include:

Review finishing levels to select your goal
Watch online video tutorials for guidance
Start in closets or less visible areas
Use bright lighting to identify flaws
Allow sufficient drying time between coats
Lightly sand between coats while wearing a mask
Fill any divots before final coat
Carefully feather out final coat
Prime properly before painting

Work methodically, use quality joint compound, sand thoroughly between coats, and avoid lap marks in the final coat. Prime and paint with products suited to the finish level.

Signs It’s Time to Hire a Drywall Contractor

While many homeowners tackle basic drywall repairs themselves, large jobs or achieving higher finish levels often warrants hiring a professional contractor who has the expertise to do the job right. Consider hiring a pro if:

You want a level 4 or 5 finish
The job is bigger than a few patches
You don’t have the time or patience
You want a flawless, smooth finish
The repair is in a highly visible area
You lack drywall finishing experience
The job requires plaster veneer

Reputable drywall contractors have years of experience, proper tools, and techniques to efficiently achieve quality results beyond the ability of casual DIYers. Take time to find a contractor with proven drywall finishing expertise.

Cost to Professionally Finish Drywall

The cost to have drywall finishing professionally done varies based on the size of the job, finish level desired, and labor rates in your region. Some typical price ranges:

Level 1-2: $0.50-$1 per sq. ft.
Level 3: $1-$2 per sq. ft.
Level 4: $2-$3 per sq. ft.
Level 5: $3-$4 per sq. ft.
Texture application adds $0.25-$0.75 per sq. ft.
Minimum service fee of $500

Exact drywall finishing costs depend on factors like room size, ceiling height, finish level, and details like lighting boxes that require extra work. Get a detailed quote from contractors.

Conclusion

Achieving a smooth, flawless drywall finish requires using the right materials, proper technique, and taking the time for adequate drying and sanding between coats. Understanding the differences between the five levels of drywall finishing helps set expectations for the appearance and cost.

While higher level finishes require more work, the results are worth it for showcase areas and spaces with demanding lighting situations. For most drywall applications, a level 3 or 4 provides an ideal balance of smooth results and affordable cost in materials and labor.

Doing your research, assessing the space and lighting, and hiring an experienced drywall pro pays off when smooth, beautiful finished drywall is the goal. Taking a systematic approach, using quality products, and having reasonable expectations helps ensure success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drywall Finish Levels

Below are some common questions homeowners have about drywall finish levels:

What are the different levels of drywall finish?

There are 5 levels of increasingly smoother drywall finishes:

Level 0 – No finishing
Level 1 – Seams taped
Level 2 – Seams taped and one layer of compound
Level 3 – Seams taped with two coats of compound and one skim coat
Level 4 – Seams taped and two skim coats over entire surface
Level 5 – Level 4 finish plus thin plaster veneer coat

What drywall finish is best for bedrooms?

Most bedrooms only need a Level 3 drywall finish. This provides a smooth surface suitable for natural lighting. Level 5 is overkill for most residential bedrooms.

What finish level is required for bathrooms?

Bathrooms require a minimum of a Level 3 drywall finish due to the potential for moisture exposure. Some experts recommend Level 4 or higher for bathrooms.

Can you apply texture over any drywall finish level?

Yes, texture spray or hand-applied texture can be applied over any level of drywall finish from Level 0 to 5. The texture helps hide imperfections.

What drywall finish should I use on the ceiling?

Ceilings only require a Level 0-2 finish since they are not subjected to critical side lighting. A basic Level 2 finish is suitable for most ceiling applications.

Is a Level 5 drywall finish worth the extra cost?

Only for showcase applications. For most homes, Level 4 is the highest finish level needed. Level 5 is costly and requires expert plaster skills.

What drywall primer should I use?

Look for drywall primers that offer strong adhesion, stain-blocking, and high-build properties to create a smooth surface for paint over the various levels of drywall finish.

Can I go directly from a level 3 to a level 5 finish?

No. A Level 4 finish coat is required before applying the thin skim plaster coat for a Level 5 finish. Jumping from 3 to 5 will not produce proper results.

How smooth should the final drywall finish be?

The surface should be smooth but do not over-sand drywall between coats, especially the paper surface. Drywall should feel smooth without gritty dust after final sanding.

Should I Hire a Drywall Contractor?

Deciding whether to hire a drywall contractor versus DIY comes down to a few key factors:

Project Scope

For small repairs or patches, DIY can work well
Large jobs with extensive finishing are better left to pros

Finish Level Desired

Basic DIY skills can achieve up to Level 3
Level 4 and 5 require pro expertise

Room Use and Lighting

Pros are recommended for living areas, critical lighting

Texture Plan

Skip the pro for heavy textured finishes
Smooth finishes need contractor skills

Your Skill Level

If you lack experience, hire a pro for best results
Pros can do the job exponentially faster

Budget

Contractors cost more but save on materials waste
DIY is cheaper but can take longer

Assess your specific situation, skills, and goals. In many cases, hiring a drywall pro is worth the investment to get perfectly smooth, flawless results.

Drywall Sanding Tips

Proper sanding technique between coats is crucial for a smooth finish:

Allow compound to fully dry before sanding
Use a hand sander, pole sander or fine sanding block
Light pressure to avoid gouging drywall paper
150-220 grit sandpaper for final coat
Wipe away dust before next coat
Be cautious around existing paint
Feather-sand edges to taper
Avoid over-sanding seams and corners
Sand by hand along ceiling line
Wear a dust mask and eye protection

Take a slow, methodical approach while sanding to create a uniformly smooth surface. Be cautious around drywall paper edges. Thoroughly clean dust before applying finish coats.

Drywall Finishing Techniques to Avoid

Some common drywall finishing mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the primer before painting
Not allowing adequate drying

Drywall Finish Levels Explained