The 6 Levels of Drywall Finish, From Level 0 to Level 5

Drywall finish is graded in six levels, from Level 0 (no finishing at all) to Level 5 (a skim coat over the entire surface). Each level adds more joint compound and smoothing. Most walls in a home are finished to Level 4, and smooth ceilings, glossy paint and walls under strong side light call for Level 5.

The 6 levels of drywall finish

Level 0: drywall is hung and fastened, with no tape or compound. This is for temporary construction or when the final finish hasn't been decided.
Level 1: tape is set in joint compound at the joints and inside corners, with no other coats. It's used above ceilings, in attics and in other spaces nobody sees.
Level 2: Level 1 plus one thin coat of compound over the tape, and over fastener heads. It's used in garages, storage areas and under tile.
Level 3: Level 2 plus another coat over the joints and fasteners. It's the base for heavy textures and heavy wallcoverings that hide what's underneath.
Level 4: Level 3 plus one more coat, sanded smooth. It's the standard for most rooms with flat or eggshell paint, light textures and wallpaper.
Level 5: Level 4 plus a thin skim coat of compound over the whole surface. It gives the flattest, most uniform finish, so seams and screws don't show under glossy paint or raking light from windows and fixtures.

Which level do you need?

Textured walls and ceilings, like knockdown or orange peel: Level 3 or 4.
Painted walls with flat or eggshell paint: Level 4.
Smooth ceilings, walls with satin or gloss paint, and walls lit from the side by large windows: Level 5.

The finish level matters most for smooth ceilings. When popcorn comes off, the ceiling underneath was usually finished to a low level because the texture was going to hide it. Getting it smooth means skim coating it, which brings it to a Level 5 finish. See how popcorn removal works and smooth vs. textured ceilings.

Smooth finishes and drywall repair in Orlando

New Ceilings finishes ceilings and walls smooth, applies textures and repairs drywall across Orlando and Central Florida, then matches the paint. Every job starts with a free written quote. See ceiling and wall texture finishes.