Drywall Finishes: What Is A Level 5 Finish? | We Fix Walls

Drywall Finishes: What Is A Level 5 Finish?

Drywalls are the best walling solutions if you want walls that are seamless, and perfectly smooth with a velvety soft appearance. Not all contractors have the ability to achieve this flawless finish. If you want walls that are imperfection-free even under the harshest light then it is best to look for a contractor who specialises in level 5 finishes.

What is a Level 5 Drywall Finish?

Construction teams class drywall finishes in five different categories that range from basic to extremely luxurious. Here is a quick look at a breakdown of the five main levels.

  • Level 1 Finish
    Walls with this level are mostly installed temporarily or are used in areas that are never seen by the public. This can be in enclosed areas where no one ever goes. With this basic finish, the joints and angles are taped but you will still be able to visibly see all of the panel connections, nails, and other fixtures like strips.
  • Level 2 Finish
    During this finish, contractors apply a few coats of joint compound (also referred to as mud). This hides away a few imperfections and makes the wall surface less porous. This level of finish is used underneath tiles or can be used in areas like the garage. The surface is smoother but you will still be able to see ridges or markings where the joints, fittings and components have been.
  • Level 3 Finish
    All joints are properly taped off and a skim layer of joint compound is applied. Joints and other protruding areas will be layered in joint compound and ridges will be sanded down. This surface is still rough and is usually used as a base for walls that will receive some textured paint.
  • Level 4 Finish
    The walls in most average households have a level 4 drywall finish. This finish can have a bit of light texturing but is still suitable if you use a matte paint that won’t accentuate a couple of leftover nodules or unevenness.
  • Level 5 Finish
    A level 5 finish is an ideal solution for luxury properties or commercial buildings like stores that usually have harsh LED lighting. This drywall surface is perfectly smoothed out without any imperfections showing through. The wall looks velvety smooth even under the harshest of light. You can also apply high gloss paint on these wall finishes and the coat will be perfect.

Different Ways to Achieve a Level 5 Finish

A drywall with a level five finish often starts at the base layer. Gypsum boards are installed with butterboard backing. This backing eliminates joint bulges and dents. Several layers of joint compound are usually applied to create that perfectly smooth finish. These finishes can be applied by various methods like the following.

  • Joint Knife
    The skim coating is applied with a joint knife. This levels out any dents or imperfections on the drywall surfaces and in areas where different panels connect. The skim coat is sanded down until it is perfectly smooth
  • Roll On
    The ultra-topping compound can be layered over the wall surface using a roll-on brush. This roll-on brush will gradually distribute the ultra topping over the wall surface. The thick layer will fill out even the tiniest of cracks, gaps or openings.
  • Spray
    Ultra-topping compounds can also be applied with a spray gun. Spraying the compound onto the surface is ideal for filling out even the tiniest of grooves or cracks. This will also create a perfectly level coating all over the wall surface.

Contact We Fix Walls for The Best Level 5 Drywall Finish in Melbourne

If you want the smoothest and finest drywall surface then it is best to give We Fix Walls a call. Our contractors are experts at achieving this high-level finish and will help you install walls that look perfectly smooth in any colour or under any harsh lighting.