You’re probably familiar with the different types of drywall finish. But do you know the difference between a level 4 and a level 5 finish? Or is it really worth going up to level 5 and paying extra? This blog post will look at the differences between these two types of finishes and why you might want to stick to level 4.
A drywall finish is a final step in the installation process of drywall. The smoothness of the surface determines the level of the finish. We are starting at level 1 up to level 5. In most cases, a level 4 finish is what most homeowners should aim for, but what about level 5? Isn’t higher better? As it turns out, even though level 5 is better, it might not be what you need.
What is Level 4 Finish Drywall?
A level 4 finish is usually used in residential wall covering where better lights are required. This level of finish usually requires two separate coats of drywall mud after finishing the level 3 finish of the drywall. A level 4 finish usually costs around $2.00 to $2.50 per square foot. It’s used to cover the light imperfections of the drywall so that light textures or flat paint can be applied.
What Is A Level 5 Finish Drywall?
A level 5 finish is usually used in open spaces where the walls are exposed to light. This light coat is known as the skim coat, done after completing the level 4 finish and before applying the primer. You can easily apply gloss, semi-gloss, flat, enamel, textures, and other types of paints over this finish, and it will look great as this coat minimizes porosity. A level 5 finish usually costs between $2.25 to $3 per square foot, but it is worth all its cost.
Level 4 Finish Vs Level 5 Finish On Drywall:
Here is a quick overview of the difference between level 4 finish and level 5 finish drywall. Both of these finish stages are important for drywall, and for any project, you should know the difference so you can decide whether you want a level 4 finish or a level 5 finish on your drywall.
| Level of Finish | Results | Type of Coat | Suitable For | Level of Coat | Sanding |
| Level 4 | Covers wall for light imperfections | Standard Coat | Flat or light textures paints | Second Last Level | High |
| Level 5 | Minimizes texture, evens out the surface | Skim Coat | Flat, textured, paint with enamel, semi-gloss, or glass paints | Last and Highest Level | Low |
Pros and Cons of Level 4 Finish:
Level 4 finish of drywall is excellent if you have to apply some additional coats over your embedded tape at the drywall angles and joints. The heads of the screws/fasteners, other accessories, and beads are covered with this coat. When applying the joint compound, it has to be smoothened out so that a coat of primer is applied after taping.
This step is perfect if you use a simple final coat on your drywall to have a lightly textured paint application, lightweight wall covering, or a flat paint application as the final result. It is inexpensive, spreads accurately, and is perfect in places where you do not encounter sharp lightning.
However, this type of drywall finish is not recommended in places with sharp lighting because it does not cover all the imperfections in your drywall and requires a lot of sanding. Moreover, if you want a glossy, semi-glossy, or enamel finish, then a level 4 finish is out of the equation because it will reflect through the paint making your walls look bad and will show every imperfection through the walls.
Pros and Cons of Level 5 Finish:
Level 5 is the last finish, often called a skim coat. This finish is applied after the level 4 finish but before the final primer coat. Before applying the primer, you must take a thin skim coat and apply it all over the surface.
This final coat easily hides all the tool marks and ridges; it is manufactured to hide all the imperfections in your drywall. It is great if you want to apply glossy, semi-glossy paints, enamel, non-textures, or textured and even flat paint to the surface. It also looks perfect in high levels of lightning and is a high-quality finish.
However, a level 5 finish is not suitable if you are on a budget because this level of finish requires an extra layer of a skim coat of the joint compound which is not cheap. Then it also requires additional labor, which keeps on adding to the finances. So that is why most of the commercial finishes stop at level 4.
Key Differences Between Level 4 and Level 5 Finish:
Knowing the pros and cons of different drywall finish levels is important, but a detailed difference is also required when deciding which finish is suitable for your drywall. Below are a few differences described between the level 4 finish and the level 5 finish.
- Results: Final result before applying paint or other coats is important because that decides what paint you will apply on your drywall after the joint compound dries out. Both contrast highly regarding the results of level 4 finish and level 5 finish drywall. The level 4 finish is perfect for covering light imperfections in the wall and somewhat ridges and tool marks. The level 5 finish is one step ahead and has a lighter skim coat covering all the tool marks, ridges, and textures, giving a smoother and clean surface.
- Type of Coat: The type of coat decides whether it needs to be sanded or not. Level 4 finish drywall coats are thicker and require sanding. Level 5 finish drywall coats are thinner as they are only skim coats and do not require a lot of sanding. The level 5 finish coats are easily applied and smooth out the entire surface of the drywall, unlike the level 4 finish coats.
- Suitable For: Every drywall finish level is suitable for different applications. The level 4 finish is suitable for flat paints and light textures but not for gloss, enamel, highly textured, or semi-gloss paints. On the contrary, the level 5 finish of the drywall is suitable for all types of paint applications, whether flat or glossy; high textured or semi-glossy paint can also be applied to this coat to give your wall a greater look.
- Level of Coats: The level 4 finish drywall requires two coats after the level 3 finish to minimize the look of ridges, joints, and tool marks, but they are not completely gone. This is why some constructors stop here if the area is not too lit, while some go one step further and add in another coat known as a skim coat as the final coat level, which gives level 5 finish drywall and completely covers all the imperfections.
- Sanding: Sanding is part of preparing the drywall for paint and other applications. If you are ending your work at a level 4 finish drywall, you must sand it thoroughly to even out the whole wall. Level 5 finish drywall does not require a lot of sanding because the joint compound provides a smooth finish without too many ridges or tool markings.
When to Use Level 4 Finish On Drywalls?
This level is often chosen whenever wall coverings, light textures, or flat paints are needed. Flat paints used over light textures tend to make joint visibility less effective in regions with high illumination levels. Over this level of finish, gloss, semi-gloss, and enamel paints should not be used.
When to Use Level 5 Finish On Drywalls?
Where gloss, semi-gloss, enamel, or smooth flat paints are usually required or desired, or in situations where harsh lighting is present, this level of finish is strongly advised. The most efficient way to achieve a homogeneous surface and reduce the likelihood of joints being caught and fasteners revealing through the final design is to use this highest-level finish.
FAQs:
Is A Level 5 Drywall Finish Worth It?
A level 5 finish helps you minimize the imperfections’ appearance in areas where accent or natural lights will reflect and make the imperfections visible. If you have the budget, a level 5 finish is worth it.
How Many Levels Of Drywall Finish Are There?
Six finish levels for drywall surfaces are used for ceilings, walls, or other drywall constructions. These are numbered from 0 to 5.
Can You Paint Level 4 Drywall?
Yes, you can. Level 4 finish drywall allows you to apply flat paints, wall coverings, or light textures if you’ve primed your wall before texture. However, you cannot apply enamel, gloss, and semi-gloss paints over level 4 finish drywall.