FIELD TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Application recommendations for work at the wall or ceiling

304 Recommended Levels for

4/05 Finishing of Gypsum Board

SCOPE A perfect gypsum board surface, even when done with a level 5,
cannot always be achieved. The reasons can be the combina-
This document provides various standards for the finishing tion of the required joint compound built-up at the joints, the time
of gypsum board wall or ceiling surfaces. It will assist in of day and angle of a severe lighting source and/or the painting
the coordination and development of projects, construction docu- system.
ments and the gypsum board finishing application. The Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau recommends that the
Incorporation of this document by architects, contractors Levels of Finish be indicated in the construction documents and
or building owners will help achieve the envisioned surface ap- the process of finishing of the gypsum board adhere to the Levels
pearance at a competitive cost. of Finish.
The levels are 0 to 5. Each level has its own criteria, which are
intended to achieve the appearance and functional requirements.
The following factors should be evaluated in selecting the ap-
propriate level. FINAL DECORATION / PAINTING
• desired final appearance — the higher the level number the
Included in the level of finish information is a basic recommenda-
better the finished surface quality
tion for painting.
• function of the space
The method of paint application and the quality of paint greatly
• typically, the higher the level number the greater affect the final appearance of the gypsum board wall or ceiling
the finishing cost will be surfaces. All painting shall be per PDCA/MPI standards.
• type of final decoration (paint, textures, wall coverings) Final decoration in this document refers to painting of the gypsum
• type and angle of lighting board finished surface. Each level indicates a basic painting rec-
ommendation. The primer and finish paint shall be of high quality
• Different levels of finish can be used on the same project, even
and undiluted. The application shall be the mil thickness and
in the same space. This may reduce the cost but still meet
quantity per square feet as specified by the manufacturer.
the appearance and function objectives for the wall or ceiling
surfaces. The wiping of finished gypsum board surface prior to and for the
application of final decoration (paint) is under the scope of work of
It is recommended that the levels for finishing gypsum board be
the painting contractor.
indicated in the gypsum wall board section of the specification
and in the room finishing schedule.
By identifying each room with the level of finish and the paint ma-
terial to be applied, the contractor will be able to better prepare
the cost estimate and have an understanding of the expected
finish appearance.

Each level of joint compound should extend

beyond the preceding coat. TAPE

Reference standards for the finishing of gyp-

sum board refer to ASTM C-840, GA-216
and the Drywall Finishing Council. JOINT
LEVEL 5
The preceding coat of joint compound (SKIM COAT)

should be dry prior to applying successive

LEVEL 2
coats of joint compound. Square edge joints,
LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4
LEVEL 1
commonly called “Butt Joints”, should be (FIRE TAPING)

feathered out further than tapered joints.

NORTHWEST WALL & CEILING BUREAU LEVELS FOR FINISHING OF GYPSUM BOARD
LEVELS FOR FINISHING GYPSUM BOARD

LEVEL 0 NO FINISHING LEVEL 3 TWO COAT APPLICATION

Scope of use Board Joints
• temporary gypsum board construction • Step one is tape embedded in joint compound, leaving a smooth thin
• when no final level of finish or finish decoration has been determined coat of joint compound over the tape. Step two is a separate coat of
• when permanent surface structures (cabinets, mirrors, etc.) are speci- joint compound over a dry first coat, leaving a smooth finished surface
fied over the gypsum board free of ridges, tool marks and sanding grooves.
• when a permanent wall paneling is specified over the gypsum board
Interior Angles
• Step one is tape embedded in joint compound, leaving a smooth thin
coat of joint compound over the tape. Step two is a separate coat of
LEVEL 1 ONE COAT APPLICATION joint compound over a dry first coat, leaving a smooth finished surface
Board Joints free of ridges, tool marks and sanding grooves.
• Tape embedded in joint compound. Tool marks and ridges acceptable. Fasteners
Interior Angles • Step one covers the fastener heads with a coat of joint compound,
• Tape embedded in joint compound. Tool marks and ridges acceptable. leaving a smooth coat. Step two is a separate coat of joint compound
over the dry first coat, leaving a smooth finished surface free of ridges,
Accessories tool marks and sanding grooves.
• Not required, unless specified.
Accessories
Fasteners • Step one is a coat of joint compound over the flanges, leaving a
• Cover fastener heads with one coat of joint compound if it is a fire- smooth surface. Step two is a separate coat of joint compound over
resistance assembly, otherwise not required. the dry first coat, leaving a smooth finished surface free of ridges, tool
Scope of use marks and sanding grooves.
• Appearance not important Scope of use
• Referred to as “fire-taping of joints” • For surface that is to receive a medium to heavy sprayed drywall tex-
• Provides smoke and sound control ture finish coat.
• Areas normally concealed from public view, such as plenum space • For surface that is to receive a heavy grade wall covering.
above ceiling, attics, service type corridors or mechanical room • Not for smooth-coat finish or a final decoration (paint) of high sheen.
Paint Paint
• Not applicable • A high-quality primer coat. If spray applied, follow by back rolling. A
separate coat of a high-quality finish coat.
• A primer coat over the gypsum board surface prior to drywall texture
LEVEL 2 ONE COAT APPLICATION coat, followed by the same painting procedure for the gypsum board,
(primer coat and one coat of finish paint).
Board Joints
• Tape embedded in joint compound, wipe off the excess and leave a
thin coat of joint compound over the tape. Tool marks and ridges ac-
ceptable. LEVEL 4 THREE COAT APPLICATION
Interior Angles Board Joints
• Tape embedded in joint compound, wipe off the excess and leave a • Step one is tape embedded in joint compound, leaving a smooth thin
thin coat of joint compound over the tape. Tool marks and ridges ac- coat of joint compound over the tape. Step two is a separate coat of
ceptable. joint compound over the dry first coat, leaving a smooth surface free
of ridges, tool marks and sanding grooves. Step three is the final coat
Accessories
of joint compound feathered out over the dry second coat, leaving a
• One coat of joint compound over the flanges, wipe off excess and
smooth surface flush with the gypsum board and free of all marks.
leave a thin coat of joint compound over the flanges. Tool marks and
ridges acceptable. Interior Angles
• Step one is tape embedded in joint compound, leaving a smooth thin
Fasteners
coat of joint compound over the tape. Step two is a separate coat of
• Cover fastener heads with one coat of joint compound and wipe off
joint compound over the dry first coat, leaving a smooth surface free
the excess. Tool marks and ridges acceptable.
of ridges, tool marks and sanding grooves. Step three is the final coat
Scope of use of joint compound feathered out over the dry second coat, leaving a
• Areas where the surface appearance is not a concern, such as ga- smooth surface flush with the gypsum board and free of all marks.
rages, warehouses, storage rooms etc.
Accessories
• When water-resistant board is used for a backing for tile.
• Step one is a coat of joint compound over the flanges, leaving a
Paint smooth surface. Step two is a separate coat of joint compound over
• Not intended to have a final decoration of paint. the dry first coat, leaving a smooth surface free of ridges, tool marks
and sanding grooves. Step three is the final coat of joint compound
feathered out over the dry second coat, leaving a smooth surface flush
with the gypsum board and free of all marks.

NORTHWEST WALL & CEILING BUREAU • LEVELS FOR FINISHING OF GYPSUM BOARD
Fasteners of ridges, tool marks and sanding grooves. Step three is the final coat
• Step one covers the fastener heads with a coat of joint compound, of joint compound feathered out over the dry second coat, leaving a
leaving a smooth surface. Step two is a separate coat of joint com- smooth surface flush with the gypsum board and free of all marks.
pound over the dry first coat, leaving a smooth surface free of ridges,
Accessories
tool marks and sanding grooves. Step three is the final coat of joint
• Step one is a coat of joint compound over the flanges, leaving a
compound feathered out over the dry second coat, leaving a smooth
smooth surface. Step two is a separate coat of joint compound over
surface flush with the gypsum board and free of all marks.
the dry first coat, leaving a smooth surface free of ridges, tool marks
Scope of use and sanding grooves. Step three is the final coat of joint compound
• For smooth surface finish. feathered out over the dry second coat, leaving a smooth surface flush
• For surfaces to receive a light sprayed drywall texture finish coat or a with the gypsum board and free of all marks.
light grade wall covering.
Fasteners
• Not for un-backed vinyl wall covering.
• Step one covers the fastener heads with a coat of joint compound,
• Not for surfaces subject to critical lighting conditions.
leaving a smooth surface. Step two is a separate coat of joint com-
• Not for surfaces that are to receive a final decoration (paint) of a
pound over the dry first coat, leaving a smooth surface free of ridges,
high sheen.
tool marks and sanding grooves. Step three is the final coat of joint
Paint compound feathered out over the dry second coat, leaving a smooth
• A high-quality primer coat. If spray-applied, follow by back rolling. A surface flush with the gypsum board and free of all marks.
separate one or two coats of high-quality finish paint.
Skim Coat
• A primer coat over the gypsum board prior to the drywall texture coat,
• A thin coat of joint compound (not rolled or spray-applied) over the
followed by the same painting procedure for the gypsum board (primer
entire finished gypsum board surface. Wipe down immediately, leaving
coat, plus one or two coats of finish paint).
a tight smooth film of joint compound. The other option is covering
the entire finished gypsum board surface with a product especially
manufactured for the purpose of developing a Level 5 finish, following
LEVEL 5 THREE COAT APPLICATION AND A manufacturers recommendations.
SKIM COAT Scope of use
Board Joints • For surfaces requiring the highest quality finish for smooth surface.
• Step one is tape embedded in joint compound, leaving a smooth thin • For surfaces subject to severe natural or artificial lighting conditions.
coat of joint compound over the tape. Step two is a separate coat of Strong side- or down-lighting conditions.
joint compound over the dry first coat, leaving a smooth surface free • For surfaces specified to have a final decoration (paint) of high sheen
of ridges, tool marks and sanding grooves. Step three is the final coat (gloss or semi-gloss), enamel or dark tones.
of joint compound feathered out over the dry second coat, leaving a • For all radius walls and ceilings
smooth surface flush with the gypsum board and free of all marks.
Paint
Interior Angles • A high-quality primer coat. If spray-applied, follow by back rolling two
• Step one is tape embedded in joint compound, leaving a smooth thin separate coats of high-quality finish paint.
coat of joint compound over the tape. Step two is a separate coat of • Proprietary material manufactured for the purpose of achieving a level
joint compound over the dry first coat, leaving a smooth surface free 5 finish does not eliminate the need for a paint primer

G L O S S A RY F O R T H I S D O C U M E N T

accessories gypsum board skim coat

Corner beads, control joints, expansion joints, The generic name for a family of non-combus- Used to reduce texture and suction variations.
reveals or edge trim tible sheet products, used primarily for interior The last step in a Level 5 finish before the primer
walls and ceilings, consisting of a core, primarily coat. Application of a joint compound of a prod-
bedding coat of gypsum and paper surfacing. uct especially manufactured for the purpose of
The first coat of joint compound and tape giving a uniform and smooth appearance over
joint compound
butt joint the entire surface.
A material used for covering accessories and
The joint formed by two square edges (ends) of joints in order to finish a gypsum board surface spotting
the gypsum panels meeting. smooth. Often referred to as “mud” Covering fastener heads with joint compound
critical/severe lighting joint tape
Strong side- or down-lighting across the board The seam produced by the placement of two A special paper (or fiberglass) tape for conceal-
surface from natural or artificial sources sheets of gypsum board next to each other ing and reinforcing the board joints.
face layer primer coat tapered joint
The outer layer of the gypsum board paper for A paint material applied before the drywall tex- The edge of the gypsum panel that has a
decoration ture or any of the finish pain materials. Designed manufactured recess for joint tape and joint
final decoration to equalize the suction difference between compound.
The painting system the gypsum board face paper and the joint texture
compound, a primer prepares the surface for an
fire-taping A surface decoration over the entire gypsum
additional coating.
Tape and joint compound at gypsum board board surface. Various patterns spray-applied
joints, with no subsequent finishing coats using mechanical equipment. Referred to as
“drywall texture”

NORTHWEST WALL & CEILING BUREAU • LEVELS FOR FINISHING OF GYPSUM BOARD
Recommended Criteria

• Before starting the finish of the gyp- • The finish application and the final in- • The type of control joints or expan-
sum board, the level of finish shall be spection of the finished surface should sion joints and their location shall be
determined and approved. A pre-con- be under the same lighting conditions. indicated only by the architect in the
struction meeting should be conducted The lighting condition should be what project construction documents.
with the following people in attendance: would prevail when the space is occu-
owner’s representative, developer/ pied. These types of lighting conditions • Gypsum board shall not be damaged
general contractor, architect, framing shall be provided by those other than and shall be completely dry. The space
representative, contractor responsible the contractor responsible for the scope shall have no water on the floor and be
for installing and finishing the gypsum of levels of finish. weather-tight.
board and painting contractor.
• The contractor responsible for the fin- • The levels of finishing shall be applied in
• The level of finish shall be specified in ishing work shall provide all material and a well ventilated space. The tempera-
the construction documents and/or equipment and perform the scope of ture shall be a minimum of 50ºF/10ºC
indicated in the contract of the wall work as specified: shall be able to meet for 48 hours prior to the start of the
and ceiling contractor. Unless other- the schedule, shall have performed finishing scope of work and shall be
wise specified, level 3 is assumed for in the past the same scope of work maintained until all the work is com-
medium to heavy textures and a level 4 satisfactorily, shall be able to meet all fi- pleted, dry and the space is occupied.
for light textures or smooth wall. nancial obligations relating to the scope
of work and shall use only a trained and • Abuse-resistant gypsum panels shall
skilled workforce. be finished per the manufacturer’s
• The level of finish shall be in accordance
recommendations.
with the specified fire-resistance and/or
• No level of finishing is designed to—nor
sound-rated assemblies.
can it—true up a gypsum board surface • The architect is to select and coordinate
that is subjected to deviations caused the level of finish and paint system that
• Before starting the finishing work, if by the substrate to which it is attached, is appropriate for the final appearance
the project conditions allow, develop a or if the gypsum board is not in a condi- and intended use of the finished gyp-
sample space (room) demonstrating the tion to produce the intended visual sum board system. This guide is only
final specified surface appearance (level finished appearance. The substrate intended for standard gypsum wall-
of finish and paint) subjected to the (framing) is to be true, level, in-line and board manufactured per ASTM C 1396
lighting conditions when occupied. straight. as described in section 1.1.1.

The NWCB has been serving the construction indus-

try for over forty years. It is recognized as a technical
authority, educational body and spokesperson for the
wall and ceiling industry. It provides services to archi-
NWCB - Oregon tects and the construction community on all matters
Phone: (503) 295-0333 relating to the diversified wall and ceiling industry.
Fax: (503) 295-2733
1032-A NE 65th St. As the industry’s development and coordination
Seattle, WA 98115 B.C. Wall and Ceiling Association organization, the NWCB saw the need to establish this
Phone (206) 524-4243 Phone: (604) 597-7180 document to provide a unified standard for Finish-
Fax: (604) 597-7208 ing of Gypsum Board. It is meant to serve as a set of
Fax (206) 524-4136
recommendations and is not intended for any specific
Toll Free (800) 524-4215 Alberta Wall and Ceiling Bureau construction project. The NWCB makes no express
[email protected] Phone: (403) 250-7045 or implied warranty or guarantee of the techniques,
www.nwcb.org Fax: (403) 291-9515 construction methods or materials identified herein.

A L A S K A • I D A H O • O R E G O N • W A S H I N G T O N • A L B E R TA • B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A • S A S K AT C H E W A N