The finished appearance of a gypsum wall or ceiling largely depends upon the quality of the framing job and the careful application of drywall panels.  The better the framing, the easier it is to have a near-perfect wall.  The remaining challenge is to finish the joints to meet the appearance expectations. 

For satisfactory finishing results, great care is taken to prepare surfaces properly to eliminate decorating problems.  Most often the gypsum drywall surface has a "skim coat" applied to fill any imperfections before applying any desired texture.

All industry standards recommend that a minimum temperature of 60˚F be maintained during application of finishing products, and that the structure be maintained at that temperature through completion.

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Finished Smooth Dome	Smooth Level 5
Simulated Plaster Texture

The following are explanations of the various finishes that we use to obtain the level of quality one wants.

TEXTURES:

SKIP TEXTURE – Applied by hand using a trowel, most often used as a commercial finish not usually done in newer homes.  This type of texture is used in commercial buildings, rentals & track homes.

SPRAY TEXTURE – This finish is applied using a spray hopper or spray machine.  Could be left as a stipple spray or a knockdown texture by blade.  You will find this texture on many homes built in the 90's.

SIMULATED PLASTER TEXTURE –  This texture, sometimes referred to as Old World, is very desirable in older homes, but is being done in many upscale new homes.  Texture is applied by hand using conventional drywall taping compound and varies as to individual tastes. 

FINISHES:

There are five levels of smooth finish intended to provide an industry standard for drywall finishing

SMOOTH LEVEL 1 - Also called fire tape, used when finishing is not required or in areas that are concealed such as an attic, garage, mechanical room.  All joints and interior angles will have tape embedded in joint compound, but the surface will be free of excess joint compound.

SMOOTH LEVEL 2 – Or tape and top.  It may be specified for use in garages, warehouse storage or similar areas where the surface appearance is not primarily important.  On a smooth level 2 finish, all joints and interior angles receive tape and joint compound and then are wiped clean with a joint knife or trowel, which leaves just a thin coat of compound. 

SMOOTH LEVEL 3 - Or tape, top, skim only.  This finish is applied typically where heavy grade wall coverings are to be applied as final decoration or in an area that will receive medium to heavy texture.  On a smooth level 3 finish, joints and interior angles receive are taped as in a level 2 and then covered with one separate coat of joint compound. 

SMOOTH LEVEL 4 – This is a standard drywall finish.  85% of Bay Area homes have smooth level 4 on their walls and ceilings.  Smooth level 4 is used where flat paints, light textures or wall coverings are applied.  Gloss, semi-gloss and enamel paints are not recommended for use over this level of finish.  On a smooth level 4, joints are covered with two separate coats of joint compound, interior angles are covered with one separate coat of joint compound and accessories and fasteners are covered with three coats of joint compound.  All joint compound needs to be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges.

SMOOTH LEVEL 5 –   This level of finish is required where gloss, semi gloss or enamel is specified or walls that receive severe sun exposure.  This finish is the highest quality finish that provides a uniform surface.   On a smooth level 5 finish, joints receive two separate coats of compound, interior angles receive one coat and accessories and fasteners receive three coats.  A thin skim coat is applied to the entire area.  The surface shall be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges.  This finish will not eliminate framing imperfections but will eliminate the presence of photographing.