Level 2 All appropriately prepared gypsum board surfaces shall have
one coat of topcoat material applied to yield a uniform surface. Paint
shall be applied to the mil film thickness and application conditions
specified by the paint manufacturer. Note that the painted surface may
not achieve uniform appearance, color or sheen, but shall be absent
of defects caused by the painting contractor’s workforce. This level is
recommended where economy is of primary concern.
Level 3 All appropriately prepared gypsum board surfaces shall have
two separate coats of topcoat material applied to yield a properly
painted surface. Paint shall be applied to the mil film thickness and
application conditions specified by the paint manufacturer. Note that
this is typically recommended for areas having textures (spray or hand
applied) over a primed gypsum board surface and the area is not subject to critical lighting. Refer to Drywall Finishing Council document
titled, “Recommended Specification for Preparation of Gypsum Board
Surfaces Prior to Texture Application.” When subjected to critical lighting, a Level 5 gypsum board finish as defined in GA-214-07 (“Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish”) is recommended.
Level 4 All appropriately prepared gypsum board surfaces shall have
one coat of drywall primer applied to yield a properly painted surface
and one separate coat of topcoat material applied to a properly painted surface over the drywall primer. Paint shall be applied to the mil
film thickness and application conditions specified by the paint manufacturer. Note that this is typically recommended for smooth surfaces
not subject to critical lighting and areas having light to medium texture
finishes (spray- or hand-applied over a primed gypsum board surface).
Refer to Drywall Finishing Council document titled, “Recommended
Specification for Preparation of Gypsum Board Surfaces Prior to Texture Application.” When subjected to critical lighting, a Level 5 gypsum
board finish as defined in GA-214-07 is recommended.
Level 5 All appropriately prepared gypsum board surfaces shall have
one coat of drywall primer applied to yield a properly painted surface.
Two separate coats of topcoat material shall be applied over the drywall primer to yield a properly painted surface. Paint shall be applied
to the mil film thickness and application conditions specified by the
paint manufacturer. Note that this level is recommended where the
best paint finish is required, such as under critical lighting conditions or
when paints that have a glossy surface are used. Recommended with
a Level 5 gypsum board finish as described in the “Recommended
Levels of Gypsum Board Finish” (GA-214-07). This system, when
combined with the Level 5 gypsum board finish is the most effective
method to minimize joint and fastener photographing and provides the
most uniform final finish.