What does Level 5 Drywall mean?

Summary by Krater

An explanation of drywall finish levels from zero to five, demonstrating why level four is sufficient for almost all conditions and level five is only needed for harsh lighting.

From the video

Answers: What is a level 5 drywall finish and when do you need it?

• Drywall finish levels
• Level 5 drywall finish
• Drywall finishing and painting

What it concludes

• Level four is the standard drywall finish that provides a uniformly flat surface suitable for paint and wallpaper under almost all conditions.
• The only time you ever need a level five finish is for really harsh lighting where you need to hide the texture difference between drywall paper and drywall mud.
• Applying too much level five surfacer without enough ventilation can cause moisture absorption, tape bubbling, and joint peaking.
• Drywall finish levels were developed to stop contractor and painter arguments and ensure uniform quoting.