Drywall Finishing Tips for a Level 5 Drywall Finish

Lowe's and USG show you the easiest way to achieve a level 5 drywall finish. A level 5 finish is the best possible finish you can apply to drywall. It equalizes porosity, so that each paint coat will be absorbed equally and smoothly.

First, prep to a level 4 finish. Make sure your walls have no imperfections or tool marks and that you've applied 3 coats of compound over all fasteners, tape and bead.

Skim Coat

Start by mixing your all purpose, conventional weight joint compound with water until it has the consistency of a heavy pancake batter. Roll the mixture onto the wall, making sure the roller is well covered, so there are no dry spots. Take most of the mud off with your knife, leaving only a thin film that will equalize porosity and wall texture. Don't cover too much area at any given time, so that it doesn't start to dry early.

Let the surface sit overnight and sand lightly before priming and painting.

Things to know about skim coats:
- more traditional
- time-consuming
- preferred for smaller jobs
-softer than primer-surfacer
- more porous

Spray Application

For larger jobs, spray application is the smarter method. It is fast and easy to cover a lot of area. The finish is hard and more durable. The finish gives the appearance of higher quality, because it self levels.

To apply a primer surface with an airless sprayer, start by covering all windows and trim that you don't' want sprayed. Wear a mask or respirator, goggles, and safety gloves. Hold the gun perpendicular to the surface, around 18 inches away. Start your stroke off the surface you are targeting. Pull the trigger as the gun is moving. Move the gun parallel to the surface at a steady rate. While the gun is still moving, release the trigger as you approach the other end of the surface. Lap each stroke around 50% over the last stroke for uniform thickness. For the initial coat, spray from left to right. Then spray up and down for a double-up coat. Allow the primer surfacer to dry overnight before painting.

Things to know about spray application:
- requires practice
- professional spray equipment
- faster
- more durable
- self-levels for smooth finish

To find all your drywall and finishing products, visit http://www.Lowes.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• lowes
• lowe's
• usg
• drywall finishing
• level 5
• level 5 drywall finish
• how to finish drywall
• spray application
• skim coat

[craigomatic627]

18inch roller and take a quater bucket of mud out and replace with water,mix and pour into paint troth and roll on ,have man with a 20 inch flat trowel on stilts pulling down  and another on the ground pulling Up and then sand with a worn in hand sanding sponge, Bright work light in hand to see any imperfections

[crobbulan]

At 2:40, I think you mean 18-20 mils thick, not 18-20 millimeters thick.

[yehgiddaymate]

no thanks that spray on level 5 dosnt work for me,go's on the wall to thin for my liking,even the painters dont like it?prefer to skimit..

[rohenwi]

Excelente buen trabajo, saludos desde Venezuela Henry.