Installation Guide

19
Level 0
Typically specified in temporary
construction or whenever the final
decoration has not been determined.
No taping, finishing, or accessories
required.
Level 1
Typically specified joint treatment
in smoke barrier applications and
areas not normally open to public
view such as plenum areas above
ceilings, attics, and other areas
where the assembly would
generally be concealed.
All joints and interior angles shall
have tape embedded in joint
compound. Excess joint compound,
tool marks and ridges are acceptable.
Accessories are optional unless
specified in the project documents.
Level 2
Typically specified where gypsum
panel products are used as a
substrate for tile; may be used in
garages, warehouse storage or
other similar areas where surface
appearance is not a concern.
All joints and interior angles shall
have tape embedded in joint
compound and wiped with a joint
knife leaving a thin coating of
joint compound over all joints and
interior angles. Joint compound
applied over the body of the tape
at the time of tape embedment
shall be considered a separate coat
of joint compound and shall satisfy
the conditions of this level.
Fastener heads and accessories
shall be covered with one (1) coat
of joint compound. Surface shall be
free of excess joint compound. Tool
marks and ridges are acceptable.
Level 3
Typically specified in appearance
areas which are to receive heavy-
or medium-texture finishes (spray
or hand applied) before final
painting, or where heavy-duty/
commercial grade wallcoverings
are to be applied as the final
decoration. The design professional
shall specify the mock-up procedure
and mock-up construction details
within the project documents. This
level of finish is not recommended
for smooth wall designs or applica-
tions where light textures, non-
continuous textures, or lightweight
wallcoverings are applied.
All joints and interior angles shall
have tape embedded in joint com-
pound and shall be immediately
wiped with a joint knife leaving
a thin coating of joint compound
over all joints and interior angles.
One (1) separate coat of joint
compound shall be applied over all
joints and interior angles. Fastener
heads and accessories shall be
covered with two (2) separate
coats of joint compound. The
surface shall be smooth and free
of tool marks and ridges.
Jobsite mock-up(s) shall be used to
determine acceptance of the finish
within the building.
Note: It is recommended that the
final decoration specification (e.g.,
painting specification) include the
application of a priming material
prior to the decoration.
Level 4
Typically specified in appearance
areas where smooth wall designs
are decorated with flat paints, light
textures, non-continuous textures,
or wallcoverings are to be applied.
The design professional shall
specify the mock-up procedure
and mock-up construction details
within the project documents. This
level of finish is not recommended
where non-flat or dark/deep tone
paints are applied.
In critical lighting areas, flat paints
applied over light continuous textures
tend to reduce joint photographing.
The weight, texture, and sheen
level of wallcoverings applied over
this level of finish should be care-
fully evaluated. Joints and fasteners
must be adequately concealed
if the wallcovering used is of
lightweight construction, contains
limited pattern, has a sheen level
other than flat, or any combination
thereof. Unbacked vinyl wallcover-
ings are not recommended over
this level of finish.
Five Levels Of Finish For Gypsum Board
0
No taping,
finishing or
accessories
required.
1
All joints and
interior angles
have tape set
in compound.
2
Thin coating of
compound over
all joints and
interior angles.
3
Additional coating
of compound
over joints and
interior angles.
Smooth and free
of tool marks
and ridges.
4
Another coating
of compound over
flat joints, smooth
and free of tool
marks or ridges.
5
Skim coat applied
over entire
surface. Surface
smooth and free
of tool marks
or ridges.