Types vs Levels of Drywall Finish

If you’re thinking of doing some drywall work around the house, you may have heard talk about types and levels of drywall finish. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, knowing the difference may help you decide what option is best for your vision. Let’s explore:

WHAT ARE 'TYPES' OF FINISH?

Types of finish refers to the kind of texture added to drywall. It can add interest and act as a mask for imperfections.

Here are some types of finish:

Popcorn

Hides imperfections and has noise dampening qualities
Spray on the Homax Spray Texture for small repairs and match the existing commonly used popcorn texture.

Orange Peel

Easy to clean and hides imperfections
Spray on using the Homax Spray Texture

Knockdown

Hides imperfections
Spray on using the Homax Spray Texture, then knock down (scrape) using a drywall knife for the finished look

Brush Finish (stipple, slap brush, crows feet, etc)

Adds interest
Hides Imperfections
Use the Circle Brand Double Texture Brush for the crows feet finish
Use the Circle Brand Single Texture Brush for the slap brush finish
Use the Circle Brand Standard Round Texture Brush for the stipple finish

Venetian Finish

Adds interest
Use the Level 5 Ultra Flex Flat Blade Stainless Steel Finishing Trowel for this finish

Some other textures include: mud swirl, skip trowel, smooth, comb, spray sand.

Not every drywall surface needs a level 5 finish. You might want want to stop at a lower level of finish if the drywall in question is going to be hidden from view (by location, by appliances, by wainscotting, etc.) or if you want to texturize the drywall. Which leads to our next question:

WHAT ARE 'LEVELS' OF FINISH?

Levels of finish can be thought of as steps in the drywall finishing process. There are 6 levels of finish:

Level 0

Drywall is fastened to framing

Level 1

Drywall tape has been embedded

Level 2

1st coat of joint compound is applied
Fasteners are covered
Stop here if you’re applying tiles or if the drywall is in a space appearance isn’t a priority like an attic or garage.

Level 3