Drywall finish levels 0–5 — the same seam at each GA-214 level
GA-214 finish levels on the same seam: 0 bare, 1 tape set, 2 one coat, 3 two coats, 4 three coats (flat paint / light texture), 5 full skim coat (gloss paint / critical light).
What this diagram shows
The same taped butt joint and fastener shown at the six Gypsum Association finish levels. Level 0 is bare board with no taping. Level 1 has joint tape set in compound, no further coats. Level 2 adds one coat of compound over the tape and the screw heads. Level 3 has two coats. Level 4 has three coats feathered progressively wider and is the standard for flat paint and light texture. Level 5 adds a thin skim coat over the entire surface, required under gloss or enamel paint and severe critical (raking) light so joints and fasteners do not telegraph through the finish.
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Drywall Mud & Tape Calculator
Free drywall mud calculator: exact joint compound boxes, tape rolls, and corner bead by GA-214 finish level, compound type, and texture. No signup.
