Level 5 Smooth Finishes
Give smooth walls and ceilings the preparation they deserve. A Level 5 finish adds attention across the entire drywall surface before the final decorative finish.
When the walls are part of the design.
Large windows, open wall areas, and carefully placed lighting make surfaces more noticeable. If your design calls for smooth walls, the drywall finish belongs in the conversation before painting begins.
360 Commercial Interiors offers Level 5 smooth finishes for residential projects. Share your room plans, finish selections, and expectations so we can review the areas where this additional preparation makes sense.
What makes it Level 5?
Level 5 builds on completed joint and fastener treatment with an additional treatment over the full surface.
Joints, corners & fasteners.
The specified taping and compound coats address joints, interior angles, fasteners, and accessories. A full-surface skim coat is not part of Level 4.
Treatment across the entire surface.
Level 5 adds a thin skim coat of joint compound, or a material manufactured for that purpose, over the entire prepared surface.
A refined finish starts underneath.
Before discussing the final appearance, we need to understand the starting surface. Newly hung drywall, previously finished board, and existing painted walls each bring different conditions to the project.
Share photos and describe any repairs, texture, or transitions between old and new work. Those details help define the preparation needed for the proposed finish.
Explore hanging & finishingConsider the room, the light, and the paint.
Bring your builder’s or designer’s requirements, along with the selections you have made. A clear finish plan helps everyone work toward the same result.
Lighting across the surface
Strong side lighting can make surface differences more apparent. Identify large windows and lighting that washes across walls or ceilings.
Paint color & sheen
Dark colors and finishes with sheen deserve particular attention when selecting a drywall finish. Include the planned paint products in the project discussion.
The areas included
Mark the walls and ceilings intended to receive Level 5 finishing. Include room dimensions, ceiling heights, and connections to surfaces that will remain unchanged.
A shared finish expectation
For appearance-sensitive projects, discuss a sample area finished with the intended decoration and viewed under representative lighting before proceeding throughout the space.
A few things to know.
The goal is a clearly defined finish scope that suits your home and the appearance you want to achieve.
Does every room need a Level 5 finish?
No. It is typically considered for demanding smooth-wall applications, including critical lighting, dark paint colors, or non-flat finishes. The intended decoration and room conditions should guide the specification.
Is Level 5 the same as five coats of paint?
No. Level 5 describes drywall surface preparation. It does not describe the number of paint coats. Priming and painting should be identified separately in the project scope.
Can you review existing walls for a smooth finish?
Yes. Send photos and describe the current texture, paint, repairs, and condition. Existing surfaces need to be reviewed before the preparation and finishing approach can be confirmed.
Does Level 5 guarantee a flawless painted wall?
It is a preparation level, not a guarantee of a flawless appearance under every light. The underlying construction, finish application, primer, paint, and lighting all contribute to the result.
Can the work include ceilings?
Include any ceilings in your inquiry and drawings. Share their dimensions, height, existing condition, and intended finish so they can be reviewed with the wall work.
What should I send to discuss pricing?
Include your location, photos, approximate wall and ceiling areas, finish specifications, paint selections if available, and preferred timing. Let us know whether the home will be occupied during the work.
Let’s talk about your home.
Share your rooms, finish plans, and project location.