wall level of finish

8/12/2019 Wall Level of Finish

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GA 214 1

GYPSUM ASSOCIATION

Recommended

Levels of

Finish

Gypsum

Board

RecommendedLevels of

Finish

Gypsum oard

Recommended

Levels of

Finish

Gypsum

Board

RecommendedLevels of

Finish

Gypsum oard


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The Finishing & Decorating ofGypsum Board SurfacesFor many years contract documents describing how

gypsum board walls and ceilings should look prior to finaldecoration with paints and other wallcoverings have includednonspecific terms such as industry standards and workman-like finish. And, for as many years, wall and ceiling contractorshave tried to fulfill their obligations by providing the finish

conditions envisioned but not truly described.

As a means of resolving a common problem, in 1990 fourmajor trade associations concerned with the manufacture,erection, finish, and decoration of gypsum board wall andceiling systems developed an industry-wide RecommendedLevels of Gypsum Board Finish. This document is intended toassist specification writers, architects, contractors, and build-

ing owners to more precisely describe the finish of walls andceilings prior to the application of paints and otherwallcoverings, to encourage competitive bidding of suitablyfinished surfaces, and to enhance the appearance of the finaldecorative treatment and thereby enlist a satisfied client.

Because the joints and fasteners must be concealed with

fill andfinishcoats of joint compound,it is impossible to achievea finished surface that is a flat plane. Instead, the joints andfasteners are finished with graduated arcs designed to preventrecesses or ridgesthat resultin distinct shadows in critical light.

The finish of gypsum board walls and ceilings for specificfinaldecoration is dependent on a number of factors. A primaryarchitectural considerationis the location of the surfaceand the

degree of decorative treatment desired. Painted and unpaintedsurfaces in warehouses and other areas where appearance isnormally not critical may simply require the taping of wallboardjoints and spotting of fastener heads. Blemish-free, smooth,monolithic surfaces often intended for painted and decoratedwalls and ceilings in habitated structures, ranging from single-

family dwellings through monumental buildings, requireadditional finishing prior to the application of the final decora-tion.

Other factors to be considered in determining the level offinish of the gypsum board surface are (1) the type andangle ofsurface illumination (both natural and artificial lighting), and (2)the paint and method of application or the type and finish ofwallcovering material specified as the final decoration. Critical

lighting conditions, paints with sheen levels other than flat, andthin wallcoverings require a higher level of gypsum board finishthan do heavily textured surfaces which are subsequentlypainted or surfaces which areto be decorated with heavy gradewallcoverings. Once all of the factors have been evaluated,

specifications can be written in specific terms and responsiblecontractors are better prepared to present their most competi-tivebid.

The accompanying consensus document is presented bythe Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI), Ceiling& Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA), DrywallFinishing Council (DWFC), Gypsum Association (GA), andPainting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) as a

guide. The members of these trade organizations are dedi-cated to providingthe best possible jobfor themost reasonablecost. By incorporating the appropriate sections of this recom-mended specification into the project documents the architect,general contractor, and building owner can betteranticipate the

final appearanceof thedecorated wall andceiling system.

I. .

II. .

Accessories

Critical Lighting

Drywall Primer

Skim Coat

Spotting

Texture

Texturing

III. .

SCOPE

TERMINOLOGY

LEVELS OF FINISH

Joint Photographing

This recommended specification describesvarious levels of finish of gypsum board surfaces prior to theapplication of specific types of final decoration. The recom-mended level of finish of gypsum board wall and ceilingsurfaces varies with the final decoration to be applied and

can also be dependent on their location in a structure and

the type of illumination striking the surface. Each recom-mended level of finish is described with typical applications.

The following definitions are applicableto this document.

- Metal or plastic beads, trim, or mouldingused to protect or conceal corners, edges, or abutments ofthe gypsum board construction.

- Strong sidelighting from windows orsurface- mounted light fixtures. syn severe lighting. Seecomments section of this document.

- A paintmaterial specifically formulated

to fill the pores and equalize the suction difference betweengypsum board surface paper and the compound used onfinished joints, angles, fastener heads, and accessories andover skim coatings. See comments section of this docu-ment.

- Either a thin coat of joint compound trowelapplied, or a material manufactured especially for thispurpose and applied in accordance with manufacturersrecommendations, overthe entire surface.

- To cover fastener heads with joint com-pound.

- A decorative treatment of gypsum boardsurfaces.

- Regular or irregular patterns typicallyproduced by applying a mixture of joint compound andwater, or proprietary texture materials including latex base

texture paint, to a gypsum board surface previously coatedwith drywall primer. See comments section of this docu-ment.

The following levels of finish areestablished as a guide for specific final decoration. Theminimum requirements for each level shall be as describedherein.

This level of finish may be useful in temporary construc-tion or whenever the final decoration has not been deter-mined.

Frequently specified in plenum areas above ceilings, in

attics, in areas where the assembly would generally beconcealed or in building service corridors, and other areasnot normally open to public view. Accessories optional at

specifier discretion in corridors and other areas with pedes-triantraffic.

- The shadowing of the finishedjoint areas through the surface decoration.syn telegraphing.

Level 0:

Level 1:

No taping, finishing, or accessories required.

All joints and interior angles shall have tape set injoint compound. Surface shall be free of excess jointcompound. Tool marksand ridges are acceptable.ons are dedi-

ossible jobfor themost reasonableorporating the appropriate sections of this recom-

mended specification into the project documents thgeneral contractor, and building ow

final appearanceof t

Frequently specified in plenum areas above ceilings, inat uld generally be

.compound. Tool marks andridges are acc .

Recommended


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Some degree of sound and smoke control is provided; insome geographic areas this level is referred to as fire-taping.Where a fire-resistancerating is required forthe gypsumboardassembly, details of construction shall be in accordance withreports of fire tests of assemblies that have met the fire-ratingrequirement. Tape and fastener heads need not be covered

with jointcompound.

Specified where gypsum board is used as a substrate for

tile; may be specified in garages, warehouse storage or othersimilar areas where surface appearance is not of primaryconcern.

The weight, texture, and sheen level of wallcoveringsapplied over this level of finish should be carefully evaluated.Joints and fasteners must be adequately concealed if thewallcovering material is lightweight, contains limited pattern,has a gloss finish, or any combination of these finishes is

present. Unbacked vinyl wallcoverings are not recommended

over this level of finish.

This level of finish is highly recommended where paint isspecifiedor where severe lighting conditions occur.

This highest quality finish is the most effective method toprovide a uniform surface and minimize the possibility of joint

photographing and of fasteners showing through the finaldecoration.

. A skim coat of joint compound is intended toconceal small imperfections in joints and on the surface of thegypsum board, smooth the texture of the paper, minimizedifferences in surface porosity, and create a more uniformsurface to which thefinaldecoration canbe applied.

A "skim coat" is essentiallya "film" of joint compound and isnot a readily measurable thickness. There is no specific milthickness that constitutes a proper skim coat. A skim coat isdescribed in the foregoing text as being "trowel applied" withthe intent being that the consistency (viscosity) of the jointcompound be such that it can be applied by a trowel. Other

tools may be used for application so long as the trowelconsistency is achieved.

The objective of the application is to achieve total cover-age of the entire surface with the skim coat. This is typicallyaccomplished by delivering the compound to the surface andusing a drywall broad knife to force the compound into thesurface pores and imperfections while shearing off excess

compound from the surface.

A skim coat will not approximate a plastered surface.Once the skim coat dries, the gypsum board paper may showthrough and the treated joints, filled voids, and spottedfastener heads willlikely be visible.

Typically specified in appearance areas which are toreceive heavy- or medium-texture (spray or hand applied)finishes before final painting, or where heavy-gradewallcoverings are to be applied as the final decoration. Thislevel of finish is not recommended where smooth paintedsurfaces or light to mediumwallcoverings arespecified.

This level should be specified where flat paints, lighttextures,or wallcoverings areto be applied.

In critical lighting areas, flat paints applied over lighttextures tend to reducejoint photographing. Paints with sheen

levelsother than flat and enamelpaints are not recommendedover this level of finish.

Level 2:

Level 3:

Level 4:

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embed-ded in joint compound and wiped with a joint knife leavinga thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interiorangles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be coveredwith a coat of joint compound. Surface shall be free ofexcess joint compound. Tool marks and ridges areacceptable. Joint compound applied over the body of thetape at the time of tape embedment shall be considered aseparate coat of joint compound and shall satisfy theconditions of this level.

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embed-ded in joint compound and shall be immediately wipedwith a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint compoundover all joints and interior angles. One additional coat ofjoint compound shall be applied over all joints and interiorangles. Fastener heads and accessories shall be coveredwith two separate coats of joint compound. All jointcompound shall be smooth and free of tool marks andridges. Note: It is recommended that theprepared surfacebe coated with a drywall primer prior to the application offinal finishes. See painting/wallcovering specification inthisregard.

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embed-ded in joint compound and shall be immediately wipedwith a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint compoundover all joints and interior angles. Two separate coats ofjoint compound shall be applied over all flat joints and oneseparate coat of joint compound shall be applied overinterior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall becovered with three separate coats of joint compound. Alljoint compound shall be smoothand free of tool marks andridges. Note: It is recommended that theprepared surfacebe coated with a drywall primer prior to the application offinal finishes. See painting/wallcovering specification inthisregard.

Level 5:

All joints and interior angles shall have tape embed-ded in joint compound and shall be immediately wiped

with a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint compoundover all joints and interior angles. Two separate coats ofjoint compound shall be applied over all flat joints and oneseparate coat of joint compound shall be applied overinterior angles. Fastener heads and accessories shall becovered with three separate coats of joint compound. Athin skim coat of joint compound trowel applied, or a

material manufactured especially for this purpose andapplied in accordance with manufacturer's recommenda-tions, applied to the entire surface. The surface shall besmooth and free of tool marks and ridges. Note: It isrecommended that the prepared surface be coated with adrywall primer prior to the application of finish paint. See

painting specification in this regard.

IV. :COMMENTS

Skim Coat

In critical gtextures tend to reducejoint photog

than flat and enamelpaints are not recommen

Levels of Gypsum Board Finish


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V. RESOURCES:

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry

Ceilings & Interior Systems ConstructionAssociation

Drywall Finishing Council

Gypsum Association

Painting and Decorating Contractors ofAmerica

Designers and specifiers are encouraged toconsult the following referencedocuments:

ASTM C11,.

ASTMInternational,West Conshohocken,PA.

ASTM C 840,. ASTM

International,WestConshohocken,PA.

GA-216,. Gypsum Association,

Hyattsville, MD

Master Painters Glossary, Painting and DecoratingContractors ofAmerica,St.Louis,MO.

Contact one of the following associat ions for additional assistance or copies of this recommendedspecification:

513 West Broad Street, Suite 210Falls Church, VA 22046-3257Telephone: (703) 538-1600www.awci.org

405 Illinois Avenue, Unit 2BSt. Charles, Illinois 60174Telephone: (630) 584-1919www.cisca.org

www.dwfc.org

6525 Belcrest Road, Suite 480Hyattsville, Maryland 20782Telephone: (301) 277-8686www.gypsum.org

1801 Park 270 Drive, Suite 220St. Louis, MO 63146Telephone: (314) 514-7322

www.pdca.com

Standard Terminology Relating toGypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems

Standard Specification forApplication and Finish of Gypsum Board

Application and Finishing of GypsumPanel Products, 2010

Critical (Severe) Lighting Areas

Manufacturer Recommendations.

Drywall Primer.

For finish paints:

For wallcoverings:

Texturing.

Tool Marks and Ridges.

.Wall and ceiling areas abutting

window mullions or skylights, long hallways, or atriums with largesurface areas flooded with artificial and/or natural lighting are a fewexamples of critical lighting areas. Strong sidelighting from windows orsurface-mounted light fixtures may reveal even minor surface imperfec-tions. Light striking the surface obliquely, at a very slight angle, greatlyexaggerates surface irregularities. If critical lighting cannot be avoided,the effects can be minimized by skim coating the gypsum board

surfaces, by decorating the surface with medium to heavy textures, orby the use of draperies and blinds which soften shadows.

The recommendations ofindividual manufacturers of gypsum board, joint tapes and com-

pounds, accessories, drywall primers, wallcoverings, adhesives,texture materials, and paints may vary from what is recommendedherein andas such arenot a part of this recommended specification.

Applied as a first coat to the entire preparedgypsum board surface with brush, roller, or spray, prior to decoration.

Where final appearance is critical, the application of high quality highsolids, drywall primer willminimize mostdecorating problems.

A good quality, white, latex drywall primer formulated with higher

binder solids, applied undiluted, is typically specified for new gypsumboardsurfacesprior to theapplication of texture materials andlatex wallpaints. An alkali and moisture-resistant primer and a tinted enamel

undercoatmay be required under enamel paints. Consult with thefinishpaint manufacturer for specific recommendations.

White, self-sizing, water base, universal (all purpose)wallcovering primers have recently been introduced into the market-place for use on new gypsum board surfaces. These products areclaimed to minimize damage if wallcoverings are subsequentlyremoved, bind poor latex paint,allowhanging over glossysurfacesand

existingvinyls, hide wall colors, andto be water washable.

Texture material is applied by brush, roller, spray, ortrowel, or a combination of these tools, depending on the desiredresult. Textured wall surfaces are normally overpainted with the desiredfinish; overpainting of textured ceiling surfaces may not be deemed

necessary where an adequate amount of material is applied to providesufficient hiding properties. A drywall primermay not be required undercertain proprietary texture materials; consult with the manufacturer ofthe texture materials for specific recommendations.

A smooth surface may be achieved bylightly sanding or wiping joint compound with a dampened sponge.

Care shall be exercised to ensure that the nap of the gypsum boardfacing paper is not raised during sanding operations. For additionalinformation on the finishing of gypsum board surfaces consult ASTMStandard C 840.

In general:paints with sheen levels other than flat, enamel and dark paint finishes

highlight surface defects; textures hideminor imperfections.

NOTICE

All of the statements, opinions, specifi-cations and recommendations on levels

of gypsum board finish contained in thispublication are for general information

purposes only and are not intended toimply that these are the only materials,

procedures, processes, or methodswhich are available or suitable.

By publishing this document,the cosponsoringtrade associations, and their member compa-

nies, individually or collectively, make noexpress or implied warranty or other represen-

tation as to the quality, characteristics, orsuitability of the materials or techniques

described herein, and specifically disclaim anyimplied warranties of merchantability or fitness

for a particular purpose which may arise byoperationof law or otherwise.

This document may be revised orwithdrawn from circulation at any time.

The status of the document should beverified by the user prior to following

any recommendations containedherein. To verifythat youhave themost

current version of the document,access the Gypsum Association

website at www.gypsum.org.

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