PCA Standards
Painting Contractors Association Standards
A level 4 finish in painting is a standard-quality drywall finish that involves three coats of joint compound over joints and fastener heads, followed by sanding to create a smooth surface. It’s a high-quality finish suitable for most residential and commercial walls where the final decoration is a flat paint, light texture, or wallpaper. This level is not recommended for finishes that are gloss, semi-gloss, or enamel, as these sheen levels can highlight imperfections that are permissible in a level 4 finish.
Key characteristics of a level 4 finish
Three-coat process:
Joints and fasteners are covered with tape and three separate coats of joint compound, which are sanded smooth after drying.
Sanding:
The surface is sanded to be smooth, and any tool marks or ridges should be reasonably distributed and not readily visible.
Paint and wallpaper:
This finish is the industry standard for surfaces that will be painted with flat or low-sheen paints or covered with wall coverings like wallpaper.
Limitations:
It is not recommended for surfaces that will be finished with high-sheen paints like gloss or semi-gloss, as these will emphasize the imperfections that are present in this level.
Primer:
A coat of primer is typically applied before the final paint to ensure a uniform finish