Taping & Drywall
Level 5 Finish.
The highest drywall finish standard there is — a skim coat over the entire surface.
On the job
Real work from Durham Region homes and job sites.
A level 5 finish means the whole wall is skim coated, not just the joints. It removes the difference in texture and porosity between mudded areas and bare paper, which is exactly what causes joint banding under critical light.
If you have floor-to-ceiling windows, pot lights washing a wall, dark or high-sheen paint, or an open-concept ceiling, level 5 is not a luxury — it is the only finish that will hold up.
What's included
- Complete level 4 taping as the base
- Full-surface skim coat applied by trowel or spray-and-scrape
- Sanding with fine grit and a raking-light inspection pass
- Sealer-primer coat to lock in an even porosity
- Second inspection and touch-up before painting
The details
When level 5 is worth it
Great rooms, feature walls, hallways with side lighting, ceilings under skylights, and any room getting satin or semi-gloss paint. Bedrooms with flat paint and no critical light are usually fine at level 4.
How we verify it
Before paint we walk the job with a 500-watt raking light held flat against the surface. Anything the light catches gets marked and refinished. You are welcome to walk it with us.
Priming matters as much as skimming
A skim coat is only half of the system. Without a high-build or sealing primer the drywall compound absorbs paint differently than the paper, and flashing appears. We include the primer spec in every level 5 quote.
Common questions
Is level 5 much more expensive?
It typically adds 25–40% over a level 4 finish for that area. Applying it only where the light demands it keeps the cost sensible.
Can you upgrade walls that are already taped?
Yes, as long as the existing taping is sound. We assess the joints first and repair anything failing before skimming.