Types of Drywall Finishes
Drywall is a building material made from gypsum, sand and water pressed between sheets of heavy paper. It is used to construct walls, ceilings and other flat architectural elements. Drywall can be finished using a number of techniques and textures to complement any decor.
Process
Drywall installation occurs in two phases. First, the sheets of drywall are attached to the wall framing with screws or other fasteners. Each sheet is cut to fit, then butted together to form a tight and even surface. After the drywall is hung, it must be finished to create the desired texture or color on the surface. Finishes cover each joint with tape and joint compound. The seams are sanded until the entire wall or ceiling appears to be one seamless surface, then textures or paint are applied.
Types
Homeowners can choose from smooth or textured drywall finishes. The level of smoothness on an untextured surface can vary depending on the skill and techniques used by the finishers. To create a textured surface, installers use trowels or sprayers to add additional joint compound or foam beads. Some common drywall textures include slapbrush, knockdown and swirled designs. Using a sprayer, installers can create highly textured popcorn or orange-peel finishes.
Identification
Smooth drywall finishes are broken down into levels designated by the National Gypsum Association. Level 0 finishes require no tape, joint compound or sanding. Level 1, 2 and 3 require both tape and joint compound, with more layers of joint compound applied at higher levels. A Level 4 finish is standard for many wall surfaces and features tape, joint compound and careful sanding of the joints. Level 5 finishes require joint compound to be applied and carefully sanded across the entire wall surface.
Tools
Installers use a variety of tools to create different drywall finishes. Smooth walls or simple textures require only a trowel or putty knife. More complex textures may be created using a paint roller, brushes, stencils or drywall knives. Sprayed textures are applied using a device known as a hopper gun, which is powered by an air compressor to spray foam and other particles onto the wall.
Considerations
Before choosing a textured finish, consider that it may make the wall harder to keep clean. Some heavy finishes like popcorn or orange peel can look dated over time, and they are also more expensive to apply. It can be difficult to repair a textured finish and match it to the rest of the wall. To change the look of a textured wall, you must cover the entire surface with joint compound to resurface the wall, then sand to create a smooth finish.
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