Level 5 is the highest standard of drywall finish. It's a full skim coat applied over the entire wall surface after taping and mudding — creating a perfectly uniform surface with zero joint banding, no texture variation, and no visible seams under any lighting condition. If you're planning high-gloss paint, accent lighting, or a feature wall in your Calgary home, Level 5 is the only finish that will hold up to that kind of scrutiny.
When You Need a Level 5 Finish
Level 5 is recommended when the wall will be finished with high-gloss or semi-gloss paint, when accent lighting will rake across the surface, or when the wall is a focal point of the room. Under these conditions, even Level 4 finish — the standard for most painted walls — can show subtle joint banding or texture differences. Level 5 eliminates that entirely. It's commonly requested for living room feature walls, dining rooms, master bedrooms, and commercial spaces where appearance is a priority. If you're investing in premium paint or lighting, the wall finish needs to match that investment.
Our Level 5 Finish Process
After standard taping and mudding is complete to Level 4, we apply a thin skim coat of compound over the entire wall surface — not just the joints and fastener heads. This creates a uniform surface density across the board, eliminating the porosity difference between mudded areas and bare drywall. The skim coat is sanded to a glass-smooth finish. The result is a wall that accepts paint evenly with no visible joints, fastener marks, or texture variation. This is a time-intensive process that requires skill and patience — it's the premium standard.
Level 5 Finish Cost in Calgary
Level 5 costs more than standard Level 4 because it involves an additional full-surface coat of compound and extra sanding time. The cost depends on the square footage and wall condition. We provide a free written quote after assessing the space — no trip charge. Level 5 is an investment in appearance, and we'll help you decide which walls benefit most from this finish level.
Why Choose Us
Not every drywall crew can deliver a true Level 5 finish. We have the skill and patience to do it right. Every Level 5 wall we finish is glass-smooth and paint-ready. WCB Alberta coverage, full liability insurance, and free written quotes with no trip charge. Alberta Building Code compliant work.
This service is part of our Drywall Finishing services. Visit our Calgary drywall contractor homepage to see everything we offer.