---
title: "Level 4 finish | Drywall Glossary"
url: https://tapeandfloat.com/glossary/level-4-finish.html
language: en
author: James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat
updated: 2026-10-28
---

# Level 4 finish

**Under the Gypsum Association GA-214 levels of finish, Level 4 is tape embedded in mud plus two separate coats on flat joints, one coat on inside corners and three coats on fastener heads and accessories, left smooth and free of tool marks. It is typical where flat paint, light texture or wallcovering goes on.**

## Why it matters on a drywall job

- Level 4 is a frequent default in specs, so make sure you and the GC mean the same thing.
- Gloss paint or strong side light can show joints at Level 4. That's when a Level 5 change order comes up.

## Related guides and tools

- [Drywall finish levels guide](https://tapeandfloat.com/guides/drywall-finish-levels.html)
- [Drywall estimate template](https://tapeandfloat.com/templates/drywall-estimate-template.html)
- [All glossary terms](https://tapeandfloat.com/glossary/)

---

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