What drywall finish level suits dark paint in an Ottawa living room?

The Gypsum Association's GA-214 guide recommends Level 5 for dark paint, gloss paint and sheen finishes. Level 5 adds a thin skim coat of joint compound, or a product made for the purpose, over the entire surface after the Level 4 coats.

Level 4 is what the guide lists for flat paints and light textures: two additional coats on flat joints, one on interior angles, and three coats on fasteners and accessories. For Level 4 the guide says non-flat or dark paints are not recommended, and refers to Level 5.

A few things affect what a quote for this work should include. The board area covered, the number of coats, whether sanding between coats is included, and whether primer and paint are part of the scope all change the price. If the existing walls have texture that needs to be skim-coated flat before the finish coats go on, that is additional work.

GA-214 is an industry recommendation, not a Building Code requirement. The Building Code does not set finish levels.

Published price pages agree only that a Level 5 skim costs more than a standard finish, so ask for Level 4 and Level 5 priced as separate lines. Make sure the quote states the finish level by number, the coats on joints and fasteners, and whether primer is included or quoted separately, so you can compare quotes on the same basis.