Straight Edge Interiors delivers Level 4 and Level 5 finishes in Wellington. Level 5 adds a skim coat over the whole surface. It is specified when light will show the wall or ceiling.
In the GIB Site Guide, which follows AS/NZS 2589:2017, Level 4 is the default plasterboard finish unless another level is specified. Joints and interior angles have tape embedded in compound, with at least two coats over joints, angles, fastener heads and accessories, finished even and free of tool marks and ridges. GIB states that flat or low-sheen paints are used at Level 4, and that imperfections may still show under critical light. Level 5 is for gloss or semi-gloss paint, or for critical light on a flatter sheen. It adds a skim coat over the whole surface so texture and porosity match across the board, joints and fixings.
GIB’s article on Level 4 and Level 5 also notes tighter framing tolerances and back-blocking, and says the skim coat is there to even porosity between the joint compound and the board face, not to flatten a poor frame. Those are manufacturer requirements, not a Straight Edge Interiors warranty.
Level 5 is the usual specification where walls or ceilings will be seen in strong natural light, raking light or downlight, beside large areas of glazing, or under satin, semi-gloss or gloss paint. Straight Edge Interiors quotes Level 4 and Level 5 as separate finish levels.
Send the finish level with the drawings. If the lighting plan is available, include it. Critical light is easier to judge from the drawing than from a one-line note that says “paint finish”.
On site
How Straight Edge Interiors sequences it
The published quoting process is the sequence the company commits to. A coat-by-coat timetable and a drying allowance in days are not published.
01 Send photos, plans, location, and the rough scope, including whether Level 4 or Level 5 is specified.
02 Jeremy confirms whether a site visit is needed.
03 The quote separates scope, finish level, and timing.
04 Work is scheduled around access, other trades, and drying time.
What is the difference between Level 4 and Level 5?
In the GIB Site Guide, which follows AS/NZS 2589:2017, Level 4 is the default plasterboard finish unless another level is specified. Joints and interior angles have tape embedded in compound, with at least two coats over joints, angles, fastener heads and accessories, finished even and free of tool marks and ridges. GIB states that flat or low-sheen paints are used at Level 4, and that imperfections may still show under critical light. Level 5 is for gloss or semi-gloss paint, or for critical light on a flatter sheen. It adds a skim coat over the whole surface so texture and porosity match across the board, joints and fixings.
When do architects specify Level 5?
Level 5 is the usual specification where walls or ceilings will be seen in strong natural light, raking light or downlight, beside large areas of glazing, or under satin, semi-gloss or gloss paint. Straight Edge Interiors quotes Level 4 and Level 5 as separate finish levels.
