Resources
Technical library
Industry standards & resources
The published standards we finish to, from the Gypsum Association, the Drywall Finishing Council, the Wall & Ceiling Bureau, PDCA and USG. Builders, construction managers and homeowners can use them to understand finish levels, inspection lighting, cracking and jobsite conditions.
Drywall finish levels
What each level of finish includes, how to choose one, and how finished walls should be judged.
- Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish Industry standard PDF
- Surface Treatment to Attain a Level 5 Finish Drywall Finishing Council PDF
- GA-216: Application and Finishing of Gypsum Panel Products Gypsum Association PDF
- Method for Inspecting Joint-Treated Gypsum Panel Surfaces Drywall Finishing Council PDF
- Judging Interior Treated Gypsum Board Wall & Ceiling Bureau PDF
Paint finish & touch-up
How sheen and lighting affect what you see on a painted wall, and who is responsible for touch-up.
- Recommended Levels of Paint Finish over Gypsum Board Drywall Finishing Council PDF
- Paint Sheen and Level 4 vs. Level 5 Finish Master Painters Institute PDF
- P1-04: Touch-Up Painting and Damage Repair — Financial Responsibility Painting & Decorating Contractors of America PDF
- Environmental Conditions and Paint Moisture Impacting Finish Article PDF
Cracking, ridging & joint issues
Why cracks, ridges and visible joints happen in new homes, and how they are prevented and repaired.
- Gypsum Construction Troubleshooting Guide Drywall Finishing Council PDF
- Gypsum Joint Ridging and Cracking SBCA PDF
- GA-221: Repair of Gypsum Board Joint Ridging Gypsum Association PDF
- GA-227: Recommendations for the Prevention of Ceiling Cracking Gypsum Association PDF
- Technical Q&A: Cracking Between Drywall Joints Article PDF
- Joint Photographing and Banding in a New Home Article PDF
- Stability of Lumber Article PDF
Jobsite & weather conditions
Temperature, humidity and ventilation requirements for hanging, finishing and painting.
- Jobsite Conditions for Applying Interior Finishing Materials Drywall Finishing Council PDF
- Joint Compound Drying Time: Impact of Environmental Conditions Drywall Finishing Council PDF
- GA-236: Joint Treatment Under Extreme Weather Conditions Gypsum Association PDF
- Evaluating Jobsite Environmental Conditions (Dew Point) USG white paper PDF
- Environmental Conditions for Application and Finishing Wall & Ceiling Bureau PDF
Have a question about a finish?
Our customer care team can walk you through what the standards mean for your home or project.