What is Drywall Texture?

What is Drywall Texture?

Drywall Repair and Installation for Longmont and surrounding areas

Drywall texture is the finish applied after hanging and taping gypsum board. It does two things: shapes the look (from glass-smooth to subtly patterned) and manages light so seams and fasteners don’t show. In 2025, bright LEDs, large windows, and phone flash photos make wall flaws more noticeable—so choosing the right texture is a style and performance decision. Smooth walls feel modern and upscale; light textures like orange peel or knockdown hide minor imperfections and are budget-friendly.

Finish “levels” run from 0 to 5. Level 0 is bare board; Level 1–2 are basic tape embed/skim for utility areas. Level 3 adds more compound and is acceptable under heavy textures or tile backsplashes. Level 4 is the residential standard for most paint sheens—great under matte or eggshell. Level 5 is a full skim to create ultra-flat, smooth walls for critical light, dark accent colors, or higher-sheen paints (satin/semi-gloss). Ceilings with raking light also benefit from Level 5.



What should a homeowner or business ask today?


“How will this look under my lighting?”


“Can you match my existing texture exactly?”


“What’s the dust control plan?” and


“Which level fits my budget and paint sheen?”


We provide sample boards, precise texture matching (orange peel, knockdown, skip-trowel, or smooth), HEPA dust mitigation, and clear guidance on dry times so your paint goes on right the first time.

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