AS/NZS 2589 defines finish levels for plasterboard and fibre cement linings in residential and light commercial work. Level 3 suits heavy texture or thick wall coverings that hide surface variation. Level 4 is the default paint-ready standard for matt and low-sheen paints under normal lighting — most bedrooms, hallways and standard living areas qualify.
- Level 4Matt and low-sheen paint in normal light
- Level 5Gloss, dark colours, or critical raking light
- CeilingsOpen plans often warrant L5 overhead only
Level 5 adds a full skim coat over the board surface after jointing. It is recommended where gloss or semi-gloss paint is specified, where dark paint colours show imperfections, or where raking light from skylights and large windows creates critical viewing conditions. Open-plan living with downlights also benefits from Level 5 on ceilings even when walls remain Level 4.
Choosing the wrong level wastes money or produces disappointment. Specifying Level 4 in a skylit living room often leads to visible joint bands after paint. Specifying Level 5 throughout a whole home adds cost without benefit in closets and utility rooms. Canperty discusses room-by-room finish during quoting so specification matches use.
Substrate matters. Level 5 over poorly aligned framing still shows waves. Framing must be within tolerance for the intended level. Renovation skim coats on legacy walls may need additional levelling before Level 5 is achievable. We document these constraints rather than promising outcomes the substrate cannot support.
For builders, nominate finish levels on room schedules. For homeowners renovating, walk critical light paths before deciding. Call 0422 272 672 if you want room-specific advice for your Mount Waverley or eastern Melbourne project.
Finish level is a room decision — not a single line on the cover sheet.
Finish level should be room-specific, not project-generic. Open-plan areas with skylights and large glazing deserve Level 5 on ceilings at minimum; utility rooms and wardrobes do not.
Painter preparation also changes with finish level. Level 5 surfaces may still need sealer on highly porous compounds before dark colours. Level 4 in critical light may need extra painter skim — transferring cost from plaster to paint without solving the underlying joint visibility. Coordinating finish level between plaster and paint trades prevents finger-pointing at handover.
Testing finish under temporary work lights before final sand is a practice we recommend on renovation work. A portable LED at a low angle reveals ridges that overhead room lights hide. Adjusting sand effort before paint is cheaper than revisiting completed decoration.
If your specification is silent on finish level, AS/NZS 2589 Level 4 is the reasonable default for matt paint in normal light — but silence is not safety in skylit living. Raise the question early with your builder or plasterer rather than discovering the gap at paint stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the default finish if my specification is silent?
AS/NZS 2589 Level 4 is the reasonable default for matt paint in normal light. Skylit living and dining areas often need Level 5 on ceilings at minimum — silence in specification is not safety in critical light.
Can painters fix Level 4 defects in raking light?
Extra painter skim transfers cost without solving joint visibility from plaster set. Coordinating finish level between plaster and paint trades at specification stage prevents handover disputes.
Should I test finish before final paint?
Portable LED at low angle during final sand reveals ridges overhead room lights hide. Adjusting sand effort before paint is cheaper than revisiting completed decoration.