The transition between drywall and plaster is where 80% of finish-trade callbacks live. When two different subs own the two sides of that joint, neither one wants the punch. When one crew owns both, the joint reads continuous and nobody has to argue about it.
We hang and tape, then we plaster — same foreman, same finishing crew, same QC. The owner doesn't see a seam where material changes.
Level 5 is the highest finish — a full skim coat over the entire surface, sanded to flatness. It's the only finish that consistently hides drywall under raking light or behind glossy paint. Spec it for:
Spotting fasteners — every screw popped, dished, and recoated. Outside corners — metal bead, not paper. Inside corners — tape and three coats, no shortcut hot mud. Sanding — done with dust control, not skipped because of schedule. The crew that installs is the crew that finishes — no handoffs that drop the ball.
| Board | 1/2 in. or 5/8 in. gypsum, Type X / abuse / moisture as assembly requires |
|---|---|
| Fasteners | Drywall screws, dimpled per ASTM C-840 |
| Tape | Paper tape on flat joints, metal corner bead on outside corners |
| Compound | Three-coat all-purpose; setting compound on heavy fills |
| Levels Available | Level 3 · Level 4 · Level 5 (full skim) |
| Plaster Transition | Continuous control joint or hard-edge reveal, per spec |
| Dust Control | HEPA vacuum sanding on occupied / fit-out work |
| Warranty | 2-year workmanship warranty on hang, tape, and finish |
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We used to fight every drywall-to-plaster joint on our higher-end builds. With Richartz running both, the joint just disappears. Paint reads continuous, owner stops asking.
— Construction Manager · West LA
Recent Drywall Work
