# Drywall Finishes and Textures: From Level 5 Skim Coat to Orange Peel, Knockdown and Skip Trowel

Drywall finishing goes beyond covering seams and screw heads; it also includes selecting a texture or finish appropriate for the room’s design and lighting. This blog explores the commonly specified **finish levels** (particularly Level 5) and describes popular textures such as **orange peel**, **knockdown** and **skip trowel**, with guidance from professionals.

## Understanding Drywall Finish Levels

The gypsum industry defines six levels of drywall finish, from Level 0 (no tape or mud) to Level 5 (the highest quality). Levels 3 and 4 are common for most interior walls, but a Level 5 finish is required when surface appearance is critical.

### Level 4 Finish

At Level 4, joints and interior angles are taped and coated with **three layers of joint compound** (taping, fill and finish coats). Screws and nail heads are covered and sanded smooth. This level is suitable for flat or low‑sheen paint in areas where lighting is even and not too harsh.

### Level 5 Finish

A Level 5 finish includes all the steps of Level 4 plus an **additional skim coat of joint compound across the entire surface**. The skim coat fills in any minor imperfections and creates a continuous film over the paper, minimizing texture differences. The Spruce explains that Level 5 is necessary when walls will receive glossy or enamel paint or when intense or low‑angle lighting could reveal minor imperfections【829251131585074†L307-L331】. Trim‑Tex notes that a Level 5 finish produces a perfectly flat surface with no fastener show‑through and is recommended for surfaces subjected to harsh lighting, deep shadows or high‑gloss paint【925615148391000†L146-L162】. Because Level 5 is labor‑intensive, it typically costs more and should be negotiated with the customer.

## Common Drywall Textures

After joints are finished, many homeowners choose a texture rather than a perfectly smooth surface. Textures help hide imperfections and add visual interest. The Master Building Materials guide and Bob Vila’s home improvement article describe several types:

### Orange Peel

Orange peel texture resembles the dimples on the skin of an orange. According to Master Building Materials, it is available in **fine, medium and heavy styles**. A drywall texture sprayer is held about half a meter from the surface to spray small droplets of thinned joint compound, which dry into rounded bumps【827500181359516†L483-L497】. Orange peel is popular because it hides minor imperfections and is relatively easy to clean. Bob Vila notes that it has **smaller bumps than popcorn texture** and is easier to clean than heavier textures【269466016740999†L156-L158】.

### Knockdown

Knockdown texture starts like orange peel: mud is sprayed onto the surface, creating peaks. After waiting a few minutes for the peaks to firm up, a drywall knife or trowel is dragged lightly across the surface, **flattening the peaks** and leaving a mottled, stucco‑like appearance【827500181359516†L505-L511】. Bob Vila’s article confirms that knockdown is achieved by making a second pass over orange peel texture with a trowel or sponge to flatten peaks【269466016740999†L161-L164】. Knockdown adds depth without being too bold and hides imperfections well.

### Skip Trowel

Skip trowel is similar to knockdown but more irregular. Instead of spraying, joint compound is applied with a hawk and trowel. The trowel is dragged across the surface at an angle and **lifted intermittently**, creating “skips” where the mud does not contact the drywall, leaving a random pattern of raised and flat areas【827500181359516†L513-L520】. Bob Vila notes that skip trowel requires more skill and patience than orange peel and knockdown【269466016740999†L146-L149】.

### Other Textures

- **Comb texture** – Achieved by using a notched trowel or comb tool to create thin lines or swirls in wet mud【269466016740999†L151-L152】.  

- **Popcorn texture** – Applies coarse, often sprayed texture reminiscent of cottage cheese. It hides imperfections but is rarely used on walls today because it is difficult to clean and repair.  

- **Swirl/Sand swirl** – A swirl pattern is created using a brush or trowel; sand swirl adds fine aggregate for more texture【269466016740999†L166-L169】.  

- **Slap brush (stomp) and slap brush knockdown** – A stiff brush is slapped against the mud to create raised spikes, which may then be knocked down for a softer effect【269466016740999†L170-L174】.

## Selecting a Texture

Consider these factors when choosing a texture:

1. **Lighting and paint sheen** – Smooth finishes and light textures like orange peel or knockdown look best with matte or eggshell paint. High‑sheen paints reveal imperfections, so a Level 5 smooth finish may be preferable.  

2. **Skill level** – According to painting coach Chuck Reger, orange peel and knockdown textures are more manageable for beginners, while skip trowel and swirl require more skill and patience【269466016740999†L146-L149】.  

3. **Maintenance** – Heavier textures like popcorn can collect dust and are hard to clean; orange peel and knockdown are easier to wipe.  

4. **Aesthetic** – Textures impart a distinctive look. For modern, subtle walls, a Level 5 finish or fine orange peel may be ideal; rustic or Mediterranean designs might favor skip trowel or swirl.

## Summary

Drywall finishing encompasses more than hiding joints; it is an opportunity to tailor the look of your walls. **Level 5 finishing** provides the smoothest surface and is essential under high‑gloss paint or critical lighting【829251131585074†L307-L331】【925615148391000†L146-L162】. **Orange peel** is a versatile, easy‑to‑apply texture that hides imperfections【827500181359516†L483-L497】. **Knockdown** creates a stucco‑like finish by flattening sprayed peaks【827500181359516†L505-L511】. **Skip trowel** offers a more handcrafted, irregular look【827500181359516†L513-L520】. By understanding these options, you can choose the finish that best complements your design and skill level.