Understanding GIB Finish Levels
GIB (plasterboard) stopping refers to the process of covering joints, screw holes, and imperfections to create a smooth wall surface. The 'level' system (0–5) is an industry standard describing the quality of finish. Most New Zealand homes fall into Level 4 or Level 5.
Level 4 is the standard for general residential and commercial construction. Joints are covered with jointing compound, screw holes are filled, and corners are finished. The surface is smooth to touch and visually consistent under normal lighting, but may show slight imperfections under glancing light.
Level 5 is the premium finish. After achieving Level 4, the entire surface receives a thin skim coat of finishing compound, creating a perfectly uniform surface. Under any lighting condition — including downlights at night — the wall appears flawless.
Visual Comparison
Under flat, diffused daylight, Level 4 and Level 5 can look virtually identical. The difference becomes dramatic under directional lighting — downlights, wall-washers, or sunlight streaming across the surface at an angle.
Level 4 shows slight texture variations at joints, subtle edges where compound meets board, and the paper texture of the GIB itself. These are not defects; they're characteristics of the material. Most homeowners never notice them.
Level 5 eliminates all of these. The skim coat creates a surface as uniform as glass. This is essential for gloss or semi-gloss paint finishes, which reflect light like a mirror and would highlight every imperfection in a Level 4 finish.
In photography and film production, Level 5 is mandatory. For your home, it depends on your lighting design, paint sheen, and personal standards of perfection.
When Do You Need Level 5?
Level 5 is recommended for: areas with strong directional lighting (downlights, picture lights, under-cabinet lighting), gloss or semi-gloss paint finishes, feature walls where perfection is expected, and high-end architectural interiors.
Kitchens with under-cabinet LED strips dramatically reveal joint lines in Level 4. Similarly, living rooms with track lighting or downlights will show texture variation on ceilings.
If you're using flat or low-sheen paint (Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, Dulux Wash&Wear), Level 4 is perfectly adequate for most applications. These paints don't reflect light sharply and forgive minor surface variation.
For new builds in Wellington's premium suburbs — Oriental Bay, Roseneath, Khandallah — Level 5 is increasingly expected as a baseline standard. It adds minimal cost to the total project but significantly elevates the final result.
Cost Difference
Level 4 stopping costs approximately $18–25 per m² in the Wellington market. This includes tape, joint compound application, sanding, and preparing for painting. A standard 3-bedroom home (300 m² of wall/ceiling) costs $5,400–7,500 for Level 4.
Level 5 adds the skim coat step, which requires additional material, extended drying time, and more sanding. Costs range $28–40 per m², making the same home $8,400–12,000. The premium is 50–60% above Level 4.
However, Level 5 preparation makes painting faster and uses less paint. The smoother surface absorbs coating more evenly, reducing the number of coats needed from three to two in some cases. This partially offsets the preparation premium.
We often recommend a hybrid approach: Level 5 in visible, well-lit areas (living room feature wall, kitchen ceiling) and Level 4 in utility spaces (garage, laundry, storage rooms). This delivers 90% of the visual impact at 70% of the full Level 5 cost.
Common Problems to Avoid
The biggest mistake is specifying Level 4 and then applying gloss paint. The joint lines become glaringly obvious, and the only fix is re-stopping to Level 5 before repainting. Match your stopping level to your paint sheen from the start.
Another issue is incomplete sanding. Both levels require thorough sanding between coats. Rushed jobs leave visible sanding marks or compound edges that telegraph through paint. We use halogen work lights during sanding to catch imperfections.
Moisture is the enemy of plasterboard finishing. New concrete slabs release moisture for months, causing joint compound to soften and bubble. In new builds, allow 2–3 months of drying before stopping, or use moisture-resistant compounds.
Finally, specify the level in writing. The New Zealand GIB standard (GBS 001) defines each level precisely. Ambiguity leads to disputes. Our quotes clearly state the finish level for each area.