GIB stopping is graded from Level 0 to Level 5, describing how smooth and refined the plasterboard finish is before painting. Most New Zealand homes are finished to Level 4 for living areas, while Level 5 — the smoothest — is reserved for walls under critical lighting or high-gloss paint, where every imperfection would otherwise show.
What the levels actually mean
Level 0 is no finishing at all. Level 1 is tape embedded in compound only, used where the wall will be hidden. Level 2 is a skim over tape and fasteners, fine for garages and service spaces. Level 3 adds another coat for a slightly better surface.
Level 4 is the standard residential finish — joints, screw heads and corners are coated and sanded smooth, ready for flat or low-sheen paint. Level 5 goes further with a full skim coat across the whole surface, giving the most uniform result for gloss paints or rooms with strong, raking light.
Which level do you actually need?
For most homes, Level 4 is the right call and what people picture as a normal painted wall. You step up to Level 5 when conditions are unforgiving: large windows throwing low-angle light across a wall, long hallways, feature walls in gloss or satin, or deep, dark colours that show every join.
Higher levels take more time and material, so they cost more. The trick is matching the level to the room rather than paying for Level 5 everywhere.
Why stopping quality shows up in the paint
Paint doesn't hide a poor stop — it highlights it. Sheen and dark colours in particular reveal joints, screw dimples and texture differences. A flawless painted wall is the product of good stopping, the right surface preparation, and choosing a paint sheen suited to the finish. It's also why walls that have had wallpaper removed often need re-skimming before they're painted.
Frequently asked questions
Is Level 4 good enough for my home?
For most residential walls and ceilings, yes. Level 4 gives a smooth, paint-ready surface suited to flat and low-sheen paints in normal lighting.
When do I need Level 5?
Choose Level 5 for walls under strong natural or angled light, for gloss and satin finishes, and for dark feature walls where any imperfection would be obvious.
Do you do the stopping and the painting?
Yes — we handle plastering and GIB stopping through to the finished paint with one team, so the surface is prepared and painted to match.
