In this article we explain how to achieve the four levels of surface finishing – Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 according to Eurogypsum’s classification.

Here are the steps we followed:

Level Q1:

Pour water into a clean container and add FUGA gypsum joint filler to it, so that 1-2 mm of the water remains above the level of the gypsum mixture (about 500 ml of water per 1 kg of product. Wait for the mixture to settle for approximately 5 minutes, then stir by hand with a trowel until a smooth and homogeneous mixture is formed. Once the mixture is ready, we can proceed to filling the joints.

Level Q1 can be completed either with the gypsum joint filler FUGA, or with the ready to use compound – FUGA & FINISH.

Place enough of the compound to completely fill the joint and press well with a trowel to ensure a tight filling of the gap between the boards.

The strip mixture on both sides of the joint should be approx. 6 mm, i.e. slightly wider than the tape used.

After the initial filling of the joint along its entire length, place the joint tape and press it to sink into the compound.

To separate and remove the excess compound under the tape, smooth it with light pressure along the entire length of the joint. 1-2 mm thick layer of the mixture should remain under the joint strip, which is completely sufficient for strong elastic reinforcement of the joint.

Apply a second thin layer of the compound on the leveled joint with a width of approx. 15-20 mm, thus finally leveling the joint with the rest of the wall surface.

Use paper joint tape when reinforcing the factory tapered edges of the plasterboards.

Use fiberglass tape to reinforce non-factory joints (square ones), which has a minimum thickness and allows precise alignment of the wall.

Level Q2:

To be able to continue with level Q2 – to align the joint area with continuous transition to the board surface, the absolutely necessary requirement is the first layer, level Q1 to be completely dried.

Pour water into a clean container and add FUGA gypsum joint filler to it, so that 1-2 mm of the water remains above the level of the gypsum mixture (about 500 ml of water per 1 kg of product). Wait for the mixture to settle for approximately 5 minutes, then stir by hand with a trowel until a smooth and homogeneous mixture is formed. Once the mixture is ready, we can proceed to filling the joints.

Level Q2 can be completed either with the dry gypsum mixtures - FUGA and SATEN, or with the ready to use compound - FUGA & FINISH.

Place enough of the compound on the trowel to completely fill the joint and press well to ensure thin continuous transitional layer aligning the join area to the board surface. The strip mixture on both sides of the joint should be approx. 200 mm along its entire length.

Level Q3:

It is mandatory that the previous layer - level Q2 is finished and dry and all joints are smoothed and filled.

Pour water into a clean container and add SATEN gypsum skim coat to it, so that 1-2 mm of the water remains above the level of the gypsum mixture about 700 ml of water per 1 kg of product ). Wait for the mixture to settle for approximately 5 minutes, then stir until a smooth and homogeneous mixture is formed. Once the mixture is ready, we can proceed to filling the joints.

Level Q3 can be completed either with the dry gypsum mixtures - FUGA and SATEN, or with the ready to use compound - FUGA & FINISH.

 With rectilinear moves Holding the drywall trowel under 30°, with rectilinear moves spread a thin layer of the ready mix. Typically, one or two moves are sufficient to even up all physical ridges and grooves, adding more of the mixture if necessary.

If needed, the surface could be smoothed with fine sandpaper after complete drying of the plaster.

Level Q4:

It is mandatory that the previous layer - level Q2 is finished and dry and all joints are smoothed and filled.

The first and very important step is to pre-mix the ready to use compound FUGA & FINISH with a mechanical stirrer at a low speed, after opening the package. If necessary, the compound can be diluted in portions with 200 ml of water per 20 kg of product, to the desired consistency for application.

After prepping the ready-to -use mixture we proceed to hand plastering with a drywall trowel. We apply a thick layer (up to 3 mm) of the mixture over the entire surface of the wall. Finally, we smooth the whole surface making sure no joints are left unfilled and transparent.

After the wall is completely dry, all imperfections must be smoothed with fine sandpaper. Using LED floodlight will help you spot them easily.

Eurogypsum – European federation of the gypsum product manufacturing industry. Developed and established, the 4 levels of quality finish classification for plasterboard cladding aims to provide clear definitions thus helping to reduce subjective judging of the end result.

Level Q1 is a basic requirement for joints filling between the gypsum wallboards (including the visible parts of the screws) and is considered sufficient for surfaces with following decorative thin-layered coatings. The surface achieved with level Q1 is suitable for ceramic wall tiles and coarse structured wall coating with thickness of at least 2mm, etc.

Level Q2 fulfills the basic requirements for finishing of walls and ceilings. This quality level’s basic objective is to align the joint area and to ensure a continuous translation to the plasterboard surface.

Level Q3 responds to higher demands of quality of the finished surface.

Level Q4 responds to the highest demands of quality of the finished surface.