The Gypsum Association is pleased to announce that, in collaboration with the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries-International, the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association, the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, and the Drywall Finishing Council, a revised and expanded edition of GA-214, Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish, is now available.

Since 1990, GA-214, known to many as Levels of Finish, has guided architects, contractors, and other interested parties in establishing mutual expectations by accurately describing and communicating interior finishing requirements on the jobsite and in contract documents.

GA-214-2015 is more comprehensive than previous editions. For the first time, recommendations for un-faced and non-paper faced gypsum panel products are included. The title of GA-214-2015, Recommended Levels of Finish for Gypsum Board, Glass Mat and Fiber-Reinforced Gypsum Panels, reflects this expanded scope.

“As the needs, requirements, and expectations regarding drywall finishing evolve over time, it is essential that related industry organizations collaborate to ensure changes are made in accordance with established best practices,” said Robert Negri, DWFC president. “GA-214 is a great example of industry organizations collaborating for the common good, which is why the Drywall Finishing Council’s diverse Technical Committee made this revision a priority.”

“The publication of GA-214-2015 represents the completion of a monumental task that required several years of development, review, commentary, and finally compromise on the part of all parties involved,” said Lee Jones, AWCI’s director of technical services. “Kudos to the GA’s Bob Wessel for getting us all in the same room to hammer out the final details, and hat-tip to the DWFC’s Bob Negri for shepherding this project through seemingly endless iterations. The participants of AWCI’s technical committee on Gypsum Board will certainly experience a sense of accomplishment knowing this edition of the Levels of Finish is now available.”

Although GA-214-2015 addresses additional gypsum panel products and the publication has an updated look and feel, not everything has changed. The levels of finish still range from Level 0; where no taping, finishing or accessories are required; to Level 5; the recommended finish for dark paint, paints with sheen or gloss, and surfaces exposed to severe lighting conditions.

Copies of GA-214-2015 can be ordered through the publications section of the GA Web site.