diff --git a/src/cairo-ps-surface.c b/src/cairo-ps-surface.c
index 155d9b3df..9afb6946b 100644
--- a/src/cairo-ps-surface.c
+++ b/src/cairo-ps-surface.c
@@ -1456,7 +1456,6 @@ _gradient_pattern_supported (cairo_ps_surface_t    *surface,
 	    return FALSE;
     }
 
-    surface->ps_level_used = CAIRO_PS_LEVEL_3;
     extend = cairo_pattern_get_extend (pattern);
 
     /* Radial gradients are currently only supported when one circle
@@ -1483,6 +1482,8 @@ _gradient_pattern_supported (cairo_ps_surface_t    *surface,
         }
     }
 
+    surface->ps_level_used = CAIRO_PS_LEVEL_3;
+
     return TRUE;
 }