Applying a Knockdown Texture
An advantage of using an AST big rig texture sprayer or Kodiak M2 is the ability to fine-tune the texture you are putting on the wall. If you are applying a knockdown texture, a texture spraying machine allows you to adjust for heavier or lighter textures so you can get the exact look that you want. In this blog, our team at American Spray Technologies has some suggestions about applying a knockdown texture.
Why Apply a Knockdown Texture?
Drywall texturing is an art form that helps elevate the overall appearance of walls and ceilings. Texture is generally applied to walls and ceilings because it is a good way to hide any imperfections that exist from installation, repairs, or damage that occurs while the house is lived in. Knockdown textures are chosen for some houses because of the aesthetic appeal. Knockdown textures can be a nice middle ground between the very subtle orange peel look and the not so subtle popcorn look.
Tools and Materials Required for Knockdown Texture
Applying knockdown texture does not require any specialized materials. You can use either drywall joint compound or mud to get the knockdown look. Additionally, you can either get a premixed compound or mix your own from bags of powder.
We recommend using a drywall sprayer to help you easily spray the mixture and achieve the desired look in an optimal timeframe. At American Spray Technologies, you can easily find a drywall sprayer matching your needs and requirements.
Tips for spraying knockdown are generally bigger than for spraying other types of texture. Bigger tips spray bigger texture that can be knocked down after it is on the wall. For example, if you spray with AST Round Tips, 5/16″ to 7/16″ tips are usually used. Refer to the tip size chart on the Pole Gun Tips page for reference.
You will also need a knockdown knife to knock the texture down once it has been sprayed. Wider knives cover more area per pass and can make the process go faster. Having an extension pole for this step can be helpful for reaching the tops of walls and the ceilings.
Spraying a Knockdown Texture
Knockdown texture requires heavier spray than orange peel textures. To achieve the desired result, you’ll want lower air settings and bigger tips. Mixing your mud on the thicker side will also help in putting up thicker texture that can be knocked down. You want the texture to sit up off the surface rather than collapsing down since it will be knocked down and spread out across the surface.
If your spray is too thin, try using less water. If your mixture is already too thin, adding more powder or drywall joint compound can help thicken it up again. If your texture dots are too small, try using a bigger tip. You can also try turning your air down at the gun. Turning the air down will result in less atomization of the texture, which creates bigger dots.
Blending New Texture With Old
If you are applying the knockdown texture over a repair, then chances are you will need to blend the new effect with the existing one. This means that you may be spraying in part over the area surrounding the repair. To limit the amount of overspray, you can mask off the areas around the repair. You may need to experiment with different thicknesses of material to get the right consistency sprayed on the wall. Spraying a piece of cardboard and then knocking down the texture on the cardboard is a good way to verify that the new pattern will blend with the old.
If you would like to learn more about applying knockdown textures, reach out to our team at American Spray Technologies!