How do you apply texture spray to drywall?

Applying texture spray, also known as knockdown texture, to drywall is a great way to hide imperfections and add visual interest to walls and ceilings. The texture spray gives a sandy, stippled finish that provides depth and dimension. While it may look complicated, texture spray application is actually quite straightforward as long as you have the right tools and follow some simple steps.

What is texture spray?

Texture spray, or knockdown texture, is a special premixed compound that is sprayed onto drywall using an air compressor and hopper gun. It contains fine sand and other aggregates that provide the gritty, stippled texture. The spray comes ready to use straight from the bucket. After spraying a section, the texture is “knocked down” using a round drywall knife to flatten any high points and create a uniform finish.

There are several types of knockdown texture with different looks:

• Fine texture: Small, tight stipple
• Medium texture: Larger stipples
• Coarse texture: Heaviest stipple with most pronounced ridges

Medium texture is the most common. The type used depends on personal preference and the level of drywall imperfection coverage desired.

Tools and materials needed

Applying texture spray requires having the right tools and setup:

Compressor

An air compressor is needed to power the hopper spray gun. The compressor should have a minimum of 5 CFM at 90 PSI. Small pancake compressors are not suitable for texture spraying.

Hopper gun

The hopper gun, or texturing gun, sprays the texture and attaches to the air compressor. Hopper guns have an adjustable nozzle to vary the texture pattern.

Texture spray compound

Premixed spray texture compound designed for hopper gun application. It is available in fine, medium and coarse grades.

Masking tools

Masking tape, plastic sheeting, and paper to cover floors, trim, windows and other surfaces not being sprayed.

Drywall tools

• Drywall knife – A 10″ or 12″ knife for knocking down texture
• Taping knives – 4″, 6″ sizes for smoothing edges
• Sanding pole – To smooth ceilings and overhead spraying
• Drywall pan and mud mixer – For compound touch ups

Miscellaneous

• Painters plastic sheeting
• Drop cloths
• Lighting
• Paint spray shield (optional)
• Drywall stilts (optional)

Having all equipment and materials ready ahead of time ensures the project goes smoothly from start to finish.

Preparing the drywall surface

Proper drywall preparation is key to getting great results with texture spray. The drywall surface should be smooth, clean, and dust-free to allow maximum adhesion. Follow these steps:

1. Fill any cracks or holes with drywall joint compound and allow to fully dry.
2. Sand any ridges or high spots smooth.
3. Wipe off any dust with a slightly damp rag.
4. Prime with drywall primer to improve adhesion if needed.
5. Run your hand over the surface to check for imperfections.
6. Fill any gaps around corners or trim with caulk for a smooth finish after texturing.

Taking time to prepare the drywall well will prevent the texture spray from showing any flaws underneath.

Setting up the room

Properly preparing the room you are working in is essential. Texture spray can easily get onto floors, windows, trim and other surfaces, so everything needs to be covered and protected. Follow these steps:

1. Clear the room of furniture and belongings.
2. Cover floors completely with plastic sheeting, secured at edges with tape.
3. Mask off baseboards, windows, doors and trim with painters tape and paper.
4. Turn off HVAC systems to prevent spraying dust from circulating.
5. Set up lighting to easily see working area without shadows.
6. Place drop cloths below the section being sprayed.

Having adequate lighting and securing plastic properly are especially important. The overspray can travel far so take your time preparing.

Setting up the spray equipment

The texture spray unit needs to be assembled properly to function. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific hopper gun and compressor. In general:

1. Connect the air compressor hose to the hopper gun.
2. Adjust the compressor regulator to recommended PSI for the nozzle size used.
3. Test the spray pattern on cardboard until the desired texture is achieved.
4. Adjust the hopper gun settings as needed to fine tune the spray.
5. Fill the hopper with premixed texture compound.

Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for the ideal PSI, compressor CFM, and nozzle size for the texture result you want. Testing first helps dial this in.

Applying the base coat

The first coat creates the overall texture and coverage on the drywall. To apply the base texture coat:

1. Begin spraying in a corner and work outward in sections.
2. Hold hopper gun 12″-18″ from surface perpendicular to the wall.
3. Move spray gun parallel to the wall at a steady, even pass.
4. Overlap passes slightly to ensure uniform coverage.
5. Apply heavy spray initially then reduce until desired texture is achieved.
6. Spray ceiling sections working toward room exits to avoid being surrounded by overspray.

Maintaining the proper distance, angle, and speed of the spray gun is key to getting a consistent finish with each pass. Having another person knock down the texture right after spraying helps speed the process.

Knocking down the texture

After each section is sprayed, the texture needs to be flattened and smoothed down using a drywall knife. To knock down the texture:

1. Hold knife at 45 degree angle and flatten ridges moving with spray pattern.
2. Lift any high areas that still appear.
3. Feather out edges where two sections meet.
4. Knock down gently to prevent lifting spray. Too much pressure ruins texture.
5. Knock down ceilings in direction away from walls to prevent dust settling.
6. After knockdown, re-spray any missed or thin spots and smooth again.

Knocking down takes some practice to get the right touch. The goal is a uniform stippled texture without any lines or trowel marks.

Second coat and finish touch ups

The room is now ready for the second “skim” coat:

1. Lightly re-spray each section to cover knife marks and variations.
2. Perform final knockdown and feather out transitions between sections.
3. Make sure ceiling texture coats walls evenly without drips.
4. Allow texture to fully dry overnight before sanding or priming.
5. Gently sand any imperfections and touch up as needed.

The skim coat helps achieve a consistent, blemish-free texture across the entire surface. Take your time with finish detailing for best results.

Cleaning and post-texturing steps

Once texturing is complete, the final steps are:

1. Wipe down trim, windows, and other surfaces to remove overspray.
2. Carefully roll up and dispose of excess plastic sheeting and masking.
3. Vacuum any remaining dust before it settles.
4. Prime walls and ceiling before painting if desired.
5. Paint texture using proper roller type and technique for stipple finish.

Thorough cleaning prevents texture debris from scattering in the room. Priming the bare drywall texture allows for easier top coating.

Tips for great texture results

Follow these tips and tricks to get professional looking results with your texture spraying:

• Test spray pattern and consistency on scrap materials first.
• Overlap passes and use consistent motion to prevent blotchiness.
• Keep hopper gun angle perpendicular to surface and 12″-18″ away.
• Knockdown texture right after spraying each section.
• Use two light coats rather than one thick coat.
• Feather out edges between sections to hide transitions.
• Keep compressor nearby and reduce hose lengths for adequate airflow.
• Stop spraying if hopper gun sputters – this indicates low airflow.
• Smooth consistently during knockdown and avoid excess pressure.
• Prime heavy texture before painting for easier topcoat application.

With some practice and these tips, you can achieve seamless, professional looking texture spray results.

Common texture spray problems and solutions

Issue with texture finishes are often easily fixed. Here are some common problems and ways to solve them:

Problem	Solution
Uneven texture	Overlap spray passes, maintain consistent hopper angle and distance, smooth entire surface when knocking down texture
Blotchy sections	Ensure drywall surface is properly prepared. Apply thinner coats. Knockdown texture immediately after spraying.
Peeling texture	Clean and prepare drywall surface. Prime bare drywall before texturing. Allow adequate drying time before painting.
Cracks in texture	Fill drywall properly before texturing. Control temperature and humidity during drying. Ensure texture is fully dry before painting.
Dripping texture	Avoid applying too heavily. Knock down excess texture buildup. Feather out texture at transitions and edges.

With the right technique and tools, texture spray can dramatically enhance walls and ceilings with an attractive, modern style. A little practice goes a long way to mastering a professional looking finish. By following these texture spray tips and techniques, you can learn how to apply it like an expert.

Conclusion

Applying texture spray to drywall is straightforward with the right preparation and method. Key steps include proper setup of the room and spray equipment, applying an even base coat, knocking down the texture evenly, and doing finish touch ups for a seamless look. With some helpful tips and practice, anyone can achieve beautiful sprayed ceiling and wall textures. Taking the time to do the job right results in an attractive, uniform finish free of imperfections.