How do you get knockdown texture on a ceiling?

Getting a knockdown texture on ceilings is a popular way to add visual interest and hide imperfections. Knockdown textures have a lightly textured, almost orange-peel type of look that helps disguise flaws like uneven drywall seams or patching. While you can pay a professional sprayer to come in and texture your ceilings, it’s also possible to do it yourself with some simple tools and materials.

What is a Knockdown Ceiling Texture?

Knockdown ceiling textures get their name from the application process. A spray texture material is applied to the ceiling and then flattened or “knocked down” while still wet using a trowel or drywall knife. This creates valleys and ridges for a textured look.

Knockdown textures are often made from material similar to acoustic ceiling spray texture. It’s a wet mixture that includes substances like limestone, vermiculite, perlite, mineral wool, or clay. When sprayed on, the texture adheres to the drywall or plaster ceiling. As it dries, the spray texture hardens and creates a permanent textured coat.

There are a few variations on knockdown textures. A standard knockdown has deeper ridges and valleys. A skip trowel or slapbrush texture has lighter, less defined ridges. An orange peel texture gets its name from the look of the rind of an orange. It has a mix of bumps and dimples of different sizes. Any of these can add visual appeal and help hide flaws on ceilings.

Benefits of Knockdown Ceiling Textures

There are several benefits that make knockdown ceiling textures so popular in both residential and commercial settings:

• Hide imperfections – The textured finish helps disguise flaws like drywall seams, uneven joints, cracks, or patching.
• Visual interest – The texture adds depth and dimension for visual appeal. It can make rooms feel less flat and boring.
• Easier maintenance – Knockdown finishes don’t show dirt or dust as easily as smooth ceilings. They can be cleaned occasionally with a long handled broom.
• Acoustics – The textured finish can help absorb sounds and reduce echo in a room.
• Value – Knockdown ceilings can add value by improving the look and feel of a space. Texture is also on-trend currently.

For these reasons, knockdown ceilings remain popular in homes, restaurants, lobbies, hallways, auditoriums, offices, retail stores, and more.

Tools and Materials Needed

Here are the basic tools and materials you’ll need to apply a knockdown ceiling texture:

• Drywall mud or acoustic ceiling texture
• Hopper spray gun and compressor
• Protective gear – safety goggles, mask, coveralls
• Drop cloths
• Plastic sheeting
• Drywall taping knives in various sizes
• Profile gauge tool (optional)
• Paint roller and extension pole (optional)
• Ladder or scaffold
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Sandpaper
• Bucket
• Stir stick
• Water

The two main components you’ll need are the spray texture material and a way to spray it on the ceiling. You can buy premixed acoustic ceiling texture compounds that are designed to be spray-applied. Or you can make your own spray texture material by mixing drywall joint compound with water to a thick, pancake batter consistency.

To spray the texture, you’ll need an air compressor and hopper gun. Hopper spray guns have a container that holds the texture and an air compressor sprays it out. Alternately, you could use a paint sprayer tool instead if it can handle a thick texture material.

Prep Steps Before Texturing

Proper prep work is crucial before spraying on knockdown texture. Here are some key steps:

1. Protect the area – Cover floors, walls, and any fixtures with drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or masking paper. This keeps them clean from texture overspray.
2. Repair imperfections – Fix any cracks, holes, uneven joints, or seams in the drywall. Let patching compounds dry completely.
3. Clean surface – Wipe away any dirt, dust, oil, or grease so the texture adheres well.
4. Prime ceiling – Apply primer formulated for drywall before texturing. This helps the texture stick properly.
5. Add accent colors – If desired, paint the ceiling before texturing. You cancreate designs or do touch ups later.
6. Set up work area – Position ladders or scaffolding to comfortably reach the entire ceiling area.

Taking time to properly prep creates the best surface for applying the knockdown texture evenly.

How to Apply Knockdown Ceiling Texture

Once prepped, you’re ready to spray on and knock down the ceiling texture. Follow these steps:

1. Mix texture material – Prepare premixed texture per package directions or mix drywall mud and water to a thick consistency.
2. Load hopper gun – Pour texture mix into the hopper gun’s container. Don’t overfill.
3. Adjust settings – Set the hopper gun’s air pressure between 30-50 PSI depending on texture mix. Adjust the nozzle for the desired spray pattern.
4. Spray the texture – Holding the hopper gun about 8-12 inches from the ceiling, apply the texture in a circular overlapping pattern to cover the surface. Apply slightly heavier texture around the perimeter to blend edges.
5. Knock down high points – Immediately after spraying a 2×2 foot section, use a trowel to flatten any high points and create valleys. Knock down uniformly.
6. Overlap technique – Spray and knock down small sections overlapping each other to blend. Work systematically across the ceiling.
7. Detailing – Use a small drywall knife around edges, lighting, vents, etc. to create a uniform profile.
8. Second coat – For heavier texture, do a second coat after the first coat dries. Knock down each coat.
9. Cleanup – When the texture dries fully, remove masking and clean the area. Sand any bumps or ridges.

It takes some practice to get the technique down and apply the desired texture consistency. Work in small sections and keep the hopper gun the same distance from the ceiling for consistency.

Tips for Professional Looking Results

Follow these tips to help get great results with your knockdown ceiling texture:

• Only texture drywall that has properly cured first.
• Use painter’s tape for clean texture edges and to create designs.
• Keep spray nozzle clean during work to prevent clogs.
• Maintain even pressure on the hopper sprayer trigger.
• Work methodically in sections across and down the ceiling.
• Use consistent circular arm motions when knocking down texture.
• Blend texture layers together where sections meet to prevent sharp transitions.
• Minimize overlap from section to section to reduce touch ups.
• Consider renting a texture sprayer machine for large ceiling areas.
• Have another person knock down texture right after spraying for best timing.

Taking your time is important since the texture dries fast once sprayed on. Proper timing while knocking down the texture also makes a difference in the final look.

How Long Does Knockdown Texture Last?

With proper application and maintenance, a spray-applied knockdown ceiling texture can last for many years. Using high quality application materials and prep work helps maximize durability.

On average, knockdown ceilings can last:

• 10-20 years with proper prep and application
• 5-10 years without proper prep and application
• Longer lifespans in climate controlled indoor environments
• Shorter lifespans in harsh outdoor or humid environments

Factors that reduce lifespan and cause knockdown textures to fail include:

• Not cleaning and prepping the surface adequately first
• Using low quality acoustic spray texture products
• Not spraying and knocking down texture correctly
• Excess humidity or moisture exposure
• Large fluctuations in temperature or humidity
• Physical damage from impact

Proper prep work, using quality materials, and protecting from moisture are key to maximizing durability so the texture lasts.

Cost to Apply Knockdown Ceiling Texture

If you decide to tackle a DIY knockdown ceiling texture project, your main costs will be materials and tools. Here are typical price ranges:

Item	Cost
Hopper spray gun kit	$100-$300
Air compressor	$100-$500
Premixed ceiling texture	$20-$50 per 3.5 gal
Drywall joint compound	$10-$20 per 1 gal
Other supplies	$50-$150

So your total DIY costs can range anywhere from $300-$1000 depending on tools needed. Rental fees for items like scaffolding or a texture spray machine can also add to costs.

Hiring a professional to spray on knockdown ceiling texture typically costs:

• $1-$3 per square foot for materials and labor
• $300-$600 minimum charge
• Multi-story homes around $1500+
• Commercial jobs from $0.75-$2 per square foot

Get estimates from several contractors to compare pricing. Rates vary based on your location and the ceiling size and height.

Alternatives to Knockdown Ceilings

While knockdown finishes remain popular for many, some alternatives include:

Smooth Ceilings

A flat smooth ceiling has a clean, contemporary look and illuminates spaces well. Smooth drywall ceilings require meticulous finishing for flawless results.

Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings have a spiky, textured look applied by spraying on dots of texture. It takes more precision than knockdown techniques.

Wood Plank Ceilings

Real or faux wood planked ceilings add rustic warmth. But they can cost more to install than basic drywall finishes.

Tray Ceilings

Tray or coffered ceilings use decorative grids to create recessed square or octagonal panels. The intricate details make a bold design statement.

Tin Ceilings

Vintage tin ceiling tiles create an industrial chic look. Modern metal ceiling tiles mimic the aesthetic but cost less than real tin.

Exposed Beams

Exposing support beams, rafters, or trusses creates character. It works with smooth, planked, or even textured ceilings.

Consider the architectural style you want and your budget when weighing ceiling finish options. Any ceiling treatment requires proper prep work for successful results.

Conclusion

Knockdown ceiling textures remain a popular choice to add visual appeal in both residential and commercial settings. By spraying on and then flattening a wet texture material, you can create a softly textured orange peel type of look. It helps hide flaws and creates depth without a busy look. While hiring a professional spray crew is the easiest option, you can save money by DIYing it. Just be sure to properly prep the ceiling first and use the right tools and technique. Knockdown ceilings do require some maintenance, but properly applied can last for many years before needing redone. Achieving the right amount of texture for your taste just takes some practice. With the right approach, you can get professional looking knockdown ceiling results and enjoy the benefits this classic ceiling texture style provides.