How do you knock down texture spray?

Knocking down texture spray is a common process when preparing surfaces for painting or other finishes. There are a few methods that can be used to knock down texture spray, depending on the type of spray texture, the tools available, and the desired final result.

What is texture spray?

Texture spray, also known as popcorn spray, is a material that is sprayed onto walls and ceilings to create a textured finish. It contains small particles of various materials such as polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene, perlite, or vermiculite. When the texture spray is wet, these particles stick out, creating a bumpy, irregular surface. Once dry, it leaves an uneven, popcorn-like finish.

There are several types of texture spray:

• Acoustic – Contains coarse particles that help absorb sound. Creates a very bumpy finish.
• Popcorn – Fine particles that create a finer, snowy texture.
• Orange peel – Uses mid-sized particles to achieve a mottled, orange-peel-like look.
• Knockdown – Larger particles that are meant to be flattened after application. Produces a textured but smoother finish.

Texture spray is often applied to walls and ceilings to hide imperfections, increase sound insulation, or simply for aesthetic purposes. However, it may eventually need to be removed or knocked down to prepare the surface for new paint or wallcoverings.

Why knock down texture spray?

There are a few reasons you may want or need to knock down existing texture spray:

• To create a smoother surface for painting or applying new wallcoverings like wallpaper or paneling.
• To remove dated or discolored texture spray before refreshing a room.
• To reduce the heavy texture before applying a new, lighter texture.
• To minimize imperfections before applying a skim coat of joint compound.
• To retexture a damaged section that needs a texture to match the existing spray.

Knocking down texture spray is often the necessary first step when updating walls and ceilings with new finishes.

How to knock down texture spray

There are a few different methods for knocking down texture spray:

Wet sponge method

One simple way is to use a wet sponge or rag to scrape and smooth down the texture:

1. Lightly mist the textured surface with water from a spray bottle.
2. Working in small sections, hold a wet sponge or rag against the texture and rub in a circular motion to scrape off bumps.
3. Wipe the area with a clean, wet sponge to smooth it out.
4. Overlap sections until you’ve knocked down the texture evenly.

This works well for very light or acoustic textures. It may take multiple passes for heavier knockdown or popcorn textures.

Drywall knife method

For larger areas or thicker texture, a drywall knife can scrub off the material:

1. Lightly mist sections of the textured ceiling or wall with water.
2. Holding a 6-8 inch drywall knife at a 45 degree angle, forcefully scrape the texture to knock off any high points.
3. Wipe with a damp sponge to smooth out the area.
4. Overlap sections as you work to create a uniform appearance.

This works well for heavier knockdown or popcorn textures. Apply pressure gradually to avoid gouging the drywall underneath.

Sanding method

Sanding with an electric drywall sander is another option:

1. Use painter’s tape to cover baseboards, trim, and adjacent walls.
2. Lightly sand the textured surface using broad, even strokes. Start with 100-120 grit sandpaper.
3. Vacuum up dust between sanding.
4. Finish sanding with 150-220 grit paper for a smoother result.
5. Wipe with a slightly damp sponge to remove leftover dust.

Sanding works for heavier textures but creates a lot of dust. Be sure to contain and clean up dust through the process.

Scraping method

For thick, heavily textured surfaces, a paint scraper may be necessary:

1. Lightly mist the textured area to prevent cracks or gouges.
2. Holding a paint scraper at a low 30 degree angle, scrape forcefully to shear off texture.
3. Overlap strokes, applying firm pressure, until you reach the desired smoothness.
4. Finish with light sanding or a wet sponge to even the surface.

Scraping works well for very thick or heavily layered texture. Take care not to dig into the drywall while scraping.

Tips for knocking down texture spray

• Test your technique on a small area first to ensure it won’t damage the wall underneath.
• Protect adjacent surfaces with painter’s tape and drop cloths before starting.
• Wear safety goggles, respirator mask, and gloves to protect yourself from debris.
• Work in sections – mist, knock down texture, wipe, then move on to avoid drips.
• Apply light, even pressure. Pressing too hard can tear the drywall paper.
• Allow the area to fully dry between coats for best results.

Prep and cleanup

Properly preparing the workspace and cleaning up after knocking down texture spray is also important:

• Ventilate the room – Open windows and use fans to circulate air and reduce dust.
• Cover flooring – Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors from moisture and debris.
• Seal HVAC vents – Cover or seal vents to prevent dust from spreading through ventilation system.
• Remove outlet covers – Take off electrical cover plates to access all textured surfaces.
• Clean as you go – Vacuum dust and wipe debris as you finish sections to prevent spreading.

Proper cleanup of both the workspace and your tools is also critical once the knockdown is complete. Thoroughly vacuum all dust and wipe down the area with a damp cloth. Also clean tools to remove any dried texture material or paint.

Smoothing and preparing for paint

After knocking down the texture spray, you’ll need to ensure the surface is properly prepared for fresh paint or new drywall texture:

• Inspect for uneven spots and smooth with extra sanding, scraping, or a drywall knife.
• Vacuum and wipe down the entire area to remove any leftover dust.
• Fill any cracks or damaged areas with lightweight spackle or joint compound.
• Sand repairs smooth and blend edges once dry.
• Prime the surface with a quality drywall primer before painting or applying new texture.

Taking these steps helps produce a smooth, uniform surface for the best end results.

Conclusion

Knocking down existing spray texture is a multi-step process but often essential preparation before applying new finishes. The key steps include evaluating the texture type, choosing the proper knockdown method, working in sections for a consistent appearance, cleaning up thoroughly, and properly preparing the surface for subsequent finishes. With the right technique and tools for your specific texture, you can achieve the smooth surface needed to update and renew rooms with ease.