How to Get Rough Surface on Knockdown Texture Drywall

Adding sand to compound creates a rough knockdown texture.

Texture on drywall ceilings or walls adds a design element, but you’re not stuck with applying just one style of texture. Drywall contractors create knockdown texture by passing a wide taping blade over wet, stippled compound. You can vary the roughness of the surface texture by adding a small amount of sand to the compound during the texturing process.

Things You'll Need

• Premixed drywall compound
• Water
• Silica (or quartz) sand
• Large stipple-texture paint roller
• Roller pan
• Taping trowel

Instructions

1. Thin premixed drywall compound with water to the consistency of cake batter.

2. Add silica or quartz sand to the thinned compound. It’s essential that you record the amount of sand you add to the compound. For example, if you have one gallon of thinned compound and you add one cup of sand, write down both amounts for future reference.

3. Pour the thinned compound into a large paint roller pan and roll an even layer of compound on the wall with a stipple-texture paint roller. Use light pressure to form a texture that features peaks and indentations.

4. Roll a section about 4 feet wide and the full length of the wall.

5. Pull the wide end of a taping trowel lightly over the tips of the texture, using only enough pressure to push down the peaks of the texture. This is creates the knockdown effect.

6. Vary the pressure of the trowel for more or less texture depth.

7. Continue rolling the sanded compound on the wall, and then lightly troweling.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to apply a sanded knockdown texture is to have two people working on the project. The first person rolls the texture on the walls, and the second person applies the knockdown finish with the taping trowel.

• You can alter the knockdown design by using different taping blade widths. Practice applying the finish to a scrap piece of drywall until you get the look you want, before applying it to the walls.

• Don’t use a spray rig to apply thinned compound if you’ve added sand to the mixture. Sanded compound must be rolled on.

• If you don't record the exact amount of sand and compound you use, you may not be able to accurately duplicate the texture when you mix up more compound.

References

• Service Magic.com: Drywall Texturing Methods