How to Apply Knockdown Texture

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By JackLTrades
User-Submitted Article

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Do you want to freshen up a wall, ceiling, or room? With the tools you have plus a few new toys you can texture and paint in a weekend.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Air Compressor
Plastic "1 mil"
large bucket
Hopper "new toy"
Knckdown Knife or spray shield
Unagregated texture "USG"
Mixer "drill or hand"
Masking tape
6" putty knife
Ear plugs
Utility Knife

Step 1

PREP
First lets just say you want to texture two walls and the ceiling. This way we cover many situations that may arise. First move out the furnature, next cover the floor, 1mil plastic will work. Or you can use Red Rosin paper, heavier duty less slippery.
Now cut plastic to cover all windows doors ect. Use the masking tape around the trim first then tape the plastic to the tape masking the trim. "this way the first layer of tape can stay on the trim for painting.
Tape over outlets, switchs and such. Plastic bags work well over light fixtures.
Step 2

hopper

BUY
Ok If you are doing this you probably have many of these tools. If not here are some hints
1 HOPPER Basicly a bucket with a nozzle $60 at box store or online
2 Air Compressor. hopefully you have one if not borrow, if not buy a general pupose one with decent CFM and can use for other projects $120-$250
Step 3

Mix
Now to the fun messy part. In your bucket put your water and texture. "water first" Start small and get a feel for it. About 1 part powder to 2 parts water.
Mix until smooth and about the thickness of yogourt. let it sit for 15 min and mix again, it will thicken.
Step 4

texture

SPRAY
Set up your compressor in a different room or outside and run the hose into the room you are working. turn on the compressor and hook up the hopper to the hose.
Fill the hopper about 1/3 of the way up and turn on the air about 60-70 psi. Set the opening on the gun at medium. Now practice on a spot. More air equals smaller splats.
Got a pattern you like? Go wild. keep moving side to side and spray the area uniformly. If you have a smaller air compressor you may need to take short breaks to let the air build up.
Last, with a light touch flatten out the texture, cleaning the edge of the knife frequently. Let the texture set up a little before you flatten 5-10 minutes
Step 5

CLEANUP
Let it dry before pulling off masking. A fan will help greatly.
pull up the floor cover last and roll it all to the center of the room for a disposable bundle.
Step 6

paint mixed texture

FUN EXTRAS
I have made some fun patterns by paintng the surface one color and mixing the mud with 1/2 paint 1/2 water instead of water.
Clouds or whatever