Everything You Need to Know About Knockdown Drywall Texture (2024)

Textured drywall may be reminiscent of 1990s ceilings and historical homes, but many homeowners are bringing back the look to add both character and visual interest to their homes. And while the popcorn ceilings of the aughts are being traded in for plaster finishes, there's another drywall texture that's making waves: knockdown texture. And it's not just for ceilings. Knockdown drywall texture is one of the most popular textures due to its ability to result in smooth-to-the-touch walls, and it hides imperfections. But we also love it because it's easy to DIY. Intrigued? We have everything you need to know about knockdown drywall texture, including what it is, how to achieve the look, and the best way to get the right texture for you.

What Is Knockdown Texture?

Achieved by spraying, troweling, or rolling drywall compound onto your walls and then "knocking it down" with a knockdown knife, this texture originated in the early 1990s. While the texture's successors, the popcorn finish and orange peel finish, often appear as dated or an eyesore, this texture remains popular with homeowners. The result is a naturalistic texture that adds visual interest while stealthily hiding any surface imperfections. Knockdown texture is also used because it mutes sounds and can lightly soundproof areas.

3 Types of Texture

The three main types of knockdown texture are achieved with three different application techniques.

Splatter

As the name suggests, this texture is made by first spraying the walls to achieve a "splattered" effect before the textured peaks are knocked down. This application is known for being quite messy, but it's also the most popular thanks to its quick timeframe. This technique requires more initial setup time than stomp and mud trowel, but once you’re ready, the application will be quick, uniform, and less tiring. You can splatter a small surface in as little as an hour or complete a larger area in about one day.

Mud Trowel

Similar to applying plaster, this texture is achieved by applying drywall mud using a drywall trowel, and then skimming the mudded area again with the cleaned trowel to smooth it out. Hand troweling takes patience, making this technique more time-consuming than splatter.

Stomp

While the other two options may appear more subtle, stomp is the most visually textured. This method uses a paint roller to apply the drywall compound to the walls. Next, a stiff-bristled brush is used to "stomp" into the mud to create more texture before a knockdown knife is used to finish it off. Because an additional step of stomping is required before knockdown, the entire process can take about twice as long as splatter.

How to Apply a Splattered Knockdown Texture

What You'll Need

• Tarp
• Masking tape
• Spackling compound
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Drywall hopper gun kit
• Air hose
• Air compressor (minimum capacity of 30 to 40 psi)
• 1.5-gallon joint compound powder (not rapid dry)
• 6-inch drywall knife
• 2-gallon bucket
• Power drill with paddle attachment
• Scrap of drywall (for testing)
• 18-inch knockdown knife
• Clean Rags

Step One: Prep the Space

Splattering is a messy process. If you can, we recommend removing everything including furniture, artwork, clothes, etc. from the room you're working on. If you can't, use tarps to cover every item in the room and secure the tarps with masking tape.

Step Two: Prep the Walls

Examine your walls, and sand down any noticeable textured areas, or apply joint compound or spackle to fill in any dents or divots. While you may be applying more texture, you want to start with a smooth, blemish-free surface for the best results.

Step Three: Test the Mud

You'll know the mud is mixed to the correct consistency when the mixture resembles pancake batter. Scoop up a small amount of the mud with a small drywall knife, then tilt the knife to a 30-degree angle. If the mud slides off easily, it’s reached the proper thin consistency; if not, add more water, mix, and test again. Too thick, and the mixture won't be able to pass through the drywall hopper gun, but too thin and it will slide down the walls.

Step Four: Splatter the Surface

Load the hopper with the compound mud. As you start to work, experiment with spray speeds and distances. Spray mud onto your drywall from at least 18 inches away, using an even, continuous motion. Settle on a spraying speed that provides the texture weight you want. The slower you spray, the heavier and more pronounced the texture; a rapid spray will result in a thinner, lighter texture. Work in three to five-foot sections.

Step Five: Do the Knockdown

Allow your first section to dry for at least 10–15 minutes, just long enough to lose its wet shine. Attach the knockdown knife to an extension pole and then slowly glide the edge in a single, straight line down the surface. Your goal is to simply flatten the peaks, not smooth it out completely. Wipe the edge of the drywall knife with a water-dampened rag to remove excess.

Step Six: Repeat

Repeat this process, alternating between applying mud and knocking down the texture, in the small sections until you’ve covered the intended area.

Step Seven: Let Dry and Finish

Allow the drywall mud to dry completely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, anywhere from a few hours to overnight. If you plan to paint the knockdown texture, wait several days to a week before priming and painting.

Textured Drywall FAQ

What is orange peel vs. knockdown?

Knockdown is a flat texture that's created with a knockdown knife. The orange peel texture has a mottled look created by using different sizes of aggregate to create an uneven surface. The best way to think of this type of ceiling is as having small bumps on its surface, like, well, an orange peel.

Why do builders use knockdown texture?

Knockdown texture is one of the best ways to hide imperfections that can happen in the drywall installation.

What is the best way to texture a wall?

We are partial to the splatter method due to its quick speed and uniform look. However, a cheaper way is to use the stomp method with a paint roller.