About Knock Down
Wall Texture
Applying a knockdown wall texture gives the room a fresh look without the expense of replacing the existing walls. You can use this technique to hide imperfections such as those seen in uneven walls. You can apply this technique anywhere inside the house, preferably in areas that do not get too much dirt and grime. Does this Spark an idea?
Identification
Knockdown wall textures have a three-dimensional appearance, giving interest and depths to a wall. The appearance is not even or identical all through-out the wall. However, the consistency lies with the method of application of this type of texture on walls. A wall with this type of application would show with a texture of varying degrees, from small speckles to larger "blobs" all in the same location overlapping one another to give that three-dimensional look.
Function
You can apply knockdown texture on walls anywhere inside the house. You can beautify the living room, dining room and family room with the texture, especially when painted with varying colors. Lighter colors would make the texture subtle-looking, while deep colors would make them appear more prominent. Using oil-based paint can make the textures appear shimmery and reflective, even when the room is dark. Knockdown wall textures can hide imperfections that may result from removing several layers of wallpapers. Applying them on a smooth drywall can add some noise insulation due to the additional layer provided by the texturing compound.
Considerations
Before tackling this project on your own, consider checking out the tools first. If you are doing this project for the first time, handling the tools can be intimidating. Therefore, it is important that you familiarize yourself first with the different settings and controls of the tools to use. There are different knockdown sprayer models, varying in different sizes available for use on small or large applications.
Consider the size of the tool that would give the best coverage for the size of your project. A 5 to 15 gallon reservoir on a sprayer unit will do just fine in averaged sized rooms. For bigger projects, you would need more to avoid filling up and mixing repeatedly in order to save time. You can either buy the tools or rent them at your home improvement centers. Check the links under Resources for more information on the tools to use.
Time Frame
There are different steps to follow in applying a knockdown wall texture. From mixing the compound, to adjusting the sprayer to at least 30psi and to the time you will apply it on the wall. You should only cover as much space as you can come back to within 15 minutes to do the knock down effect using a trowel before it dries up. If you wait longer, it would begin to set, therefore, harder to work with.
Make sure that you apply the compound liberally and evenly on each section of the walls prior to doing the knock down technique. You should have no more than a quarter inch of space without the compound. Use a plastic or metal trowel to knock down the area, using a figure "8" or "X" motion to give that non-directional look. Do not flatten the trowel on the surface; ensure that you use a 45-degree angle at all times during the application. When you are finish, allow the walls to dry for at last 24 hours before applying your paint finish.
Warning
Avoid areas that can easily capture dirt and smudges, such as in garages or carpentry workshops. This is due to the nature of the dust and heavy grimes, whereby they can easily penetrate inside the deeper textured areas making them harder to remove. Use eye safety goggles and face masks so that you do not inhale the compound. Empty the room of furnishings or cover them with plastic completely to prevent any damage.
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