Oliver says that if you’ve chosen to apply taping compound with either the knockdown or stomp-knockdown method, it’s important that you wield the putty knife at the correct angle (approximately 15 degrees) and not exert too much pressure. Before the compound starts to dry, the installer follows up with a knife or paint scraper in order to eliminate unwanted peaks. Some of the mud pulls away from the wall with each strike. In the stomp-knockdown technique, a variation of the above, a special brush is smacked repeatedly against a compound-covered wall. Before the compound dries, lightly smooth the higher areas with a knife.” Stomp-Knockdown Texture

“Use taping compound and a sea-sponge roller. Roll the compound onto your wall with about 80 percent coverage. That’s why Oliver suggests a different approach for DIYers: the knockdown method. Don’t be fooled: You need a steady hand to pull this off. To achieve the popular “skip trowel” wall texture, a knife is angled during compound application to create a pleasingly uneven surface. Work in one direction first, then go in the perpendicular direction, spreading the mud in such a way as to form a crosshatched pattern, one that looks the way some woven fabrics do when seen up close. Use either tool to make a line pattern across the breadth of the wall surface.

Dab on additional compound as necessary.Īnother way you can use joint compound to texture walls is to apply it by means of a notched trowel (the kind used to skim-coat a plaster wall) or a squeegee into which you’ve cut a series of indentations.

Dab a sponge into the compound, then press the sponge against the wall repeatedly to create an overall texture.

Apply taping or joint compound to your wall with a trowel or a wide compound knife.

Water down the compound slightly prior to application so that it has the consistency of thick pancake batter.

Before going to town and using compound to texture walls, first make sure the walls are clean and completely dry.

Texturing Walls with Drywall Joint CompoundĪn easy way to texture walls is by simulating a stucco finish with joint taping compound (also known as drywall mud) which can be purchased at any home improvement store.Īccording to Oliver, this virtually fail-safe method often yields satisfying results for even average do-it-yourselfers. One thing homeowners like about working with compound is that if you apply too much or incorrectly position it, you can simply wipe away the mistake and begin again.

Brocade knowdown texture