How to Do Slapbrush Knockdown Texture

Preparation

• 1

  Clear all the furniture from the room, and hang drop cloths from the top of the walls, attaching them with masking tape. Lay drop cloths over the floor so that the only part of the room not covered is the ceiling where you'll be working.

• 2

  Put on a cap and safety goggles before working; these will keep the drywall compound out of your eyes and hair.

• 3

  Pour a little water into the bucket of drywall compound. Attach the mixing paddle to the drill, and start mixing the compound. Keep pouring in water slowly until the compound has the consistency of pancake batter. Remove the mixer, and use the masher in the compound to completely break up any remaining lumps.

Apply The Drywall Compound

• 4

  Dip the roller in the bucket of drywall compound. Remove the excess by scraping the roller across the lip of the bucket. Begin at one corner and roll out the compound, going about 6 feet along the surface. Refill the roller, again taking off the excess, and roll out along the other side of the wall or ceiling, going at 90 degrees to the first stroke. Roll for about 6 feet in that direction.

• 5

  For the next rows, go in the opposite direction to the first ones you've made, moving inward toward the corner; make sure to overlap slightly with the first row. Roll smoothly, not pressing too hard or you'll end up with drips from the compound.

• 6

  Repeat the process, covering more of the ceiling, until you have an area about 6 feet by 6 feet covered in compound.

Slapbrush And Knockdown

• 7

  Apply a little of the drywall compound to the slap brush. Start at one corner of the area you've covered, and hit the slap brush against the ceiling. Hit hard enough for the texture to be visible. Bring the brush down, spin it half a revolution, and hit next to the first mark you have made. Continue this process across the entire area.

• 8

  Take your drywall knife and run it lightly over the textured area once the compound has had some time to set -- but before it's dry. Remove the peaks in the compound, so the patter of the texture is retained, but the surface is relatively smooth and easy to paint.

• 9

  Repeat the entire process until you have completed the ceiling, going area by area. Allow to dry for 24 hours before painting, or simply leave a natural color.