How to Roll on Knockdown Texture

How to Roll on Knockdown Texture
Written By
Steve Sloane
Steve Sloane
Published: Jun 28, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Knockdown texture sprays or rolls onto ceilings and walls, initially looking like an orange peel's surface. Running over it with a Plexiglas knife then diminishes the roughness, creating a "knockdown" effect.

Things You Will Need

  • Drywall compound
  • Water
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Stirring stick
  • Paint tray
  • Plastic loop roller
  • Roller handle
  • Plexiglas knife (18- or 24-inch width)
  1. Pour the drywall joint compound into a 5-gallon bucket and mix it with water to the consistency of thick cream. Add more compound or water to reach the desired thickness.

  2. Pour the mixture into a paint tray. Push a plastic loop roller onto a roller handle, and dip it into the tray, applying the mixture to all sides of the roller. Roll the mixture onto all drywall surfaces. Wait 15 minutes for the mixture to partially dry.

  3. Run the blade of a Plexiglas knife over the drywall surface, applying light pressure. Start at the top of the wall and run the knife along the surface down to the center of the wall. Then run the knife from the bottom of the wall and move the knife upward to the center. Repeat this process until all walls and the ceiling are run over completely by the knife.

The Drip Cap

  • After drywall has been installed and sealed with tape and compound, a common choice is to apply various types of texture that not only enhance the room's aesthetics, but also cover any mistakes made in the drywall installation process.
  • Add more compound or water to reach the desired thickness.
  • Push a plastic loop roller onto a roller handle, and dip it into the tray, applying the mixture to all sides of the roller.

Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Steve Sloane

Steve Sloane started working as a freelance writer in 2007. He has written articles for various websites, using more than a decade of DIY experience to cover mostly construction-related topics. He also writes movie reviews for Inland…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.