Drywall Texturing Tips

When you’re ready to re-do a room in your home, consider making it over with these drywall texturing tips, including removing the current texturing.

Popcorn Drywall Texturing

A popcorn drywall texture finish can be identified by its thick formation and appearance. This is attained by leaving the drywall mix in a thicker consistency and simply not knocking down the compound once it is on the wall.

Before you remove popcorn texturing applied during its popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, have a sample tested for asbestos. If asbestos is present in your pre-existing drywall, consider having it professionally removed in a fashion that will not expose you or your family to the carcinogenic dust.

REMOVING OR REPAIRING POPCORN DRYWALL TEXTURE FINISH

If you have had your popcorn drywall texture tested – and proved that there is in fact no asbestos present – you can begin the removal process. It can be a messy project and will require that you cover your room with drop cloths to avoid creating any permanent mess.

Here are a few steps to get you started with removing a popcorn drywall texture:

1. Once your room is covered and light fixtures removed, begin using a drywall joint knife to remove the drywall. Press your knife against the wall and push it away from your body in an even manner.
2. Continue scraping off the textured surface until it is as smooth as you’d like it.
3. Sand the entire surface twice and ensure there are no rough patches or gouges in the drywall before proceeding. If there are, you can use a drywall compound to fill the gouges and then sand that spot again.

Orange Peel Drywall Texturing

You can identify an orange peel drywall texturing finish by its compact, rough appearance. As opposed to the knock-down drywall texture, the orange peel drywall texture is never knocked down or smoothed out to create flat surface areas. Instead, it is left as it is applied to the drywall.

Applying the drywall compound to create the look and feel of the orange peel texture should be done with a spray gun that can exert high pressure. The technique used to apply the compound will leave the surface looking much like an orange peel.

While a high-pressure drywall texture gun is sometimes available for rent from your local hardware store, it may be wise to use a drywall contractor for applying this type of finish. If you do not go with a contractor, you will want to practice on several extra panels before applying this to your desired surface.

REPAIRING ORANGE PEEL DRYWALL TEXTURING

If you’re looking to remove an orange peel drywall texture, keep in mind the thickness or density of the compound in your current finish. The orange peel drywall texture is the easiest to remove as it can usually be smoothed out with a new mud and then you can apply a new or different finish.

If you attempt to remove the orange peel drywall texture and don’t have any luck, you may need to install new drywall. Properly repairing drywall can depend on a number of factors, and it is wise to consult a professional contractor before you begin.

Knock-Down Drywall Texturing

Commonly referred to as “skip trowel” drywall texturing, the knock-down drywall texture finish can be identified by its partially flat or smoothed surfaces. With a similar look to the orange peel finish, the knock-down drywall texture utilizes a knock-down blade – which resembles a large squeegee – to create these smooth surfaces.

The knock-down blade should be used 15-20 minutes after the drywall compound has been applied to your surface – it is essential to wait long enough for the compound to lose its glossy appearance before using the knock-down blade or you will not get the desired effect. Many people choose to use a drywall professional, like Mr. Handyman, as he or she will be equipped with a drywall texture gun and the tools necessary to get this done right the first time.

REMOVING KNOCK-DOWN DRYWALL TEXTURING

Removing or renovating a drywall texture can be a complex process. Depending on the thickness or weight of the texture, you may be able to retexture by applying a thin layer of mud to create a smooth surface. But, if this does not take care of removing the knock-down drywall texture finish, you may have to replace the drywall, which can be an intensive drywall repair process.

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To get drywall texturing done right the first time with guaranteed results, contact us. Whether you need help replacing drywall or texturing your existing walls, Mr. Handyman is the one-call solution for all of your drywall projects. Contact Mr. Handyman today to learn more about our complete drywall services.