For knockdown texture, set your air compressor regulator to between 20 and 30 PSI. Always adjust this pressure while actively pulling the trigger (flowing pressure), as resting pressure will read significantly higher. Thinner mud and lower pressure create larger, flatter splatters.
We recommend setting your compressor to 60 PSI for orange peel or 30 PSI for knockdown, and you can make adjustments from there as you learn more about the process. One of the most important things before you begin applying texture is to get air flowing through the sprayer.
The recommended air pressure from your compressor should be 60 psi for Orange Peel, 30 psi for Knockdown, with a minimum 100 psi compressor. Note - you'll want to make sure your compressor puts out at least 2.5 cfm at 90 psi. Additionally, a 5 to 6 gallon air tank works best.
Spraying a Knockdown Texture
Knockdown texture requires heavier spray than orange peel textures. To achieve the desired result, you'll want lower air settings and bigger tips. Mixing your mud on the thicker side will also help in putting up thicker texture that can be knocked down.
For a standard knockdown texture, the ideal nozzle size ranges between 𝟔 𝐦𝐦 and 𝟖 𝐦𝐦 (1/4 inch to 5/16 inch). This allows the hopper sprayer to create the larger, heavier splatters needed before flattening them with a knockdown knife.
After spraying the texture on the wall, let it sit for 15-30 minutes until the texture starts to dry. A good rule of thumb is to wait for the tiny dots on the wall to dry out, which is a good indication that the large dots are ready to be knocked down.
A 315 spray tip is used with an airless paint sprayer to apply medium-viscosity materials—like latex paints, primers, and solid stains—on narrow surfaces. The 6-inch fan pattern minimizes overspray and wasted material on projects like fences, decks, trim, and outdoor furniture.
Texture is just drywall mud applied to the wall and sanding will remove it after about two seconds of sanding. Depends on the style. Knock-down and skip-trowel will usually require some finish sanding and scraping.
This may be due to insufficient shaking which left particles in the can that clog the valve. First, clear the nozzle with water to make sure dried texture is not blocking the nozzle. Second, allow the can to sit for approximately 20 minutes. Last, re-shake the can hard and try re-spraying.
Some drywall finishers add a small amount of dish soap (like Dawn) to drywall mud as a workability hack. They do this to act as a surfactant, which reduces the surface tension of the mud.
Yes, 4 SCFM at 90 PSI is good for light-duty and intermediate tasks, making it a highly capable setup for home garages and workshops.
Texture coating cost depends on the type and application method. Sprayed textures like knockdown and orange peel cost $0.80 to $1.50 per square foot, including labor and materials. Hand-applied textures cost $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot and require more skill, experience, and time.
To run a texture hopper gun, you need an air compressor that delivers at least 2.5 to 7 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) at 40 PSI. A compressor with a tank size of 15 to 30 gallons is recommended so you don't have to constantly stop spraying and wait for the air pressure to rebuild.
Start with the recommended PSI for your spray gun. For HVLP spray guns, set the regulator between 10-20 PSI at the tip. For conventional guns, set it around 40-50 PSI. Adjust the regulator as needed depending on the size of the project and paint viscosity.
1600–1900 PSI: Considered the sweet spot for most cars, balancing cleaning power and safety. 2000–2200 PSI: Borderline safe — requires careful use of nozzles and distance. Generally should be okay unless your paint is in very poor condition where it has no clear coat and is cracking, peeling of some sort.
An orbital sander is an option for a large drywall project. This tool is lightweight and can perform the task in less time, but as a power tool it must be used carefully to avoid damaging the drywall surface. Use fine grit sandpaper, between 150 and 180 grit, to achieve the desired results.
Applying too little mud can result in a weak, fracture-prone joint. Additionally, it could make it challenging to get a smooth finish. Apply enough mud to thoroughly cover the joint to prevent this error. Spread the mud evenly over the joint using a taping knife, ensuring you fill any gaps or holes.
A: Lydia Crowder, a drywall finisher and owner of Trinity Drywall based in Boseman, Mont., responds: Adding water to joint compound creates a smoother compound with fewer air bubbles and helps improve workability. Having a smoother mix allows you to spread it in a thinner layer and avoid overfilling joints.
Assemble and Prep the Spray Gun
Fit the drywall hopper onto the spray gun. Connect the spray gun to the compressor via the air hose. Connect the spray nozzle to the spray gun. The size of the nozzle will determine the size of the knockdown texture droplets, but a normal range is 6 to 12 millimeters.
Priming the wall beforehand helps create an even base for the texture and ensures that it will be applied evenly throughout. Priming also helps seal any existing cracks or imperfections in the wall, which can interfere with the application of texture and lead to an uneven finish.
Are textured walls out of date? Yes, textured walls are becoming outdated. Builders and consumers are moving away from them because they absorb light, make spaces feel smaller, and create challenges for cleaning and repairs. Smooth walls are now the preferred choice for a modern, sleek, and brighter look.
Yes, you should apply a layer of mud (joint compound) over the tape immediately. This step, known as “embedding” or “bedding” the tape, ensures there are no air bubbles and that it bonds securely to the wall.