The main reason home builders use knockdown texture is because it is a quick way to hide imperfections. Because the knockdown texture is intentionally imperfect, it covers imperfections that would be obvious on smoothly finished drywall surfaces.
Flat hides imperfections the best, but is the hardest to clean. Gloss highlights imperfections but is quite easy to clean.
From wikipedia: Knockdown texture reduces construction costs because it conceals imperfections in the drywall that normally require higher more expensive stages of sand and prime for drywall installers.
Glazing: Apply a glaze over the base coat to add depth and texture, which can help disguise imperfections. Wall Art or Décor: Hang artwork, mirrors, or other decorative elements to cover up problem areas. Wall Panels or Wainscoting: Consider adding decorative wall panels or wainscoting to hide larger mistakes.
Orange peel is easier to touch up thus I think it's superior but will be judged depending on The region you're in. For example, California really liked to work extra hard with the knockdown.
Orange peel texture fits a range of styles, hides imperfections, and can take most paints.
Is orange-peel texture outdated? Orange-peel texture gained popularity several decades ago. But it doesn't have to look dated today if you use a modern wall color and have an otherwise updated space.
Matte. This flat finish is great for hiding surface imperfections, while its angular shine helps make walls smooth and washable. Use this sheen for: Living rooms.
While the texture's successors, the popcorn finish and orange peel finish, often appear as dated or an eyesore, this texture remains popular with homeowners.
Also called "Palm Texture" or "Tiger Skin Texture" but most commonly it's called "Slapbrush/Knockdown". What's great about this texture is that it's easy to do and you don't need an air compressor or hopper gun, just a slap brush and a roller.
Unlike the outdated popcorn look, the knockdown ceiling can be more subtle in terms of texture. They can also make a room feel very welcoming, warm and homey. There is plenty of guidance online to teach you how to do your own knockdown ceiling but there is a learning curve.
First, cut a piece of drywall that's slightly larger than the hole or dent. Then, apply some drywall compound to the back of the patch and fix it in place over the hole or dent. Smooth out the compound with the putty knife, and then sand it smooth.
Level 5 is an additional coat of mud sanded smooth and is only necessary when the walls will have a harsh light illuminating them. Level 5, of course, is the most expensive due to all the extra hand-troweled labor.
Several paint colors and finishes excel at concealing minor wall imperfections, drywall seams, and surface irregularities. Darker shades like deep greens, rich blues, and warm browns naturally absorb light rather than reflect it, making bumps and uneven textures less visible.
Use a paint scraper to remove excess plaster around fittings and borders. Allow the first layer to dry and sand to remove any texture before repeating the same steps for the second layer. Once completely dry, sand the wall down with fine grit paper and you will have smooth walls, ready to be painted or papered.
Flat paint, with its velvety, matte appearance, is the best choice for hiding any wall imperfections due to its lack of shine and reflective properties.
Paint designed for uneven surfaces may be sold under a range of names including elastomeric paint, high-build paint, crack-free paint or renovation paint (which is basically a filler and undercoat in one). These paints are much thicker than ordinary paints which gives them much better coverage.
To hide imperfections, such as cracks and dents, the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Interior/Exterior Water-Based Primer works well. To promote adhesion and durability on surfaces, such as metal or tile, the Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer is an excellent choice.
Knockdown is a smooth, flat surface that's easy to install, even on your own. Orange peel texture has a mottled look created by using different sizes of aggregate in the paint to create an uneven surface. The best way to think of this type of ceiling is as having small bumps on its surface–just like an orange peel!
Level 5. A Level 5 drywall finish involves an additional skim coat of joint compound over the entire surface, providing the highest-quality finish. This level is essential for areas with critical lighting conditions, where the appearance of the wall is paramount. It can deliver a smooth, uniform surface.