ready for knockdown, need specific help now

16 years ago

Okay, the pic does not show it but we are ready to spray the knockdown. I have compressor and hopper, the whole deal. I have done this before but the wall was small and flat, no curves or anything. The edges are all rounded on this surround. The top middle recesses about 3 inches.

Where do I start?? I will hang dropcloths to protect ceiling and the windows so as to not have too much overspray onto the existing sides of the wall.

When I spray, should I do the recessed areas first, the sides, the underside of the mantle????? I need some specific help here on what to do in what order. I know to use a large knockdown knife that has rounded edges- wish someone had suggested that the last time I had to do this. I know to knockdown the round edges last, possibly sanding them after it has completely dried. For the inside corners should I get a corner knife for knocking those areas down??

I could really use some advice here. I know to do a practice board first so as to get my technique and thickness right. I know how to blend to the existing, I am really confident about doing that as I have had to do other patches in house and you cannot see them at all. At least I am solid on some things. I also know if the spray comes out bad it can be wiped up and redone, when still wet. I have prepped the wall with primer also to avoid the compound seams from drying at a different pace than the drywall.

I am not in an emergent situation, just at the next step. Your input is greatly appreciated.

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Comments (3)

sierraeast
16 years ago
Dont load too much product into the hopper at first and get under the mantel. You are going to want to get as perpindicular to the surface as possible which means a heavy angle of the gun/hopper under the mantle. Then load up and do your inside and outside corners and the area under the tv frame (header). Lastly spray the open surface areas again as perpindicular as possible. I've found on inside and outside corners, short, repititous pulls of the trigger work better than trying to hurry and keeping the trigger pinned. Dont panic and take your time. Because it's a knockdown, you will be allowing for the sprayed area to skin a little before you knock down. On this project being as small as it is, there is no reason why you cant spray it all at once w/ plenty of time to allow skinning before the wipe down. If you dont feel confident to do it all at once, then do your inside/outside/under mantle and above the tv. Then come back and do the large, open areas, but again, no worries doing it all at one spraying.

Take a scrap piece of wall board to get the size and pattern desired.

Tape and plastic well and tight. The pressure from the gun will release air when not triggering and can undo your covering of areas that you dont want sprayed. Take your time and go wide everywhere you want protection.

If you have help, have them clean the gun asap after the spray. If flying solo, have a 5 gallon bucket of water handy and drop the gun in there while you knock down. The hopper cleans up pretty easy even if the product has dried on a little, but you should take care w/ the gun.
Shannon01
Original Author
16 years ago
Great! Since my last job was really small I am wondering about this one. Glad you mentioned the tarps coming off, that will happen. I may use pins to hold it down also.

When I knock it down, I am going to have exess mud on the tool (whatever you call the knife or trowel or whatever)??? Am I going to knock down in one big swoop or just a foot or so at a time? Wiping off the excess as I go???

I am so ready for this to be done. I was tempted to hire this final step out but every cent saved is worth it. So long as I do a good job. Even if I have to scrape it off and redo, which is probably why it is good to do the practice board.

Any other hints will be appreciated.
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sierraeast
16 years ago
You've done repairs so you know the mix of the mud, not too thin or thick. Concerning the knockdown, i always just carry a mud pan and keep the blade knife clean and basically do small sections at a time wiping off the excess. Just keep a light hand, no reason to press too hard. You'll find that as other areas sit a little longer, you'll need a little more pressure in order to match up with the areas that you started knocking down. Take your time and like you say, mistakes are easily repairable by wiping down smooth, but you should get r done first attempt because of your prior repair experience. It's cool you can match up to the existing. Not so many can, it just takes practice and the right touch. Best of luck!

ready for knockdown, need specific help now

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sierraeast

Shannon01
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ready for knockdown, need specific help now

Comments (3)

sierraeast

Shannon01Original Author

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Shannon01
Original Author