Quck answer
To remove knockdown texture, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the room: Clear the area and cover furniture and floors with drop cloths.
2. Protect yourself: Wear safety goggles, a mask, and gloves to protect against dust and debris.
3. Scrape the texture: Use a drywall scraper or putty knife to gently scrape the knockdown texture off the walls. Start at the top and work your way down.
4. Sand the surface: After scraping, use sandpaper to smooth out any remaining texture or rough patches.
5. Clean the walls: Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
6. Repair any damage: If there are any holes or dents, fill them with joint compound and sand them smooth.
7. Prime and paint: Apply a coat of primer to the walls before painting to ensure a smooth finish.
With these steps, you can successfully remove knockdown texture and achieve a fresh, clean look for your walls.
Knockdown texture is created by applying joint compound or plaster to a wall or ceiling, then flattening it with a trowel to reduce its texture. Removing this texture will reveal the original drywall underneath. While this DIY project is not difficult, it can be time-consuming and messy. There is no need for specialized carpentry knowledge. Taking the time to prepare for the removal of knockdown texture will make the cleanup process much easier.
Preparation
Step 1
Remove all items from the room where the knockdown texture will be removed.
Step 2
Turn off the power supply to the room you will be working on.
Step 3
Remove all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Step 4
Cut a heavy plastic sheet to size and tape it over outlets, light switches, and vents. Use low tack tape to prevent water from entering.
Step 5
Place plastic sheets on the floor and extend them up the walls and above the baseboards. Use low tack tape to attach the plastic to the walls, ensuring that the floors and baseboards are protected.
Removing Knockdown Texture
Step 1
Fill a pump sprayer with warm water and add two tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergent per gallon of water. Add the detergent after the sprayer is filled to avoid bubbles.
Step 2
Work in sections of 4 by 4 feet. Spray the first area with water and let it sit for fifteen minutes. Use a floor scraper to remove the knockdown texture from the wall. Use gentle strokes when removing the texture to avoid damaging the underlying drywall. Continue wetting and scraping the surface until all of the texture has been removed.
Step 3
Inspect the surface visually. Fill any gaps or dents with joint compound. Sand any rough areas and clean with a tack cloth. Prime and paint the smoothed surface.