It’s achieved by applying drywall mud using an 18-inch or wider curved-blade drywall trowel ($25 to $30), then skimming the mudded area again with the cleaned trowel. Mud trowel: Also called skip trowel, this technique provides a flatter, more subtle look than splatter or stomp.Because drywall is initially applied by roller to fully cover the surface, and an additional step of stomping is required before knockdown, the entire process can take about twice as long as splatter. Next, a stiff-bristled crows-foot brush ($8 to $20) is stomped into the mud and, to finish, the mud is flattened with a standard knockdown knife, leaving a finger-like texture on 60 percent or more of the surface. It’s created by thinning pre-mixed or ready-to-mix drywall mud with water and then applying it to a wall or ceiling using a paint roller. Stomp: The most prominently textured look of the three, stomp features a higher elevation off the surface than splatter or mud trowel.

You can splatter a small surface in as little as an hour or complete a larger area in about one day. And because a drywall hopper gun is required, this technique requires more initial setup time than stomp and mud trowel, but once you’re good to go the application will prove to be quick, uniform, and less tiring. The peaks that form are then flattened with an 18-inch or wider knockdown knife ($15 to $20) to achieve a low-profile raised texture that covers 40 percent of the surface (the other 60 percent remaining flat). The application can be a bit messy, particularly when spraying a ceiling (due to downward splashback).

It’s achieved by first spraying the surface using a drywall hopper gun (available at home centers approximately $13 for a half-day rental) loaded with either pre-mixed wet drywall mud or joint compound powder mixed with water.

Splatter: The most popular knockdown texture, splatter has the classic look of Spanish lace stucco-an intricate pattern of splotches inspired by lace veils.

There are three main types of knockdown texture-splatter, stomp, and mud trowel-each with a distinct look and requiring unique tools and techniques. Photo: via bradleypjohnson Three Types of Texture

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