
Skim coating over knockdown texture is a great way to achieve smooth walls, which can be useful for applying wallpaper or creating a professional board and batten look. The process involves applying a diluted joint compound to the walls and smoothing it out with a drywall knife, filling in any low areas of texture. While it can be labour-intensive, it is a doable DIY project that can save on labour costs. The key steps include prepping the walls by covering any floors and knocking down any peaks or high areas, mixing the joint compound to the right consistency, applying the compound with a roller, and smoothing it out with a drywall knife. Multiple coats may be necessary, with light sanding in between, and it is important to let each coat dry before applying the next.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Tools | Sandpaper, sander, roller, metal trowel, magic trowel, edge trowel, paddle mixer, drill, paint roller, drywall knife, squeegee knife, mud pan, damp rag, putty knife, space heater, box fan, pole sander, primer, joint compound |
Preparation | Sand the walls, cover the floor with plastic, knock down peaks or high areas of the texture, mix the joint compound, roll the primer onto the walls |
Application | Apply the joint compound with a roller, smooth with a drywall knife, spray the edges with water, apply multiple coats, sand the walls |
What You'll Learn
Sand the walls before skim coating
Sanding the walls before skim coating is an important step in achieving a smooth and professional finish. Here's a detailed guide on how to sand your walls effectively:
Firstly, it is recommended to use a power sander with a vacuum attachment to minimise mess. If you are sanding by hand, be sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust. Use a grit paper of around 80-120 for the initial sanding. This will help to cut through any glossy paint and create a surface that the skim coat can properly bond to. Go over the entire wall with the sander, ensuring you reach all areas.
Once you have finished sanding with the coarse grit paper, it is time to switch to a finer grit. Use 120-grit paper to smooth out the walls and prepare them for the next step. Pay close attention to corners and edges, as you want to avoid rounding them off during the sanding process. It is important to be thorough during this step, as a smooth base will make the skim coating process much easier and help you achieve a better finish.
After sanding, it is crucial to remove any dust or debris from the walls. You can do this by brushing or wiping the walls with a damp cloth. This step is important because it ensures that the skim coat will adhere properly to the wall and creates a clean surface for the next steps. Once the walls are clean, you can move on to applying the first coat of the skim coat.
Before you begin skim coating, it is a good idea to prime the walls, especially if they are glossy. Primer will help the skim coat adhere better and create a more durable finish. Choose a primer that is suitable for your wall type and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now, you are ready to start skim coating. Mix your joint compound to a pancake batter consistency and apply it to the walls using a roller. Use a drywall knife to smooth out the compound and create an even finish. Work in small sections at a time, as you want to smooth out the compound before it dries. The first coat may not look perfect, but don't worry—it will get better with the consecutive coats.
Finally, let the skim coat dry completely before deciding if you need to apply additional coats. Most walls will require at least two coats, and some may need three or more. Repeat the process until you achieve a smooth and even finish. Once you are happy with the results, your walls will be ready for painting or any other finishing touches you desire.
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Apply the first coat with a roller
To apply the first coat with a roller, start by mixing your joint compound to a consistency that is similar to mud used for bedding tape or mayonnaise. You can do this by adding small amounts of water to the joint compound and mixing with a paddle mixer drill attachment.
Next, use a 3/4 nap roller or a 1/2-in.-nap roller to roll the compound directly onto your wall. Work in small sections, such as 2-foot-wide sections or 4 feet square, so that the compound doesn't dry too quickly. Apply the compound heavily and use a 12-inch drywall knife to smooth it out. Play around with the angle of the knife, holding it at different angles to find what works best for you.
It's normal for the first coat to not look perfect and you may need to apply a few coats before you achieve the desired smoothness. After applying the first coat, use a spray bottle to spray the edge, which will help to prevent the compound from drying out and will assist in blending the sections together.
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Smoothen the first coat with a trowel
Smoothening the first coat with a trowel is a crucial step in achieving a professional-looking finish for your walls. Here's a detailed guide on how to tackle this step effectively:
Choose the Right Trowel:
Select a trowel that is suitable for the size of your project. A larger trowel, such as a 12-inch drywall knife, is ideal for covering more extensive areas and achieving a smooth finish. For smaller spaces or detailed work, a 6-inch taping knife might be more manoeuvrable. Additionally, consider using a "magic trowel," which is specifically designed for smoothing and can be useful for achieving a flawless finish.
Prepare the Joint Compound:
Before you begin smoothening, ensure that your joint compound (also known as "mud") is mixed to the right consistency. It should be similar to the consistency of mayonnaise or pancake batter. If it's too thin, you may encounter shrinkage issues. If it's too thick, it will be challenging to work with. Adjust the consistency by adding small amounts of water and mixing thoroughly.
Smoothen the First Coat:
Start by applying the joint compound to the wall using a roller. Work in small sections, approximately 2 feet wide, to prevent the compound from drying too quickly. Use your chosen trowel to smooth out the compound. Experiment with different angles and pressure to find what works best. Hold the trowel at a slight angle, and work downward from the top of the ceiling. Then, go back and smooth from left to right to even out any imperfections. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can remove too much compound or cause the trowel corner to gouge the drywall.
Tips for a Better Finish:
- Keep a damp rag and a mud pan nearby. Wipe the blade of the trowel after every few strokes to prevent the buildup of excess compound, which can affect your smooth finish.
- Overlap each vertical pass with the trowel to ensure complete coverage and a consistent texture.
- Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the edges of the compound before moving on to the next section. This will help prevent the compound from drying out and create a seamless blend between sections.
- Don't worry if the first coat doesn't look perfect. It often looks worse before it gets better! The consecutive coats will help to improve the finish.
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Sand the walls again lightly
Sanding the walls again lightly is an important step in skim coating over knockdown walls. It ensures a smooth and professional finish. This step is done after applying the skim coat layers and smoothing them out with a drywall knife.
For this step, you will need to use a pole sander with fine-grit sandpaper. The recommended grit level for this task is around 120-220. If your walls have too many peaks and valleys, you can start with a coarser grit, such as 100-grit sandpaper, and then move on to the finer grit for a smoother finish. Open windows and remove screens to improve airflow and allow dust to escape while sanding.
When sanding, work lightly and evenly across the walls. You don't need to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to remove too much of the compound or risk gouging the drywall. Take your time and cover all areas, paying extra attention to corners and edges to ensure they are smooth and crisp.
After sanding, it is essential to remove any dust or residue from the walls before proceeding with the next steps, such as priming and painting. You can use a damp cloth or a brush to wipe down the walls gently.
Remember, the key to this step is to be gentle and not over-sand the walls. The goal is to create a smooth and consistent surface that is ready for the final finishing steps.
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Apply the second coat
Now that you've applied the first coat of the skim coat, it's time to move on to the second coat. This process will be similar to the first coat application, but with a few key differences. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply the second coat:
- Preparation: Before applying the second coat, ensure that the first coat is completely dry. Depending on the thickness of your initial application, this could take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. It's important to be patient during this step, as rushing the process can impact the adhesion of the subsequent layers.
- Mixing the Joint Compound: Just like with the first coat, you'll need to mix your joint compound to achieve the right consistency. Pour the compound into a 5-gallon bucket and slowly add small amounts of water to thin it down. The ideal consistency should resemble that of pancake batter. If you're using a pre-mixed compound, you may need to adjust the thickness by adding a little extra water.
- Applying the Compound: For this step, you'll need a 3/4-nap roller. Dip the roller directly into the bucket with the mixed compound and start applying it to the wall. Work in sections to prevent the compound from drying too quickly. Apply the compound generously, making sure the wall is thoroughly covered.
- Smoothing the Compound: Once you've applied the compound, it's time to smooth it out. Using a 12-inch drywall knife, gently work the compound in a downward direction from the top of the ceiling. Then, go back and smooth out any imperfections by moving the knife left to right. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can remove too much compound or cause gouges in the drywall.
- Spray the Edges: To ensure a seamless blend between sections, use a spray bottle to lightly mist the edges of the compound. This will help prevent the compound from drying out too quickly and create a smoother transition between coats.
- Repeat as Needed: Depending on the smoothness of your walls, you may need to apply additional coats. In most cases, two to three coats are sufficient. Simply repeat the process of applying the compound and smoothing it out until you achieve the desired level of smoothness.
- Drying and Sanding: Allow the final coat of the compound to dry completely. If you're working in a humid environment, consider using a space heater and a box fan to speed up the drying process. Once the compound is dry, you can start the sanding process. Use a pole sander with 120-grit sandpaper to gently sand the walls, removing any remaining imperfections. If there are significant peaks and valleys, you may need to start with 100-grit sandpaper and then switch to a finer grit for the final pass.
Remember, the key to a successful skim coat is taking your time, working in small sections, and ensuring each coat is dry before moving on to the next step. By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time, you'll achieve smooth walls that are ready for painting or wallpapering.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a paint roller and a squeegee knife. You can also use a trowel or a putty knife.
Start by covering your floors with plastic. Then, use a taping knife to knock down any peaks or high areas on your current texture. Next, roll a fast-drying, stain-sealing drywall primer on the walls. Let the compound harden before you start skim coating.
Mix all-purpose joint compound to about the same consistency as mud. Spread a layer of slightly thinned compound onto the walls with a heavy-nap roller. Smooth the compound with the squeegee knife, working in small sections at a time.