Knockdown and orange peel ceiling texture
After the popcorn comes down, a light spray texture is the main alternative to a smooth finish. Knockdown and orange peel are the two you'll be offered most often.
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Knockdown
Joint compound is sprayed on in splatters, left to set for a few minutes, then flattened with a wide knife. The result is a flat, mottled surface with raised islands. It covers small dents and seams well, and patches blend in later.
Orange peel
Thinner compound is sprayed in fine droplets and left alone, giving a surface like the skin of an orange. It's subtler than knockdown and hides less, so the drywall needs a bit more prep underneath.
How they compare with a smooth ceiling
| Finish | Hides flaws | Prep before finishing | Patching later |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth (skim coat) | Least | Every flaw fixed, full skim coat | Hardest to blend |
| Orange peel | Some | Seams and gouges repaired | Moderate |
| Knockdown | Most | Seams and larger gouges repaired | Easiest to blend |
General comparison. The condition of your drywall after scraping matters more than the texture you pick.
Matching your walls
If your walls already have orange peel or knockdown, matching the ceiling to them keeps rooms consistent. Ask to see a sample board sprayed with the compound mix and tip the contractor plans to use.
Old texture and asbestos
New texture compound doesn't contain asbestos. Old texture can: the Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that textured paints and joint patching compounds could contain asbestos until their use was banned in 1977. If the job includes scraping old wall texture, test it first. See asbestos testing.
Questions people ask
Is knockdown cheaper than a smooth ceiling?
Usually, because it needs less repair and no full skim coat. The difference is largest when scraping left the drywall rough.
Can knockdown go right over popcorn?
No. Popcorn is soft and loosely bonded, so new texture sprayed over it won't hold well. The popcorn comes off first.
Request a popcorn removal quote
Tell us about the ceilings and a local ceiling contractor will call you back. Or call (407) 555-0123 now.
Call for popcorn removal, a smooth finish or ceiling repair.
Call (407) 555-0123