Ceiling texture – knockdown after painting?
Can I apply texture over finish paint, in case I am not happy with an attempt at a smooth finish?
This job is all new drywall, newly hung directly on studs/rafter/strapping.
I’m hiring a mudder/taper to finish my drywall job, and he highly recommends a knockdown finish for the cathedral ceiling. The ceiling extends beyond the living room over 2 lofts where there people will be much closer to the ceiling, possibly touching it with their hands.
I originally wanted smooth finish, but that’s a lot of work/$$ and this is a 100 year old cottage . It’s pretty solid, especially since it was spray foam insulated. There’s some wave to the stud walls, but the ceiling was reinforced with a full beam and the drywall is hung on strapping. It looks pretty straight to me.
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I’ll qualify my answer with my background. - framer, general contractor, remodeler, for 50 yrs.
I’ve hung and finished miles of drywall. While knockdown can look good, cover minor imperfections, when done well….
Ooops, roof leak, electrical addition, other……
A smooth finish makes taking care of the above way easier. Matching any texture is damn hard. Remember that one old “swirl” plaster finish? I’ve done repairs / additions and the only one to make them disappear was an old plaster guy. He may have passed by now.
Magic Dave, he’s shutting down finally so there goes my go to drywaller and popcorn blender inner. Whoever invented that stuff should have a special place somewhere.
And yup, I’m retired now too.
Nothing lasts forever.
So to your real question of texture over paint. You should be able to see the way it’s going to look by priming. We have done knockdown, roll coat etc, over paint, just used a bonding primer first.
I agree with your drywall guy. It's really hard to get even a textured finish to look good on a cathedral ceiling and smooth is darn near impossible.