Skip Trowel
This is hand applied usually with a 24” knife or trowel and with a turn of the wrist, the material will spread out thinly “skipping” across a smooth surface. This is our most commonly hand applied texture in the Las Vegas area.
Level III = Two coats on fasteners, corner trims and Joints second coated to 12”. A Level III drywall finish equals a Level III paint finish and darker colors and advanced sheens don’t respect this type of level.
New residential flat or washable flat, recommended off whites only (Semi-gloss in Kitchen’s & Bath’s), LRV > 75 only and non-critical lighting.
Knockdown
The knockdown finished look is achieved by spraying texture on an already prepared and smooth surface through a high pressured hose and spray gun. Allow 10 – 15 minutes for the product to set up before going over it with a trowel to “knock-down” the bumps. This is commonly used in Las Vegas.
Level III = Two coats on fasteners, corner trims and Joints second coated to 12”. A Level III drywall finish equals a Level III paint finish and darker colors and advanced sheens don’t respect this type of level.
New residential flat or washable flat, recommended off whites only (Semi-gloss in Kitchen’s & Bath’s), LRV > 75 only and non-critical lighting.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe texture is fairly popular for custom homes here in the Southwest. Once a well prepared surface is achieved, then a smooth layer is skimmed over the top but not covering the entire area. It will have the appearance of an under layer showing voids throughout in random areas. Imagine it kind of being an adobe style.
Level IV = Can be used with lighter texture patterns and critical lighting. Three coats on fasteners, corner trims and joints three coated to 12”. Professional or medium grade paint can accommodate all sheens other than gloss and high gloss (Semi-Gloss in Kitchen’s & Bath’s), LRV 50-75 only and medium to dark tones are acceptable. Corner to corner touch-ups may be required.
Orange Peel
This type of texture is similar to “knockdown” just using a smaller tip and higher pressure with the spray gun and it is not gone over with a trowel afterwards. The air and texture is compressed into smaller parts and when sprayed evenly over a very smooth and already prepared surface the texture simulates the peel of an Orange. This can be a more difficult finish to achieve and is more commonly used in hotels, Schools and other commercial applications.
Level IV to Level V = Three coats on fasteners, corner trims and joints three coated to 12”. Touched up and sanded with artificial lights. Professional or medium grade paint can accommodate all sheens other than gloss and high gloss (Semi-Gloss in Kitchen’s & Bath’s), LRV 50-75 only and medium to dark tones are acceptable. Corner to corner touch-ups may be required.
Hawk & Trowel
This name refers to the tools that are used. This is a unique style and has a plaster look. The material is applied from the Hawk to the surface using a trowel in a waving motion. This is commonly used in the Tucson market.
Level III = Two coats on fasteners, corner trims and Joints second coated to 12”. A Level III drywall finish equals a Level III paint finish and darker colors and advanced sheens don’t respect this type of level. Level III drywall equals a Level III paint finish.
New residential Flat or washable flat, recommended off whites only (except Kitchen’s & Bath’s), LRV > 75 only and non-critical lighting.
Smooth Wall
This is a level V finish and is the most difficult finish to achieve, requires the highest degree of quality and very careful attention is required. This type of finish is a skim coat that is hand applied with joint compound over the entire surface and is commonly related to high end custom homes and high end commercial buildings.
Three coats on fasteners, corner trims and joints three coated to 12”. Touched up and sanded to perfection with artificial lights. Prime all surfaces and then repair any touch-ups and re-prime all touch-ups prior to paint.
Level V drywall finish equals a level V paint finish. Recommended premium grade paint, any sheen, any LRV, all colors and critical lighting. Full prime then two separate dry coats with back roll on final coat recommended and may require corner to corner paint for touch-ups.
**LRV = Light Reflective Value**