I use mud that's the same consistency for the ceiling as the walls.
After applying the mud, wait 10 to 15 minutes (just til it starts to
firm up from drying) and drag the ceilings with an item called a Magic
Trowel. Basically it's a 2' wide squeegee. I've seen them at Sherwin
Williams, BORGs and the like go here
http://www.texmaster.com/magictrowel.html to see what it can do. I
like mine and have used it many times.

Make sure you have a large compressor, I've never paid much attention
to the pressure, if you don't have one purchase a small regulator and
fasten it to the inlet of the hopper, so you can adjust the air flow
from where you stand. It seems like each job is a bit different
depending on the viscosity of the mud...I'm sure the pros have a
recipe...me only do a couple of rooms at a time...the mud will flow
from the mixing paddle.

Experiment with the orifice size, I believe mine's set on 7/16 or there
about. But I like smaller texture patterns. Distance, you'll be able
to tell if the mud doesn't hit the wall, your're too far away, if
you're too close the air from the hopper nozzle will blow the mud
around the wall surface. If you're brave, take a small section of
wall, spray it with the gun, evaluate it, take a wide tape knife and
scrape it off adjust and do it again until you get it like you want.
Keep in mind that the size of the actual texturing will be smaller when
dried than when applied.

A couple of resources for you:
http://www.fantastictools.com/pages/drywall_knockdown_knives.htm for
drywall tools and equipment, hang out and suckup what the pros say at
http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4 I'll caution
you though, they don't like DIY'ers posting they can be harsh. The
moderator has published this book
http://www.amazon.com/Drywall-Professional-Techniques-Walls-Ceilings/dp/156158133X
and while there are many low level items in the book, there's also some
really good tips.

Alternatively from what there is to learn to be successful with this
process, it would seem like the $10 he's asking on his site, might be
well worth it.

Good luck...

DAC




HotRod wrote:
I'm interested in applying some "Orange Peel" texture to two ceilings in my
house and was wondering if someone could help me out with what I need to
know. The texture may also be called "Knockdown" or "Skip Trowel" or
"California Knock-down" you can see a picture of what I want here
http://www.drywallschool.com/knockdown.htm

I need any information you can provide or possible some of the questions
answered.

1) What should the consistancy of the mud be? Thickness?
2) What orfice size should I use on the hopper.
3) What pressure (Psi/cfm)?
4) What distance do I spray from?
5) How long is the dry time before I try and Knock down the sprayed mud?