Repair Knockdown Finish

Q: I had an electrician install 22 recessed remodel-style can lights in our basement ceiling. A lot of holes had to be cut for running the new wire. How do I go about re-texturing the knockdown finish to hide the damage?

A: First, remove the trim rings from the cans so they are flush or slightly recessed into the ceiling. Mask off the lights with tape and newspaper or plastic. Apply a skim coat of drywall mud only over the access patches so the knockdown texture will match evenly. For linear cuts, use drywall tape to conceal the joints and add another skim coat over the tape. Then, texture the patches and a little beyond for a good blend. Practice first on scrap drywall.