Abstract: A hand-held applicator tool for applying uncured texture material to a base surface as an intermediate step in creating a knockdown textured surface, the tool having a handle, a backing member and sponge-like compressible member, where the face surface of the compressible member is provided with a plurality of irregularly distributed, sized and shaped voids which receive varying amounts of texture material for transfer of the texture material onto the base surface in an irregular pattern.