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determine how to texture a paries can avail DIYers transform boring surface or newly build walls into visually sympathetic unity with hick good luck charm or astuteness . Texturing walls also can help shroud imperfection that might exist .

DIYers can choose from several method and tools to apply and make texture , and we ’ve plow five common bulwark texturing methods , incorporate advice from paint professionals .

Orange peel textured blue-and-white striped walls in an Alice in Wonderland-themed bathroom.

Orange peel-textured walls. | Photo: Zoe Grant, DBD Lifestyles

Wall Texture Types

Simply turn over texture onto unornamented or damaged walls can improve their show , but several types of texturing can look more professional and purposeful . accord to Chuck Reger , franchise business organization passenger vehicle with Five Star Painting , a Neighborly company , some are easier for DIYers than others . “ Knockdown and orange peel are manageable for initiate ; skip trowel and sandpaper swirl demand more accomplishment and patience , ” says Reger . mutual types of bulwark textureare :

Project Overview

Working Time : About 3 hours for a standard 10 - foot by 10 - foot wallTotal prison term : 27 hour , including drying timeSkill floor : Beginner to expert , calculate on the texture type chosenEstimated Cost : From $ 30 to $ 1,000 ( 50 centime to $ 2 per square foot for a pro )

Before You Begin

Before applying texture to a bulwark , adjudicate the in effect method acting and texture type for the look you need to achieve . Also assess tools you have on hand , the monetary value of material and tools , and your DIY wall grain skills . No matter the method , start with a smooth , even surface “ for better grain adhesion and a uniform finis , ” says Reger . The existing wallboard “ should be free from any cracks and the drywall tape recording needs to beskim coatedand sand , ” he says . paint walls in good condition demand only a coat of primer before texturing , read Reger .

Be sure the open is clean-living and that skimming coating or primers are juiceless . Then , accumulate all the tool you need so you may work relatively quickly to keep untimely drying of your texture material while you search for tools or supplies . In addition to specific tools heel with each below , gather typicalpainting projection supplieslike drop cloth to protect Earth’s surface , a ravel , and a coppice or sponge to reduce into corners .

How to Texture Walls With Joint Compound

SUPPLIESPremixed joint compoundWaterClean bucketor pail for mixingDrillwithmixing wandTrowelor widecompound knifeDrywall clay pan(if desired)Sponge , roller , notched trowel , orbrush , depending on texture type desired

How to Texture Walls With Paint

SUPPLIESPrimerTextured paintortexture additiveRoller , paint sprayer , or atrowel

Many of the major paint manufacturers offer line of textured paints . The paints are uncommitted in a range from legato to common texture , often based on common paries texturing eccentric such as knockdown or popcorn , or as Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin grain or Venetian plaster . “ Textured paint can offer subtle texture , but typically lacks the profoundness of traditional methods like trowel or knockdown technique , ” say Reger . They also can be more difficult toremove than plaster . In addition , texture additives are available for most national rouge to diversify color option .

How to Texture Walls with a Roller

SUPPLIESPremixed joint compoundortextured paintPaint trayPaint rollerandfinishing rollerif desiredRoller cover(½-inch to ¾-inch nap)Paint brush

Using apaint rollerto apply joint compound or textured key is a round-eyed and inexpensive attack to paries texturing , relying on tools most DIYers have on handwriting . One pass alone can create a basic texture with an outmoded feel .

For a faux cultivation , which give the allusion of texture with standard rouge , roll on a base coating and admit it to dry out . Then range a second paint color or candy over the groundwork coat with a ¾-inch sleep tumbler pigeon or a limited stencil tumbler .

Ceiling with a skip trowel texture.

Skip trowel texture on ceiling. | Photo:Tara Rex Designs

How to Texture Walls with a Sponge

SUPPLIESPaintSynthetic or key leech

Sponges are handy tools for 2nd passes over trowel- or tumbler pigeon - applied compound to make a stippled effect in the texture , specially in hard - to - reach corners ( you’re able to well cut a sponge to agree ) . A typical household man-made sponge will make a fairly undifferentiated effect , while ocean sponges make more instinctive patterns . rouge sponge also make for well to create interesting faux texture with standard or textured paint .

How to Texture Walls With a Texture Sprayer

SUPPLIESDrop clothsandpainter ’s tapeJoint compoundmixed with waterGravity - fed grain sprayerorpressurized texture sprayer(purchase or rent)Finishing tools

Althoughwall texture sprayer cansare available and relatively cheap , they are project primarily for small jobs or to repair patches or popcorn grain , for object lesson . If you bid totexture a cap , a large airfoil , or several walls , consider using a drywall grain atomiser to step on it up the undertaking . The putz should be uncommitted for purchase or rental from home betterment centers .

A texture sprayer is interchangeable to a rouge atomiser , which uses either gravity or compress air and a artillery - comparable nozzle to spray heavy grain . Just mind that using these pecker requires some skill , along with “ proper apparatus and cleanup , ” says Reger . If you ’re uncomfortable using a spray , consider get quotes from a professional .

Room with popcorn ceiling, mirrors on a light blue painted wall, with Venetian texture and gold wax on top.

Venetian textured wall with gold wax. | Photo:Tara Rex Designs

Tips for Wall Texturing

Keep it random . Larry Oliver of Norwalk , Connecticut - based Lawrence Oliver Painting , says that no matter which technique you use : “ When texturing wall , assay not to be too insistent , stool the same conformation over and over like chicken tracks , ” he says . “ To produce a more professional finish , keep the textured convention random . ”

easy correct misunderstanding . When working with joint compound , if you apply too much or falsely set it , you’re able to but wipe aside the misunderstanding and begin again , even smooth out damp chemical compound with a trowel and starting over .

Trowel at an slant . When learning how to texture a rampart , always lend oneself joint compound while holding the trowel at about a 15 - degree angle , Oliver suggests . “ The slight angle and light pressure ensure that you do not smooth out your finish too much , ” he bestow .

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Adjust dry out metre to muse experimental condition . When work out with joint chemical compound in humid clime or areas , “ allow additional dry out prison term , ” suppose Reger , and use fans or dehumidifiers to forbid sagging or uneven texture . He propose that in wry climates , DIYers “ softly mist the open to forestall snap or premature dry out during software . ”

determine edge and corner . Many DIYers do n’t pay enough aid to corner and edge , says Oliver . “Always think not to be heavy - handed in the corners and edges , ” he admonish .

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