Guide to Wall Texturing Techniques

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Tired of simply painting a wall? Have you tried texturing?

Giving texture to the surface is unforgiving. If you don’t like it, scrape it off and give it another shot.

 

1. 1.Three Types Of Texture

   With some types of paint, you can mix a substance that’s similar to a fine sand right into the can. It saves a step as you won’t have to do it twice.

   Here’s your choice when it comes to adding depth to that blah two-dimensional wall. The basic treatments are called either popcorn, orange peel or knockdown. You can vary the way you apply the stuff beyond the three kinds of texturizing.

    

   Want a stucco finish? Pick knockdown texturing. Are you doing a ceiling? The popcorn method is usually used on that project. Orange peel texturing could be best defined as splattering. Why is it called “orange peel?” Because the finish looks like an orange peel.

2. 2.Brush It

   You could rent a machine to do it, but you’ve decided to take it into your own hands. Adding texture can be done with special compounds or ordinary drywall cement. Don’t care to use a brush? Applying a third-dimension can be done with just about any tool.

    

   Flick the stuff. Swirl it. Dab it. If you want to go Mediterranean, make the texture material thicker, add a dash of sand and sweep it across the wall with a towel.

    

3. 3.Simple Methods

   Say you don’t want to go to extremes. You’re just looking for a light touch. With some types of paint, you can mix a substance that’s similar to a fine sand right into the can. It saves a step as you won’t have to do it twice.

    

   Then there’s the stippling-roller solution. This device makes the surface a bit bumpy. It kind of looks like what you see when you go to an older home that has a plaster finish. The way it works is that it ever-so-slightly sticks to the applied paint, adding micro, sweeping bulges to the wall.

4. 4.Spraying On Texture

   Doing texture to a little area can be accomplished with one finger. Pick up a spray can-or-two and mist the flatness away. These can cost. That’s why it’s best to think small when you reach for the aerosol. You’re also going to some practice. Try it first on something else until you get the knack of things.

5. 5.Professional Help

   A paint pro might be an option if you have a lot of space to cover. Once you decide on a surface with the contractor, they’ll roll a trailer-mounted texturing machine into your yard. The unit has a hopper where they pour in the magic powder. It’s mixed with water and blasted on the wall.

    

   The nozzle is the key. By switching tips, the professional can orange peel or heavily knockdown the wall depending on your taste. This method really isn’t for a DIYer, but it will get the gig over quickly.

6. 6.DIY Using A Hopper Gun

   If it’s a medium-sized job, we’ll use the same principle as the pro with one exception: You can do this as a DIY project. Called a hopper gun, it’s rentable.

    

   Like the spray can method, taking this road requires practice. And the right nozzle(s). A 3-by-3 feet sheet of plywood, leaned against a phone pole, is great for texture-painting rehearsal.

    

   Texturing is an art. Be creative. As we mentioned at the start of the article; don’t like it, simply scrape it off and try another.