Examples of Different Drywall Textures Using Compounds

Rolled Application

• Often, drywall texture starts with a rolled-on application of mud, and then the texture is stomped or swirled. All-purpose drywall compound, thinned to resemble the consistency of thick cream, is rolled on the wall or ceiling. The compound can begin to set rapidly, so it’s imperative that you work quickly once it's on the drywall. For the best results, have one worker roll on the texture while a second worker follows and applies the design.

Stomped

• Once the wet compound is on the drywall, you can add custom designs by stomping. Stomping involves using a flattened brush, called a slap brush or a crow’s foot, to smack the wet texture, which creates a stippled effect. Stomping works well on ceilings because the stomper can smack the texture with the same force and technique over the entire area, using an extension pole attached to the brush.

Swirls

• You can apply an endless array of swirled patterns, from large open swirls that create a soft seaside effect to small random swirls that resemble Southwestern stucco. Create swirls with putty knives, taping trowels or even stiff-bristle brushes. Practice on a scrap piece of plywood or drywall to perfect your design before applying it to a wall or ceiling.

Sprayed Texture

• The pros come in with powerful spray rigs, and they can texture all the ceilings in an average home in a few hours. You can create the same effect with a drywall texture sprayer rented from a local construction rental store. Texture sprayers feature hoppers that hold thinned compound or pumps that suck the compound out of a bucket on the floor. You can control the texture design by adjusting the spray nozzle. High-pressure spray causes the texture to spread and flatten on impact for an orange peel effect, while less force leaves deeper peaks and valleys.

Knockdown Texture

• Popularized on the west coast, this technique sometimes goes by the name “California Knockdown,” but any type of knockdown is similar. The texture, applied by either rolling or spraying, is semi-flattened by smoothing over just the tips of the wet texture with the flat edge of a trowel or taping knife. Take care to use the same amount of blade pressure over the entire wall or ceiling. Knockdown textures are found in many new homes but are common on ceilings and walls in Tuscan-style homes. You can apply a knockdown finish over rolled, sprayed or stomped texture.