Swirling Techniques for Drywall

Swirling

• The same basic technique applies to all swirling methods. This involves twisting your swirling brush in a circular motion. Creating a series of interlocking swirls requires placing your brush against the drywall surface, holding it in place and twisting it on a central axis. Dragging the brush while twisting it disrupts the pattern of the swirl. Sources such as “The Complete Guide to Finishing Walls and Ceilings” recommend creating patterns by making a series of intersecting half circles across an entire surface, either following a set pattern or using random angles.

Tools for Swirling

• The tool used in creating a swirl pattern affects the look of that pattern. Any type of brush, rake, sponge or comb works to create swirls in drywall mud. Brushes create shallow patterns with a texture directly related to the number and strength of bristles in the brush. Combs create deep furrows in the mud, for a more pronounced swirl. With any tool, the strength and size of the protruding elements — teeth, bristles and so on — directly affect the texture and prominence of the swirl.

Other Patterns

• Various patterns other than swirls allow for texturing drywall joint compound in a number of other ways. Trowel patterns, created with a hand trowel or drywall knife, produce a thick, heavy look similar to dried concrete or other masonry material. You can also create a slap brush texture by simply slapping brushes against drywall mud in alternating patterns, first left, then right. The slap brush technique provides an uneven, bumpy texture with raised lines and peaks. Patterns similar to slap brush include cottage cheese and sand texture. Ultimately, you can create any pattern you want in drywall mud using various materials and techniques.

Additional Information

• Various books and websites contain tutorials on mixing, applying and texturing drywall mud. Many of these resources contain advice from professional builders or contractors. Simply enter a phrase such as “drywall texturing” or “drywall swirl” into a search engine query bar to find assistance in getting started. Remember to never power-sand drywall joint compound that you want to swirl or otherwise texture. Power sanders smooth drywall completely by removing all gritty elements. This removes elements such as sand and prevents the joint compound from providing the thick textures you want from swirling.