How to Do Sheetrock Texturing

Use a paint roller for simple texturing of drywall. Fill a paint tray with slightly thinned drywall compound, called mud. Dip a long-nap roller into it and roll the mud onto the wall, just like paint. Avoid any runs or drips. Clean them up by rolling over them as quickly as you notice them. Experiment with the roller until you get a texture you like. Vary the nap on the roller to change textures.

Do a "knockdown" for a stronger texture (this also is called "skip troweling.") Water down the mud to a soupy consistency that forms little stalactites when applied with a flat trowel. Let the mud sit briefly, then use the flat side of the trowel, held at a 45-degree angle from the wall, to "knock down" the peaks of the stalactites. Experiment with the mud mix until you get the right consistency, soupy enough to leave peaks but not so runny as to drip.

Create a "popcorn" effect in a technique similar to the knockdown, except using full strength mud. Spread the mud over the wall with the flat bottom of the trowel. Let it sit a few minutes, then press the bottom of the trowel into it and lift up, pulling some of the mud up with it. Use the flat edge of the trowel to smooth out the tops of those bumps to create an effect that resembles popcorn or cottage cheese.

Swirl or draw patterns in mud with the ridged edge of a flat mason's trowel. Spread full strength mud over the wall with the bottom of the trowel, let it sit briefly, then use the notched edge of the trowel to draw swirls, half-circles or any other type pattern of ridges into the mud. Use this technique mostly on ceilings.

Try some creative technique to "hand texture" a wall. Dip a heavy paint brush or new broom into drywall and flip or splatter the mud onto the wall. Use a round brush to paint mud on in some random fashion. Create a Mediterranean look using the flat edge of the trowel to just smear mud on in big strokes without trying to smooth it.