Can I Apply All-Purpose Joint Compound With a Roller?

Roller

• The roller creates the texture. Fuzzy rollers pull away joint compound, leaving large peaks. Smoother rollers leave many small peaks. Large rollers cover a sizable area, cutting down labor. Small rollers, known as mini-rollers, work best for tight places.

Experiment

• Test different rollers and application methods on a spare piece of drywall before attempting the project. For example, use speedy strokes to see what textures result, then try slower, deliberate strokes. For each test, note the type of roller and method of application so you can replicate your results later. Once you are satisfied with your results, attempt the actual project.

Application

• Use a clean cloth to wipe dust and dirt off the project surfaces before you begin. Load the roller with joint compound. You can use a paint tray, but dipping the roller in the bucket of joint compound is quicker. Roll it on the ceiling or wall to create the texture you’re after. If you make a mistake, use a large drywall knife to wipe away the joint compound so you can try again.

Final Coat

• Some drywall professionals use a roller to apply a final polish coat. Typically, the first two coats focus on sealing and covering the drywall, so they require thick joint compound, which means workers must use drywall knives or trowels to apply the compound. But the purpose of the polish coat is to fill in tiny depressions, such as sandpaper marks, leaving the surface slightly shiny and smooth. To apply a polish coat with a roller, add water to the joint compound until it has the consistency of pancake batter. Roll on the joint compound. Immediately after you apply it, use a 12-inch drywall knife to remove the joint compound completely.