How to Make Spackling Texture

Use dish soap and warm water to clean the surface you intend to apply the spackle texture to. Wipe the surface with a soapy towel to remove oil, dirt or other sediment. Rinse the surface with a clean wet towel, then dry the surface with a clean dry towel.

Prime the surface with primer, according to the primer manufacturer’s directions. Allow the surface to dry fully.

Prepare the spackle compound in a bucket, according to the directions on the spackle product label. Scoop the spackle out with a trowel or spackle knife. Keep the knife blade or trowel as flat as possible against the surface. Apply light pressure as you scrape the spackle, to a depth of 1/16 inch, onto the wall.

Move the knife or trowel in S-shaped motions across the surface of the wall to create a Venetian plaster look. You can move the trowel or blade in other patterns to achieve your desired texture.

Let the spackle compound dry for approximately four hours. Then, apply the second coat. Repeat the pattern you used when applying the initial coat. This time, hold the trowel or spackle blade at a slight angle against the surface, which will make the compound coat thinner than the initial coat.

Use plaster decoration tools to add decorative swirls or bumps to your compound as desired. Let the compound dry overnight. Sand down any spots on the surface that appear uneven or interfere with the look of your pattern with fine-grit sandpaper. Paint over the spackle, according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions, in the color of your choice, and allow the paint to dry.