The Repair of Textured Walls

Scraping and Smoothing

• Removing the damaged portion of the texture is the first step to a repair. This process requires the use of a wall scraper or trowel. Once the damaged area has been cleared, smoothing the surface using joint compound will prepare the area for a new texture. The layer of joint compound should be thick enough to cover any existing texture and smoothed on with a trowel. It needs a few hours to dry completely; then the new texture can be applied. If this step is skipped, it is possible that cracks will appear through the new texture.

Texturizing Machine

• A texturizing machine is the appropriate choice for large areas that require repair. It can apply a large amount of texture more quickly than doing it by hand and is available for rent from most home improvement or hardware stores. The machine is mounted to a trailer and requires a combination of powdered texturizing agent, water and compressed air. There are a variety of tips and nozzles to choose from, each of which will produce a different look to match to the existing texture. A smooth base is best for this process, but it's also possible to apply the new texture over the old.

Hopper Gun

• A hopper gun is similar to a texturizing machine, but works to repair damage on a smaller scale. This machine includes a gun-like nozzle, a trigger arrangement and a hopper that contains the texturizing product. This process requires a texturizer with a thinner consistency than that used with the machine. This allows for smooth application and prevents blockages in the lines. The speed of application will dictate the heaviness of the texture. A hopper gun can apply material to smooth or already textured walls.

Paint-on and Hand Application

• Paint-on textures require starting with a smooth surface and applying fine sand or coarse rock salt to partially dried compound. This process provides more diversity in looks and finish than the machine or hopper gun and is ideal for creating a subtle texture with a weathered or pitted appearance. A stippling roller works with paint-on textures, but creates a heavier look that resembles plaster. Hand-applied textures use a material with a thick consistency that will end up closely resembling stucco of Venetian plaster. Unlike paint-on textures, hand application is done over smooth or already textured walls.