Textured Walls Made Easy

Thin the Drywall Compound

• If you are applying the texture immediately after installing the drywall, do it after the finish coat is applied and completely dry, which brings the wall to a smooth appearance. For the texture, use an all-purpose drywall joint compound that is already mixed. But don't just apply the compound to the wall as it is. Mix the compound with water to thin it out a little. To skip this step and make it easier, buy pre-mixed texturing compound that is ready to use.

Rent Needed Items

• For certain textures, such as popcorn and knockdown textures, you often use a hopper and spray gun, which also requires an air compressor. Unless you plan on making a business out of installing wall texture and doing it very often, rent these items instead of buying them. If you are unfamiliar with using these tools, practice before going to work on the walls. This allows you to make certain the spray gun is on the right setting, and the compound is thinned correctly. Set up a piece of plywood and spray the plywood as if you were spraying the wall. After you get the hang of it and the splatter looks right, move on to the walls.

Clear the Area

• Splattering compound onto the walls, especially, is a dirty job. As you can guess, the compound isn't going to spray out onto small spots with bullseye precision, so you need cover up items you don't want covered with compound. Move all the furniture into the center of the room if you're texturing all four walls, and cover the furniture with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Also place drop cloths on the floor area. Protect yourself with a cap and goggles. Also, the wall has to be free of wallpaper, and you should remove such things as outlet covers and light switch plates.

Use Textured Paint

• You can also bypass using the joint compound altogether. An easy way to install wall texture is to apply special textured paint. This type of paint is thicker than the normal paint you would use to cover the wall, and gives the wall a rougher-looking appearance. With some textured paints, you can add additional amounts of the recommended type of sand to make the paint even rougher. Use different applicators when you apply the textured paint to change up the patterns on the wall. Choose from a paint roller or brush, or even a sponge or other applicators.