Wall Texture Technique After Priming

Texture Techniques

• Several different plaster and texture techniques may be applied to a wall to give relief. Trowel on plaster by hand. Hold the sharp edge of the trowel against the wall at about a 30-degree angle. Move the plaster around the wall with the flat portion of the trowel. Texture may also be rolled on with a paint roller. You can use a large paint roller, but a 3-inch roller is easier to handle and will not feel as heavy once loaded with plaster. Randomly roll the plaster onto the wall. Leave as is, or then knock down the high areas of the plaster with a putty knife or use the trowel.

Plaster

• Most artisans and drywall experts use inexpensive drywall compound to add texture to walls. The plaster does not require watering down and is used as is. Do not apply the plaster too thick as this will cause the plaster to crack when drying. The plaster should be applied no more than 1/4-inch thick. After the plaster has dried, inspect for any cracks. Fill in the cracks with additional plaster by using a putty knife.

Sanding

• When plastering walls, you may create some very sharp corners and peaks. If a person is walking by the wall, you do not want the texture to be so sharp to cause a scrape or cut in the skin. Once the plaster is dry, quickly sand with fine-grit sandpaper. Wash down the wall after sanding to remove all dust, using clean water with no soap.

Safety Tips

• When troweling plaster, be cautious with the edge of the trowel. The edge often is as sharp as a razor blade and can quickly create a wound. Wear old clothes when plastering. Always use eye protection and cover your mouth with a dust mask when sanding the plaster finish. Cover all areas in the room with plastic and drop cloths to avoid damaging furniture or flooring.