Paint Techniques for Scratched Texture White Walls

Methods

• Using paint alone to achieve a scratched, cracking appearance on walls involves using either textured rollers or other items to “mark” the wet paint. You can use something like a putty knife for just a few marks, or you can utilize a fine-tooth comb for more detail. Any object may become a faux painting tool, depending on the type of finish you want.

Underlay

• Another way to achieve a more systematic look is to first hang textured wallpaper, which yields more professional results than just “winging” it, as described. Choose a textured paper that resembles the type of scratch marks you'd like in your walls. After hanging the paper, paint over it with white paint for textured white walls.

Textured Paint

• Achieve a scratchy textured look by using paint that is textured, which is purchased pre-mixed for light work like scratches. If you need a heavier texture, purchase the powdered paint and mix it yourself. Following this procedure, you can make it as thick or as thin as you want to achieve the desired texture.

Practice

• Practice your painting technique on pieces of scrap wood or cardboard before you start in on the permanent wall. Practicing is especially important when planning to use textured rollers, knives, combs or other free-form painting devices.

Color

• Even though you are painting white, if you wish for the appearance of depth in the scratches on your walls, under-painting with a slightly darker color is necessary. Simply scratching the color yields texture, but the results may not be visible without a darker color underneath the white. Paint the undercoat, and allow it to dry completely before beginning work on the white top coat.