How to Retexturize Sheetrock Walls

Identify the type of texturing you have on your walls so that you can match it. If you have specks or well-defined bumps, then the texture was sprayed on, but if you have smoother less noticeable bumps, then it was rolled on. Thick, smeared-on layers are applied with a trowel, and lines are formed with a bristle or wire brush. A smooth surface with areas that look like they are chipped away is created with a sprayer and trowel.

Practice the application on a scrap piece of board. For sprays, mix drywall compound with water using a drill mixer until it is similar to a thick milkshake. Practice spraying with the nozzle adjusted to different levels to obtain a fine or thicker spray. If you have the smoothed down spray, also known as a knockdown, you wipe over the spray with a trowel to flatten the bumps and peaks. Scoop a trowel into unaltered compound and smear it on the surface for the trowel application. Match the angle of the other trowel marks on the wall. For smoother bumps, thin the compound and roll it on with a paint roller. Scrape through the rolled-on compound with a wire or bristle brush to make lines.

Apply your practiced technique to the wall once you get it right. Let the wall dry for a day.

Paint the wall with a matching colored paint to complete the process. Brush it on with a paintbrush.