How to Make Textured Base Coat Paint With Compound

Determine the amount of compound need for your application. Measure the length and width of walls and ceilings and multiply them to get a total square footage. For example, if you are making textured compound to paint a ceiling that is 10 feet by 10 feet, multiply those numbers to get 100 square feet. If you have more than one wall or ceiling, just combine all of the square feet.

Determine the coverage possibility of your material. Five gallons of compound covers approximately 2,000 square feet. If you have more than 2,000 square feet of space to be textured, just divide the total amount by 2,000 (one 5-gallon bucket).

Mix the paint and compound to a three-to-two ratio, or three gallons of compound to two gallons of paint. Remove two gallons of drywall compound from a five-gallon bucket. Scoop out the compound with an ice scooper or large spoon and measure the amount in a paint measuring bucket.

Add two gallons of latex, water-based paint to the five-gallon bucket of drywall compound. Slowly mix in the paint with a paint mixing bit and a drill. Keep the bit plunged into the center of the compound as you turn the drill motor. Bringing the bit to the top of the compound will cause compound to sling from the mixing bit.

Allow the texture to sit for 30 to 45 minutes. If the compound is too thick, then add 1/4 gallon of water to the compound and mix with the paint-mixing bit. Continue to add water to loosen the compound until you get pancake-batter consistency.