DIY Texturing

Texturing Plan

• Determine how you want the ceiling or walls to look with textured paint added to them. You might want heavy textured walls or you might prefer predominantly smooth walls. Decide whether you want a sedate, traditional look or a more dynamic textured look. Texturing takes planning and patience.

Environmental Factors

• Consider the environment of the room you add texture to. Remember that textured sheet rock absorbs moisture and that textured paint is difficult to clean. Because of these factors, you might want to avoid texturing ceilings and walls in rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, recreational rooms or children’s bedrooms.

Compound Type

• Pick the type of texture compound you feel most comfortable using. When using a multipurpose joint compound, you will probably need to thin it a bit. Keep a written record of the added water so you can duplicate the first batch’s recipe in future batches. If you are more concerned about time, consider purchasing a pre-mixed texture compound. If you want to save money when texturing large areas, you might want to buy the powder texture compound. You will have to mix it yourself, but with the help of a drill with a specialized beater for plaster and drywall compound or a “mud masher,” the mixing isn’t difficult.

Design Options

• As you prepare to texture your walls, consider your design. Use a spray gun filled with aerate, drywall mixture and colored paint to create a speckled look. Or mix drywall compound with small pieces of string and paint for a dramatic look. Spread the mixture with a paint roller over the sheet rock wall and gently pull outward as you spread the mixture with the roller to make the string stand out from the wall a little. Make a glittery textured look by mixing drywall compound and paint with very tiny pieces of mirror glass or add fine grit. You could also use your fingers to make designs or play with a roller, spreading the mixture over a wall in swirls, half moons or diagonal lines across the sheetrock. For images of designs and examples, check out websites such as Drywall School.

Purchase Materials

• Find and purchase all your materials at a home improvement store. Ensure that you have coverings for your flooring and furniture, and a mask and gloves so you can protect yourself from toxic substances. Before you begin texturing, consider buying a paint sprayer, paint and drywall compound, aerate and sponges.

Experimentation and Application

• You need to be consistent when you texture a wall yourself. To practice your pattern, take some primed plywood, cardboard or drywall scraps and practice your application. Play around with different hand movements and designs. When you are happy with your pattern, begin texturing your ceilings and walls.