How to Improve the Look of Textured Walls

Smoothing a textured surface requires the use of a joint compound, the same material used on drywall joints, and a trowel or broad knife. Layers of compound must be thick enough to cover the existing texture, which gives the wall a smooth texture. Once the compound has dried, a smooth surface remains. This smooth surface is ideal for adding a new texture.

A texturizing machine will aid in applying most wall textures and make the process quicker than applying by hand. The machine is a trailer-mounted setup that requires the addition of a powdered texturizing agent, water and pressurized air. Different tips and nozzles are available to update the look of the texture. The application process works best over a smooth wall but can also add to existing texture.

A hopper gun works in a similar way to the machine but on a smaller scale. The setup includes a gun-like nozzle and trigger connected to a hopper filled with texturizing material. As with the machine, the hopper works on walls that are smooth or textured but is better suited for small spaces.

Paint on textures offer a bit more diversity that that of the hopper gun or machine, primarily with subtle textures. After smoothing existing texture, fine sand or rock salt is applied to the semi-wet smoothing coat. This creates a slightly pitted, rough look. A stippling roller is also good for applying a paint-on texture and creates a heavier look similar to plaster.

Hand-applied texture provides more detail than either machine or paint-on options. It utilizes drywall compound applied over the existing texture or a smooth wall. The finished look is either light, medium or heavy and closely resembles stucco or Venetian plaster. The material used here is thicker and has a paste like consistency.