How to Use a Skip Trowel for Texturing a Wall

Use lightweight joint compound to skip trowel plaster onto a wall.

Skip trowel your plaster onto your wall using a drywall trowel and plaster. The technique uses the edge of the drywall trowel to create crevices in wet drywall mud. The texture hides imperfect drywall installation and aids in creating a sound barrier. Once applied, the finish is very difficult to remove. Practice your skip trowel method several times on a practice board before moving directly onto the wall.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic tarps or sheets
• Drop cloths
• Joint compound
• Blade or plaster knife
• Drywall trowel
• Drywall mud or joint compound

Instructions

1. Prepare the room for the plaster project by moving all furniture away from the wall. Cover all items with plastic sheets or tarps. Lay drop cloths on the floor and spread out any wrinkles.

2. Spread joint compound, also known as drywall mud, onto your trowel with a blade or plaster knife. Hold the trowel at an angle and place the edge of the tool against the wall. Tilt the trowel at a 45-degree angle.

3. Move the trowel in a swiping motion as you move your wrist to apply the plaster. Wiggle your wrist to create dips and curves into the wet plaster. Reapply more plaster as needed until the entire wall surface is covered with texture.

Tips & Warnings

• The entire surface does not need to be covered, aim for about 85 percent coverage. Remember some bare areas are allowed in a skip trowel technique. Once painted, you will not be able to tell the difference between the wall surface and the plaster.

• Do not apply the joint compound more 1/4 inch thick. Thick plaster applications often crack and do not adhere well to the wall surface.

References

• "Drywall Professional Techinques for Great Results"; Myron Ferguson; 2002
• "Drywall: Professional Techniques for Great Results" ; Myron Ferguson; 2002
• "The Complete Guide to Finishing Walls and Ceilings"; Tom Lemmer; 2006