How to Texture a Wall

Applying texture to a wall can make change the mood and look of a room without radically altering your bank account. Follow these steps to complete this do-it-yourself project.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic sheets
• Bucket
• Painter's tape
• Joint compound
• Water-based primer
• Trowel
• Mesh tape

Preparation

1. Choose the type of texture you would like, from a thick or heavy texture to a thin set that is smooth and anything in between.
2. Measure the dimensions of the wall you want to texture and round up. First-timers especially tend to underestimate and then must buy more supplies in the middle of the project.
3. Purchase the correct amount of joint compound, a trowel that fits in your hand comfortably, a bucket to put the joint compound in (this must fit the trowel head) and a water-based primer.
4. Lay plastic sheets on the floor and tape edges of the ceiling and baseboards. Take your time on taping because this will save time in the edging process.
5. Clean off walls so that they are free of dust and dirt. The joint compound will cover hairline cracks fine, but you must fix larger, deeper cracks with mesh tape that you can then texture over.

Getting Started

6. Roll the primer on the walls and let dry completely. Do not start texturing before the primer is dry.
7. Practice texturing on a piece of cardboard while the primer is drying. If you don't like a look, scrape the trowel over the compound to remove it and reapply. This removal technique works on walls, too. The more you practice your stroke, the easier it will be to get a uniform texture on the walls.
8. Transfer the joint compound into the bucket. Dip the trowel edge into the joint compound and apply it on the wall with a firm grip on the trowel.
9. Use fanning motions to spread the compound. The more pressure you apply, the thinner the texture will be. Use the same amount of pressure and the same fanning motions everywhere on the wall to achieve a uniform look.
10. Allow to dry per the instructions. The texture should be chalky when dry; be sure of this before you paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't apply texture too thickly in heavy-traffic areas. The texture can break off and leave horrible-looking walls.