How to apply texture to walls on the cheap

If you have ever removed wallpaper, you know that the texture on your walls may be gone. This can also apply to large repair jobs or anytime you need to apply texture to your walls.

You can buy the texture spray in a can, but that can be very expensive. This is a thrifty way to texturize walls without breaking the bank. You can find a large bucket of joint compound usually under $10.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Joint compound
• Water
• Paint roller cage
• Carpet roller
• Paint tray
• Bucket
• Paint mixing tool

1. Take the joint compound, found at hardware or home improvement store, and scoop out several cups to put in bucket or large bowl. No true measureing required.

2. Add water to the joint compound until you get the consistency of pancake batter. Add about 1/2 cup at a time and stir well. If you find that you have added too much water, simply add more joint compound to your mixture.

3. Once you are happy with the consistency of your 'batter', pour into paint tray. Use your carpet roller the same way you would to paint any wall. Do not overload your roller. You may want to test the loading and application of the roller on a large piece of cardboard.

4. Once happy with your testing piece, use the same motion to add texture to walls. The carpet roller will add the texture and there is no need to 'knock down' the texture. You may add layers until you are happy with the texture. Make sure to let the compound dry between applications.
   
   Clean up is a breeze...just simple soap and water.
   
   Your walls are now ready for paint!

Tips & Warnings

• The thicker the compound and water mixture is, the more texture you will find on your wall.
• The inside corners can be tricky. You may want to invest in a can of spray texture just for the inside corners. The other option is to cut a carpet roller to a smaller size that you can roll with your hands.
• If after application, you are not happy with a section or sections of your wall, simply sand the texture down and reapply.

[cattea344]

on 11/6/2008 I used glazing compound without diluting to cover a wall that was partially stipped of wallpaper. I spread in random pattern with a trowel. Then I glazed the wall. Has a rough look and a muted multi-colored look. The old wallpaper has not seaped through and it looks great after 2 years. Kind of an old-world rough look to the walls.

[cindiw2]

on 9/19/2008 I really appreciate this article, especially after having read it 3 times at various intervals, because I knew very little about texturing my walls except from reading, and finally (even though it's so simple anyway) I began to understand it! It is actually one of the best and simplest articles, and finally I understand it. Thank you!