How to Texture a Wall Before Faux Painting

Get creative by adding texture to walls. Texture also hides cracks and imperfections in the wall. Adding texture to a wall before faux painting will make the faux painting pop and your walls look great. With a little practice, most do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners can do this project easily.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Buy drywall mud at the local home improvement store. It's best to buy the premixed type for ease of use and storage. The premixed drywall compound (mud) will also store very well and gives a consistent finish. While you are at the home improvement or DIY hardware store, buy a wide putty knife and heavy duty sponges to help you texture the wall. Gloves are also a good idea.

2. Mix a small amount of the drywall mud with water to thin it. It should be thick enough to stay on the wall and not drip. Make the mud about the consistency of very thick liquid soap or thin toothpaste. Mix it with the putty knife in a small bucket. Some experienced DIY homeowners prefer to mix paint with the drywall mud instead of water. The paint waters down the mud and adds the color at the same time. If you are an experienced DIY homeowner, this is a great time saver and saves one painting step.

3. Practice the texture technique on a piece of broken drywall, or a board, before applying it to the wall. Get comfortable with the technique you use by practicing with different tools to apply the texture. Use the broad putty knife first to apply the texture to the wall. Use the putty knife to texture the wall. If you aren't satisfied with the texture, try sponging the wall. Other great tools that add texture include old paint brushes, brushes from vacuum cleaners, soft bristle brooms and rags. Practice until you are comfortable with applying the texture to the wall. Practice the painting technique when the mud has dried to achieve the desired effects. If you are faux painting the wall, it's important to see the end result by painting as well as adding texture.

4. Add the texture to the wall. Make sure you can finish a whole wall at one session. If you stop the texture and then return at a later time, there will be a clear difference between the textures.

5. Apply the paint when the texture has thoroughly dried. Allow at least 24 hours for the texture to dry before painting. Use the paint you've selected for faux painting and soon you'll be sitting back and enjoying the wall texture you've created.