How to Skip Trowel a Ceiling

A skip troweled ceiling has a lightly textured effect achieved by applying a thin and inconsistent layer of joint compound or plaster to the ceiling in one or two passes without smoothing it down or evening it out so that irregular voids remain. Skip troweling is done after the ceiling has been covered in Sheetrock, paper seam tape and plaster mud and those layers have dried. Skip trowel finishes can be troweled on or sprayed onto the ceiling.

Things You'll Need

• Joint compound and water
• Mixing container
• Trowel or paint sprayer
• Ladder
• Waterproof floor tarps
• Protective eye goggles

Instructions

1. Skip troweling is done with a semi-liquid plaster, and unavoidably, much of it ends up on the floor. Lay down a layer or two of waterproof tarp material covering the entire floor.

2. Mix joint compound and water in a bucket until it reaches the consistency of a very loose oatmeal. If using a spray gun, thin the compound with water to the overall consistency of heavy cream, and adjust the nozzle to a broad stream spray.

3. Scoop a trowel full of joint compound mixture and apply to the ceiling in one motion. It will look drippy and not smooth, but this is what you need.

4. Allow the joint compound liquid to dry a bit and go over gain with the trowel to take off or, in industry parlance, knock down, the thickest drips. Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the final paint coat.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a very messy job. Wear eye goggles and clothing that you would be happy to throw away, because the joint compound drips everywhere.

Resources

• Clear sample image of skip troweled plaster
• Skip troweling video