How to Apply Texture Paint
Texture paint comes in many different forms. You can buy premixed texture paint and apply it with a roller, brush or putty knife. You can also mix your own, using sand or a paint additive. Texture paint not only hides smaller cracks and surface imperfections, it can add depth and interest to plain walls. Use a brush, roller or putty knife to apply it. Once applied, most texture paint needs to be covered with untextured paint to make the surface washable. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Texture paint
- 3/4-inch roller
- Roller frame
- Four-inch brush
- Bucket and grid or rolling pan
- Putty knife
- Dropcloths
- Masking tape
- Plastic
- Untextured paint
- Clear acrylic sealer
Instructions
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Prepare the wall by filling larger cracks, holes and dents. Prime the walls with one coat of primer to ensure good adhesion and an even finish. Use an oil- or shellac-based primer in rooms that are subject to high humidity or on smooth surfaces such as wood paneling.
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Prepare the texture paint according to label directions. When adding texture to paint, mix it very thoroughly and remember to mix it periodically as you work to prevent the texture from settling at the bottom.
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Choose your method of application. Use a four-inch brush and 2/3-inch roller cover for a rolled-on finish. Use a brush alone for a more textured look, or a putty knife for a heavier plaster effect.
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Protect the floor with dropcloth, and use masking tape of painter's tape to protect trim, ceiling or any adjacent surfaces. Texture paint can be very messy so cover everything well.
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Brush the corners and edges of the wall first, and roll last. If using a brush or putty knife to apply the texture paint, work in irregular sections to avoid straight lines or the appearance of seams. Let it dry.
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Use a four- to six-inch flexible drywall knife to apply additional texture for a Mediterranean or Venetian plaster effect. Working in short strokes, put the texture paint on the wall with the knife, frequently changing direction and working in irregular patterns. Avoid putting the texture on too heavily. It's easier to go back later and fill in light spots than to scrape heavy areas off and redo sections.
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Allow the texture paint to dry according to directions. Once dry, it needs to be painted with at least one coat of finish paint if you need the surface to be washable. Leave ceilings unpainted if you like the look.
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Tips & Warnings
Mixing texture, especially joint compound, into paint is fine but will change the color and sheen of the paint. If you like this effect, seal the walls with a matte or satin clear acrylic sealer so it remains washable.
If doing a texture with anything other than a roller or bush, experiment on a board first. There are almost no limits to possible textures, using tools such as different sizes of drywall knives, sponges, combs, wallpaper brushes, patterned foam rollers and whisk brooms.
Neglecting to clean, prepare and prime the walls can lead to the paint peeling and cracking.
