How to High Peak Texture Paint

Use a stipple roller to create high peak texture.

Originally, the purpose of using texture on walls and ceilings was to hide imperfections and seams in the drywall. Now, texture has become a way to complement interior design and add character to your home.

High peak texture is a particular style with deep peaks and valleys. The most common way to create high peak texture is by using a smooth texture paint and a stipple roller cover. However, you can achieve a texture look with other techniques; there is no right or wrong way. This gives you plenty of creative opportunity to experiment until you find a look that you like and can replicate across a wall and room.

Things You'll Need

• Paint roller
• Stipple roller cover
• Stiff brush, putty knife or trowel
• Smooth texture paint

Instructions

1. Assemble your paint roller with a stipple roller cover. This is a special cover that pulls the paint up on the surface, giving it a high peak.

2. Apply a thick coating of paint to a small section of the surface using a stiff brush, putty knife or trowel. Working in small sections, no more than three feet, will allow you to work the texture until you achieve the desired look.

3. Roll the stipple roller over the section of paint until you achieve the desired effect. Try rolling in different patterns, such as in overlapping "Ws," side to side, random, or up and down. Also try rolling with different amounts of pressure and with more or less paint on the wall. Your goal is to work the texture paint while it is still wet until it looks the way you want, then move on to the next section.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the wall is covered, using the same technique you practiced in Step 3. Overlap the first section you worked on so that the patterns mix seamlessly. Finish an entire wall in one painting session so you can properly blend the pattern from section to section.

5. Let the texture paint dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before painting with a tinted paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the type of texture paint you select, you may be able to simply use the roller to apply the texture paint to the wall. This would combine steps 2 and 3. Read the paint manufacturer's recommendations and experiment to see what works best.

• Some manufacturers of smooth texture paint say that you can tint the paint to do both the texture and color at the same time. In this case, you can eliminate Step 5. Don't be tempted, however, to tint smooth texture paint if the manufacturer does not specify it is OK. Doing so dilutes the paint, reducing the probability of achieving the high peak look and creating potentially unintended effects in paint color.

• Properly prepare the wall and room before painting. For example, remove loose or peeling paint, patch holes and cracks, prime bare surfaces if needed, and lay drop cloths to cover flooring and furniture.

References

• Ace Hardware: Paint Sundries
• Cal Finder: Drywall Paint, Textured