How to Do Skip Trowel Texture

Skip troweling is a type of wall and ceiling finish that uses drywall or joint compound to apply an uneven texture to the surface. Skip troweled surfaces are typically then glazed with a distressed tinted glaze to create a worn, old-world look. Depending on what tools you have available, you may use any type of flat trowel for the skip trowel technique and you can use either a hawk or a pan to hold the drywall compound, depending on your preference.

Things You'll Need

• Drywall compound, mixed
• Pan or hawk
• Flat trowel

Instructions

1. Dip the trowel straight down into the compound in the pan or on the hawk. Ensure the majority of the surface of the trowel is coated in compound.

2. Lay the trowel flat against the wall with light pressure, and move it diagonally approximately 3 feet. Dip the trowel again and repeat, overlapping slightly. Continue until the entire wall has been covered with the areas of textured compound.

3. Allow the compound to cure until the edges look chalky and dry. This may take up to an hour.

4. Wipe the trowel clean with a damp rag. Hold the trowel flat and scrape it over the compound on the wall until the desired texture is achieved.

5. Allow the compound to cure fully before glazing or painting.

References

• Vertri Drywall Repair: Skip Troweling Method for Textured Ceilings
• Do It Yourself Home Improvement: Create a Skip Trowel Texture