Texturing walls with a paint roller can give any room an updated, custom look. Unlike simply painting walls a solid color, texturing adds visual interest and dimension. There are many methods for texturing walls using rollers, brushes, sponges, and other tools. Learning proper techniques and following key tips will help you achieve beautiful, professional-looking textured walls.
Supplies Needed for Texturing Walls
Before starting your texturing project, gather the necessary supplies:
- Paint roller and roller cover – Choose a roller with a thicker nap for holding more paint to create thicker textures. A 3/4″ nap is a good standard size.
- Texture paint – Special textured paints and finishes are formulated for adding texture. Some options include sand finishes, Venetian plaster, skip trowel paint, etc.
- Paint tray – Use a standard roller tray to hold the texture paint. Consider disposable options to simplify cleanup.
- Paintbrushes – Angled sash brushes are ideal for cutting in edges and corners. Have a range of sizes.
- Paint roller extender pole – Extend your reach for ceilings and high walls. A threaded pole is adjustable.
- Drop cloths – Protect floors and furnishings from drips and splatters.
- Painters tape – Tape off trims, baseboards, ceilings to keep textures neat.
- ** spackling compound and putty knife** – Patch any cracks and holes before texturing.
- Sandpaper – Lightly sand glossy surfaces to help texture paint adhere.
- Plastic bags – Seal used roller covers in bags for storing to re-use.
Gather all supplies and tools needed for your project prior to starting for efficient texturing work.
Preparing Walls for Texturing
Proper prep work is crucial to achieving the best end results when texturing walls. Follow these key steps:
- Repair any cracks, holes, or imperfections in the walls using spackling compound and a putty knife. Allow compound to fully dry.
- Sand any high-gloss painted surfaces to dull the sheen so texture paint adheres properly.
- Clean walls thoroughly to remove grease, dirt and dust.
- Apply painter’s tape around trim, baseboards, door frames and ceilings for clean texture edges.
- Cover floors, furniture and outlets with drop cloths to protect from drips and splatters.
- On new drywall, apply drywall sealer primer before texturing to prevent absorption issues.
- Test texture paint in an inconspicuous spot first to ensure proper adhesion.
- Follow any specific wall prep recommendations on the texture paint product packaging.
Proper prep saves time and frustration down the road. It allows the texture finish to look its best.
How to Texture Walls with a Paint Roller
Paint rollers provide an easy tool for adding great texture effects to both smooth and existing textured walls. Here are some roller techniques:
Stipple Texture
A simple stipple effect adds subtle interest to plain walls.
Supplies:
- 3/8″ nap roller cover
- Textured matte paint
Steps:
- Load roller with paint, remove excess on tray ramps.
- Apply paint in a light, bouncing motion to randomly leave paint texture on the surface.
- Work in 3×3 ft sections. Maintain wet edge boundary.
- Let sections dry before applying second stipple coat.
The stipple effect can range from a light texture to highly pronounced depending on the bouncing motion and amount of paint applied.
Knockdown Texture
Knockdown texture has a plaster-like look while concealing wall imperfections.
Supplies:
- 3/4″ nap roller cover
- Premixed knockdown texture paint
Steps:
- Roll on knockdown texture paint in 4×4 ft sections.
- While still wet, flatten peaks by pressing and smoothing with a wide drywall knife.
- Overlap knife strokes for a seamless knockdown effect once dry.
For dramatic texture, leave peaks without smoothing. Knockdown paint dries fast, so work quickly.
Skip Trowel Texture
The skip trowel technique uses two contrasting paint colors for bold texture.
Supplies:
- Two colors of paint
- Two 3/4″ nap roller covers
Steps:
- Roll on base coat of lighter paint color over entire surface. Allow to dry fully.
- Load second roller with darker accent paint. Roll on partially overlapping patches.
- While still wet, use roller to blend and smear patches slightly.
The skip trowel look features irregular sections of color for striking contrast.
Specialty Rollers for Texturing
Along with standard paint rollers, there are some specialty roller options that can create unique texture effects on walls:
- Foam rollers – Apply small peaks and valleys. Creates subtle pattern.
- Woolly nylon rollers – Leave faint nubby texture from the fibers. Soaks up lots of paint.
- Stamp rollers – Rolls with designs like brick, stone, wood transfer patterns onto walls.
- Bubble rollers – Dotted surface leaves polka dot texture pattern. Fun accent wall option.
- Brocca rollers – Comes in different patterns to mimic wood grain, stucco, etc.
Use these novelty rollers alone or in combination with other texturing techniques for customized, pro-looking finishes.
Texturing Walls Using Other Techniques
While rollers provide a convenient tool for texturing, there are also many other techniques that can be used:
Ragging
For subtle striped texture:
- Wad up a lint-free rag and wrap around a block or stick.
- Dip rag into glazing liquid and lightly drag across walls randomly.
Sponging
Sponges create mottled, irregular texture:
- Cut large open-cell sponges into random shapes.
- Dab different colored glazes onto surface using a bouncing motion.
Brushing
Use brush techniques like:
- Dry brushing – Brush nearly dry paint over surfaces
- Strié – Lightly brush on metallic glaze for streaks
- Pouncing – Create stippled texture by bouncing stiff brush
Combing
Unique linear effect:
- Apply special combing paint compound.
- Pull a serrated decorating comb through wet compound.
Stamping
Press designs into plaster compound:
- Roll plaster texture onto wall and flatten.
- Press stamp tool into wet plaster to imprint design.
Paint Finishes to Try
Many paint products are formulated specifically for creating textured wall finishes:
- Premixed texture paints – Contain additives for texture like sand or clay. All-in-one convenience.
- Surfacer textured paints – Heavy-bodied for disguising flaws and filling porous surfaces.
- Metallic paints – Contain real metal flakes or powder for sheen. Try Modern Masters.
- Crackle paints – Forms intentional cracks as it dries. Rust-Oleum Crackle Lacquer great option.
- Tinted glazes – Translucent, mix of stain and paint. Builds layers of color.
Textured paints with aggregates – Contains bits of sand, glass or stone for built-in texture.
Shop specialty paint stores to get professional-quality products for texturing walls.
DIY Recipe for Textured Paint
Make your own textured paint using glue and joint compound:
Supplies Needed:
- 4 cups paint
- 4 cups joint compound powder
- 1/4 cup wood glue or liquid starch
- Assorted texturing tools
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients until smooth. Add paint tint if desired.
- Adjust consistency by adding up to 1/2 cup water if too thick.
- Roll, brush, sponge or trowel onto walls to desired texture.
This textured DIY paint costs a fraction of price of premixed specialty products.
Tips for Texturing Walls Like a Pro
Follow these tips and tricks used by professional painters to get expert textured wall finishes:
- Always do test samples first on spare drywall or cardboard.
- Tape off outlets, trim and ceiling to keep textures only where intended.
- Apply textures consistently for cohesive flow from wall to wall.
- Keep layers thin. Build texture gradually for best results.
- Work in manageable sections of 2-3 sq. ft. Keep edges wet and feather out.
- Follow directions on products carefully. Textured paints can dry fast.
- Prime first for professional appearance and proper adhesion.
- Start texturing from top to bottom. Texture overhead areas first.
Avoid amateur mistakes and get beautiful textured walls by utilizing these pro tips.
Common Problems When Texturing Walls
Beginners often encounter issues like these when rolling or spraying texture coatings:
Uneven texture – Apply in consistent motion. Keep wet edges to prevent clumping.
Surface impressions – Allow each coat to fully dry before adding more texture.
Flaking or peeling – Always properly prep glossy or dirty surfaces before texturing.
B bumps – Reduce amount of paint on roller. Roll on thin coats and build up gradually.
Hard edges – Feather out texture around trim for smooth transition.
Drips – Hold roller at consistent angle. Don’t overload with too much paint.
Texturing too dark – Start by applying lighter base color if using multiple colors.
Patience and proper technique will prevent many texturing frustrations and rework.
Removing Existing Texture from Walls
To apply new texture, old finishes often need removal:
- Sandpaper – For light texture, sand smooth evenly. Use pole sander for ceilings.
- Spackle – Coat heavy knockdown or popcorn texture before sanding. Weighs it down.
- Skim coat – Apply thin layer of joint compound over entire wall to smooth.
- Chemical removers – Softens old texture for power washing. Use caution.
- Power scraper – Electric scraper helps remove stubborn acoustic ceilings.
Removing old texture takes time but creates the ideal smooth base for new textured paint.
Texture Walls FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about texturing walls:
Should textured walls be primed first?
Primer allows textures to adhere properly and appear more uniform. Use high quality drywall or masonry primer.
What sheen of paint works best for textured walls?
Flat or matte finishes help maintain the integrity of the texture. Higher sheens diminish the texture effect.
How do you texture walls without making a mess?
Use drop cloths and carefully tape off adjoining surfaces. Apply textures carefully using painters pyramids for steady hand.
Can you texture over existing wall texture?
Yes, often new texture can be applied over existing as long as proper prep steps are taken to prepare the surface.
What does textured paint cost?
Textured paint costs $25-$60 per gallon. Specialty finishes are pricier. Matching texture paint for patches costs more than basic paint.
Should I texture walls or ceiling first?
Texture ceilings first, then do walls. This prevents dust and overspray from getting on finished wall texture.
How long does textured paint take to dry?
Drying varies by type and thickness applied. Most textured paint takes 1-2 hours between coats. Let dry 24 hours before recoating.
Conclusion
Texturing walls using a roller and paint creates dimension and visual appeal in any residential or commercial space. With a wide variety of specialty paint products and application tools available, you can tackle almost any textured effect. Proper preparation and technique will help you achieve professional-looking results. Just gather the required supplies, prep the surface thoroughly, and start rolling on creativity. With a little practice, you can give any room a stylish textured wall makeover.