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How to Texture Walls and Ceilings

How to Texture Walls and Ceilings

Texture is the perfect way to add interest to ceilings and walls in your home. Here are some of the latest trends and design application techniques people are using to perk up indoor spaces. 

Get Prepared

There are a few steps to take before you begin your texture design project. Cover furniture, floors, and fixtures to protect them from paint splatter. Remove what you can from the room. Put down painter’s tape where walls and ceilings meet. Prime first. This will make it easier to apply paint and help it stick. Choose a paint primer that is close to the color you plan to texture with. Get the paint ready. For a more subtle texture, use textured paint. To add more depth or special effects to a surface, combine paint with drywall mud. Apply the textured paint to the wall or ceiling.

Types of Drywall Textures 

There are several types of drywall textures to choose from. Here are some that people are picking.

Orange Peel Drywall. This texture looks like an orange. It’s cracked, slightly wrinkled, and the surface has gentle curves. Orange peel applicators are available at most home improvement stores. 

Spray Sand. With this technique, sand is mixed with primer, water, or very thin mud, and sprayed through a hopper gun. It is primarily used on ceilings for a subtle accent.  

Comb Drywall. A comb texture is applied with a toothed trowel that creates grooves in the wall or ceiling. Often laid out in half-fans, this technique is simple to replicate for repairs.    

Stomp Brush. This technique involves putting a large brush in a bucket of drywall mud, pressing it against the wall and sharply pulling it back. This creates a distinctive ridged texture. Also called “slap brush”, it is most commonly used on ceilings. 

Knockdown Drywall. After the texture is applied, it’s “knocked down” or flattened by dragging a drywall knife over the surface. This texture creates a subtle effect. 

Sand Swirl. This finish is a combination of the sand spray and comb drywall techniques. The texture is created by using a thick brush or the backside of an ice scraper.

Trending Textures

Here are some of the trending textures people are using to spruce up their homes. 

Organic textures are inspired by nature. They mimic the look of natural materials like stone, wood, or concrete.

Subtle textures are soft, simple, and understated. They include lightly brushed finishes or delicate patterns. 

Artisanal plasters, like venetian plaster, are making a comeback. They offer exquisite craftsmanship and unique features. 

Textured wallpaper continues to be well-liked. The latest designs include woven patterns, embossed metallics, or three-dimensional effects.  

Geometric patterns remain common. Hexagon, chevron, or herringbone patterns are contemporary and visually appealing. 

Mixing and matching is another emerging trend. Pairing two kinds of textures in the same space creates contrast and visual interest.   

What is Textured Paint?

Textured paint can be made with powder mixes, additives like sand that add grit, or created by the paint application itself. For instance, a painter can apply regular paint with a trowel to achieve different patterns. Experienced DIYers may want to use paint rollers with textured patterns to get a similar look. Textured paint can hide imperfections and add softness and warmth to a space. However, it is a specialty finish that takes time, and pros will expect top dollar. 

Leave the Updating to the Pros 

Ready to freshen up your home interior or your business space? Turn to the professionals at D & L Enterprises for help. Our services range from painting and home finishing services to wallpaper removal and power washing. Based in Eldersburg, D & L Enterprises has been serving central Maryland since 1988. Let us transform your space.