The walls of any house are often the most overlooked area for decorating, but smart homeowners realize that this is where they can have some real fun with their project. Texture plays a big part in how your walls look, so you need to decide what type of texture you want before getting started. Many different types are available, ranging from very common to some so obscure you’ve likely never heard of them. The textures on the wall can easily be achieved, but you need to follow a few simple steps to get the proper look or to cover up any architectural imperfection.
If you believe that texturing your walls and ceilings is too difficult, rest assured that you can master these drywall texture techniques with a little practice. We’ve compiled a list of the best wall texture types to copy for a modern look to give you some inspiration.
Different Types of Wall Textures
1. Popcorn Texture
Popcorn texture is a somewhat common look, but it is still popular because of its dramatic effect. If you want to create the perfect storm-ravaged wall look for your living room or bedroom, then this will be the type you need. It’s easy to apply and create, so don’t worry about messing things up. For best results, you’ll want to apply the texture over a sheet of drywall hung using the green or blue board. A higher-gauge roller for stippling will help you get the right appearance.
To achieve the popcorn texture, you’ll need to get the right compound. There are many products on the market, including some dry powder types that can be mixed with water. If you want to go the DIY route, make sure you buy a premixed bag of joint compound (mud). Mix it using a drywall mud pan and putty knife per the directions that come with the compound. Hold your trowel at a 45-degree angle to apply the mud over the green board when it’s mixed. Make sure you pull the trowel toward you in short strokes for the best results.
If you mess things up, don’t worry. You can scrape away any excess and start again. Just make sure to avoid working in the same spot for very long. Otherwise, you may end up having to sand and repaint an area that is too large, which will only add to your costs. Drywall compound is water-soluble, so if you get it on any exposed areas (such as wooden trim), wipe it away with a damp rag.
Popcorn texture is created by spraying the finished area with water. This gives it that bumpy surface that resembles actual popcorn. Make sure to get extensive coverage, but don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with more of a dripping appearance than anything else. You can then let your walls dry overnight before painting them with latex or oil-based paint.
2. Comb Texture
The comb texture is a variation of the traditional popcorn design, but it features a very fine surface that looks as if it has been styled with a fine-tooth comb. To create it, there are some slight changes you need to make from the previous method. For example, you’ll use a slightly different trowel and mud mix.
If you want to give your walls a brand-new, fresh off-the-runway appearance, then this is the texture for you. It goes on much like its predecessor and can be finished with the same water technique. The only difference is that you’ll need to use a wider trowel to achieve this look. You’ll also need to make sure that your mud is a little stiffer and doesn’t spread out too thin when applied. Otherwise, you’ll end up with something like the traditional popcorn design: bumpy but not very textured in appearance.
As with any texture, learning how to do it will come down to practice. It’s easy enough to get started, however. All you need to do is mix up your mud and apply it over the green board with a trowel that has been dipped in water first. Once you have an even coat on the wall, allow it to dry overnight before spritzing it with water instead of applying primer or paint directly.
3. Orange Peel Texture
Orange peeled wall texture is a popular choice that can add some variety to a room. It may not be the easiest wall finish out there, but it’s worth the effort if you want a brand new look for your home. The orange peel texture is very much like applying stucco or plaster at times. You will need to use a knockdown knife for this technique, which has a slightly curved blade.
If you’re applying this texture directly to drywall, it’s best to add a coat of primer first. This will help the mud stick and will create much smoother results in general. Then, apply your compound just like you would any other type of wall texture. After it has dried, you can repeat the process as many times as needed.
However, if your walls are textured or bumpy already, then you’ll need to sand them down first and create a smooth surface before applying primer and the orange peel texture. If you’re not sure of what sort of wall coverings you currently have up on your walls, then you should probably take a sample to your local hardware store and ask them what type of compound you need for that particular type of texture.
4. Spray Sand Texture
The spray sand texture is very similar to the orange peel style, but it features a slightly less bumpy appearance and is easier to apply. Sand is sprayed onto the wall with a hopper gun instead of being applied by hand. When you use this type of compound, make sure that you have plenty of ventilation in the room.
You can use water with this compound to create an orange peel effect on your walls. However, you will need to apply more than one coat of spray sand to achieve the desired results. You can also use it as a primer or topcoat for other textures on your walls if you want, but make sure that the sand is properly sealed before doing so.
5. Knockdown Texture
Knockdown is a wall texture that looks almost like the orange peel style. However, it has much more of a plastered appearance and can even fool guests into thinking you’ve installed real plaster on your walls. It’s very easy to apply and is best used with drywall.
There are some slight differences between knockdown and traditional drywall techniques, though. Firstly, you will need to use a taping knife dipped in water before applying the walled compound. Then, once your coat is on there evenly, let it dry overnight and spritz it with a little bit of water the next day instead of applying paint or primer directly.
Avoid adding too much water, as this can make your knockdown wall texture muddy and appear uneven. Instead, you can use a sanding sponge to sand down the compound without having to sand the entire wall, as some may prefer.
6. Spanish Lace Texture
The Spanish lace texture is quite similar to the knockdown style, but it has a slightly less lumpy appearance and can even be used as a top coat over other wall textures. It’s also very easy to apply and requires only an afternoon of work.
Like most wall textures, you’ll need to use a taping knife that has been dipped in water before you apply your compound. Then, after your coat is on evenly, let it dry overnight and spritz it with a little bit of water the next day instead of applying paint or primer directly.
However, avoid adding too much water, as this can make your Spanish lace wall texture muddy and uneven. Instead, you can use a sanding sponge to sand down the compound without sanding the entire wall.
If you’re applying this texture directly to drywall, it’s best to add a coat of primer first. This will help the mud stick and will create much smoother results in general. Then, apply your compound just like you would any other type of wall texture. After it has dried, you can repeat the process as many times as needed.
7. Rosebud Texture
The rosebud texture is another compound that’s very similar to the Spanish lace style. It features slightly fewer ridges than the knockdown style, but it has a somewhat lumpy appearance overall.
Rosebud can be used as both an accent wall and a primer for other wall textures, though the latter will require additional coats of compound. Like most wall textures, you will need to use a taping knife dipped in water before applying your compound.
After your coat is on evenly, let it dry overnight and spritz it with a little bit of water the next day instead of applying paint or primer directly. You can use sanding sponges to sand down the compound without having to sand the entire wall.
Adding a coat of primer before applying your compound is a good step to take if you’re applying it directly on drywall. This will help the mud stick and create smooth results overall.
8. Skip Trowel Texture
The skip trowel wall texture is a unique style with some variations and its own specific set of rules. Generally, this walled compound features bigger and more obvious ridges than most other types of wall textures.
However, it’s also known for being quite lumpy overall. Because of the combination of wide-spread ridges and lumpiness, it’s best suited for a faux brick appearance rather than a smooth plaster style.
Like most wall textures, you will need to use a taping knife dipped in water before applying your compound. Then, after your coat is on evenly, let it dry overnight and spritz it with a little bit of water the next day instead of applying paint or primer directly.
You can use sanding sponges to smooth out the ridges without having to sand the entire wall. If you’re looking for a slightly more polished style, adding a coat or two of primer before your compound is also an option. This will help the mud stick and create much smoother results in general.
9. Slap Brush Texture
The slap brush texture is a very simple style that has big swaths of straight ridges. This walled compound is quite similar to the knockdown style; it doesn’t have bumps between each ridge.
This type of texture can be used as both an accent wall and as a primer for other wall textures, though the latter will require additional coats of compound. Like most wall textures, you will need to use a taping knife dipped in water before applying your compound.
After applying the mud evenly, let it dry overnight and spritz it with a little bit of water the next day instead of applying paint or primer directly. Adding a coat of primer before your compound is a good step to take if you’re applying it directly on drywall.
This will help the mud stick and create much smoother results in general. In addition, you can use sanding sponges to smooth out the ridges without sanding the entire wall.
10. Hawk and Trowel Texture
The hawk and trowel wall texture is a very common style that has been used for years. It features small wide-spread ridges separated by equal-sized gaps in between, similar to the slap brush style.
This compound can be used as both an accent wall and primer for other wall textures, though the latter will require additional coats of compound.
Like most wall textures, you will need to use a taping knife dipped in water before applying your compound. Then, after your coat is on evenly, let it dry overnight and spritz it with a little bit of water the next day instead of applying paint or primer directly.
You can use sanding sponges to smooth out the ridges without having to sand the entire wall as well. If you’re looking for a slightly more polished style, adding a coat of primer before your compound is also an option.
This will help the mud stick and create much smoother results overall. Though it’s not necessary, applying one or two coats of paint or primer over your compound is also an option. This will give the walls a glossy, finished appearance.
Conclusion
On a concluding note, wall textures are a quick way to add a unique touch to your drywall and home. However, it’s important to note that you will need to tape your walls using a double-coated taping knife because the ridges are so tall and wide. This allows both mud layers to be applied smoothly without sinking into any gaps or ridges along the way. There are many different wall texture types, including but not limited to: knockdown, sand, mud, hawk, and trowel, skip trowel, and slap brush.
